The Easter holidays have just begun, and many are already planning their summer vacation. But if you want to travel, you need proof of immunity in many countries.
You will receive such a certificate digitally after a Covid infection or vaccination. A commission of the European Union (EU) has determined how long this is valid. These deadlines therefore apply uniformly in all Member States as well as in Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. They can be issued and presented in any of these countries “in order to facilitate freedom of movement within these countries during the corona pandemic”, as stated on the EU website called.
FOCUS Online shows how long the digital EU certificates for those who have recovered, vaccinated and boosted are valid – and what evidence you have to present in the travel countries.
This applies to those who have been vaccinated twice
- Your immune status is valid for nine months – even when on vacation in other European countries.
Anyone who has received two doses of vaccine against the corona virus only retains their status as “vaccinated” under the EU regulation nine months (270 days). After this period, you are considered unvaccinated in all EU countries. In addition to the medical advantage and better protection, a booster vaccination is also recommended for a very practical reason.
This applies to boosters
- Your immune status has so far been valid without any time restrictions – even when you are on holiday in Europe.
Because unlike the double vaccination, the booster vaccination does not expire for the time being according to current EU rules. “Certificates for booster vaccinations have no maximum validity”, it says. However, the Commission reserves the right to introduce a minimum term at some point based on scientific findings.
In addition, the Standing Vaccination Committee (Stiko) recommends that all risk groups receive a second booster after the first booster vaccination. These include people over the age of 70, residents and employees of care facilities and medical staff. So far, however, the fourth vaccination has not been relevant for entry into other European countries.
This applies to those who have recovered
- Your immune status is valid for six months – even when on holiday in other European countries.
Anyone who has had a Covid infection is subject to EU rules half a year long as “recovered”. 180 days after the positive result, this status expires.
You need this corona proof in the holiday countries
However, the holiday countries themselves decide which proof you need to carry with you for entry. FOCUS Online has summarized the provisions in the most popular holiday countries.
Italy
- incidence: 739.2
- Entry Restrictions: Online registration is required before entry. In addition, proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test (PCR test not older than 72 hours, rapid test not older than 48 hours) is required. Without proof, a quarantine of five days is planned. Children under the age of six do not need to show proof.
You can find more information about entering the different EU countries here.
Spain
- incidence: 162.4
- Entry Restrictions: Holidaymakers no longer have to pre-register on the Spain Travel Health Portal website if they can show an EU vaccination certificate. Unvaccinated people must show evidence of testing or recovery. A PCR test must not be older than 48 hours, an antigen test must not be older than 24 hours.