From June 2021, the so-called immunization passports or “digital green certificates” will be issued in the European Union. What rights does the immunization passport give us? How long will it be valid? Deutsche Welle summarizes what we need to know about him:
Who will receive a “digital green certificate”?
All people living in the EU, as well as all those who want to travel legally in the Community, will receive the certificate if they meet certain conditions. Nationality does not matter here at all. All EU member states, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway undertake to mutually recognize the document in question.
What will the certificate certify?
The certificate will certify whether the holder has been vaccinated and / or has already undergone COVID-19. Accordingly, the document will provide information about the presence of antibodies in the body. It will also include data on whether the certificate holder has been negatively tested for coronavirus by one of the two recognized methods – PCR test or antigen rapid test. Tests performed by the owner at home are not recognized as such. The certificate will be in the form of an electronic document with a QR-code for a mobile phone or will be issued by the national health authorities on paper. EU member states can also recognize the Chinese and Russian vaccines.
What rights will the “green certificate” give?
Holders of this European certificate will be able to travel within the EU without having to present a negative COVID test result, will not be subject to mandatory quarantine and will be able to travel freely and without giving a valid reason. However, member states will be able to deviate from these rules if they justify themselves to the EC and coordinate their actions with it.
Will the certificate play the role of a passport?
No, this document will not be a substitute for a valid ID card or passport. Even without the certificate in question, European citizens will continue to have the right to travel freely, and in the Schengen area even without border checks. But those who do not have the “green certificate” in question will probably have to be tested and risk quarantine.
What privileges will the document give?
It will be up to each Member State to decide what benefits the immunization passport will give to its holders. In Austria, for example, it will be associated with a visit to a restaurant, and in Greece – an overnight stay in a hotel. Other countries, including Germany, have not yet adopted similar rules. Airlines, theaters, organizers of concerts or other cultural events will be able to require visitors to the certificate as a condition for issuing a ticket.
What about travel outside the EU?
The European Commission is working to ensure that the certificate is recognized worldwide as far as possible. It is also envisaged that EU passports of third countries, such as those from Israel, will be valid in the EU, as well as to support identical WHO projects. In this way, travel between continents will be possible.
When will the immunization passport take effect?
This is scheduled to happen in June 2021. Until then, all technical issues related to the new document must be resolved. All 27 Member States plus the four associated countries must develop their national certificates in parallel, which must be compatible. And since the “Immunization Passport” project will in practice be a separate law, the issue must go through the normal legislative procedure in each member state and finally be approved by the Council of the EU and the European Parliament. It may take years for new laws to be adopted and implemented by all 27 member states. But this time it has to happen within weeks.
How will the “digital green certificate” be controlled?
The EC does not envisage the construction of stationary or systematic checkpoints along national borders, nor at airports or railway stations. It is up to the Member States to decide how to carry out this control. One possible solution is: unannounced inspections. As for visits to cultural events and restaurants or air travel, organizers and airlines may require passengers or visitors to show their immunization passport.
What will be the validity of the document?
In people with COVID-19, the document will be valid for 180 days after treatment, but after vaccination the validity may be extended. It is not yet clear how long the passport will be valid after vaccination. A negative test ensures that the certificate is valid for only a few hours to a few days. Those who were vaccinated before June 2021 will also receive the certificate. After the WHO officially announces the end of the Kovid-19 pandemic, the immunization passport will be revoked.
– .
