Last Updated on February 23, 2023
This article was originally published on 4 Feb. 2022 and was updated on 5 April 2022 and 17 June 2022 to reflect new information.
17 June 2022 Update: The European Council and the European Parliament announced that the European Union (EU) will extend the regulations establishing the EU digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate. As a result, the certificate will be extended until 20 June 2023. EU countries will have the ability to apply requirements for third-country nationals to present proof of a valid EU digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate when traveling within the EU.
Many EU member states have removed requirements for travelers to present proof of a vaccination certificate. However, this measure could be reapplied if concerns arise over COVID-19 infection rates.
This article was originally published on 4 Feb. 2022 and was updated on 5 April 2022 to reflect new information.
5 April 2022 Update: The European Parliament approved the decision to extend the use and regulations of the EU Digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate until 20 June 2023. The European Commission had previously proposed this extension on 4 Feb. 2022 and the European Council approved the extension on 14 March 2022. In the coming weeks, the European Parliament and the European Council will begin final negotiations so that the extension can be applied.
14 March 2022 Update: The European Council approved the decision to extend the use and regulations of the EU Digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate until 30 June 2023.
Key Points
- Extension on the use of EU Digital COVID-19 vaccination certificates until 30 June 2023
Overview
The European Commission proposed extending the use of the European Union (EU) Digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate until 30 June 2023. Prior to this proposal, use of the EU Digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate was due to expire in June 2022.
What are the Changes?
The vaccination certificate was originally introduced in July 2021 to harmonize documentation of vaccination requirements and promote safer travel across the EU. The vaccination certificate was due to expire in June 2022. Under this new proposal the European Commission aims to renew the regulations for the use of the vaccination certificate throughout the EU until 30 June 2023. According to the Commission, this will allow countries to continue to use the EU Digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate as part of their entrance requirements and ensure that the certificate does not expire while the pandemic persists.
Looking Ahead
The European Parliament and Council will be required to accept the extension before the extension can be officially adopted. EU member states will then have the option to extend the domestic use of the vaccination certificate. Continue to check the European Commission’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.
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This article was published on 10 May 2022 and may not be the most recent update concerning COVID-19 entrance restrictions, testing requirements and quarantine measurers. For the most recent updates be sure to check our Global Mobility Resource Center.
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at one of the two U.S. Law Firms working with the Envoy Platform or another qualified professional. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult an Envoy global immigration service provider or another qualified representative.
