Ireland

EU’s Digital Covid certificate scheme to be extended until June 2023

Adoption of committee reports confirms extension intended to facilitate travel

A number of EU countries still require the pass or proof of a recent negative test for Covid-19 from people arriving from Ireland. Photograph: iStock

Jade Wilson
Tue May 3 2022 - 12:44

The EU Digital Covid-19 cert is being extended until June 2023 after the European Parliament’s civil liberties committee endorsed proposals to keep the framework in place for another year.

The passes was set to expire by June 30th but on Thursday the committee approved two reports which recommended prolonging the scheme for a further 12 months.

The reports were adopted with 48 in favour, 16 against and no abstentions.

The certificate is issued to users as proof that the person has either been vaccinated against Covid-19 or recovered from the virus in the last 6 months.

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It was introduced in June 2021 to facilitate free movement in the EU during the pandemic.

Those who have had their primary round of vaccinations - such as two doses of approved vaccines Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or one dose of Johnson and Johnson, qualify for the pass, however, it only remains valid for 270 days.

Those who have only had their first round of vaccinations will need to get a booster shot to ensure the pass does not expire. A booster shot will extend the pass for another nine months.

Ireland has removed its requirement for visitors to the State to produce the pass but it is still required in some popular Irish holiday destinations.

All passengers arriving into Portugal, for example, must present the EU digital certificate or proof of a negative test result for Covid-19.

Children under 12 entering Portugal are exempt from these requirements.

Conditions for entering France may vary depending on your vaccination and recovery status.

Ireland is on France’s green list, but those arriving from Ireland still require proof of vaccination or recovery which can be evidenced by the certificate, or a privately paid for negative PCR or antigen test result.

All travellers to France must also complete the EU-PLF form, which is for travellers arriving on the territory of a European Union Member State.

Entrants to Italy and Spain from Ireland are faced with similar requirements and must also fill out a passenger locator form on arrival.

Up to date information on travel requirements to EU countries and elsewhere is available on the Department of Foreign Affairs website www.dfa.ie.

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