From 1 February, the EU COVID digital vaccination certificate is valid for 9 months without the booster dose!

We announced in mid-January 2022 that The European Union is preparing major changes to EU travel rules. The information has materialized and thus we have new rules for travel between the Member States of the European Union. At the same time, the EU COVID digital vaccination certificate is valid for 270 days (9 months).

Thus, from February 1, we have the following major changes:

• As of 1 February, new rules will apply, providing for a standard acceptance period of 270 days (9 months) for EU digital vaccination certificates against COVID-19 used for intra-EU travel.

• Under the new rules, Member States must accept vaccination certificates for a period of 270 days (9 months) after the completion of the primary vaccination series, the two-dose or one-dose series, depending on the vaccine administered. In the case of single dose vaccines, this means 270 days from the first and only administration.

• In the case of two-dose vaccines, this means 270 days after the administration of the second dose or, for persons cured of COVID-19, 270 days after the first and only administration, depending on the national vaccination strategy.

• Member States should not provide for a different period of acceptance for travel within the European Union. The standard acceptance period does not apply to booster dose certificates, according to the European Commission.

• Member States may apply different rules when using the EU digital certificate on COVID in an internal context, but are instructed to align with the acceptance period set at EU level. Romania has NOT yet aligned itself with EU legislation when it comes to the validity of EU COVID digital vaccination certificates.

• With the support of experts from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control and the European Medicines Agency, the Commission will closely monitor future adaptations to this rule, "said Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders. press release sent by the European Commission on Monday.

In conclusion, if you are planning to travel to EU countries, pay attention to the validity of the EU COVID digital vaccination certificate, especially if you do not have the booster dose administered.