MEPs vote on Covid-19 certificate for travel
Members of the European Parliament have voted in favour of a new Covid-19 certificate that will permit intra-EU travel without quarantine, self-isolation or additional testing requirements
The EU Covid-19 certificate will be available in digital or paper format and will verify the holder’s negative Covid status through evidence of vaccination, a recent negative test for Covid-19 or recent recovery from the infection. Certificates won’t serve as a travel document, nor will they become a pre-condition for EU citizens to exercise their right to free movement within the Schengen Area, MEPs resolved.
Provisions for citizens of third countries
There will be provisions too for citizens of third countries, such as the UK, seeking to travel within the EU, so long as they have travelled legally to the bloc and met the entry requirements. The MEPs also agreed the scheme should be time-limited to the pandemic, likely for 12 months from implementation.
"The aim is to reach an agreement ahead of the summer tourist season," the parliament said on 29 April.