In four words – MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER!  Honestly, with the latest 2G and 3G restrictions having the EU Digital Covid Certificate seems like a no brainer!  Furthermore, the implementation of the EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE should also help alleviate travel annoyances if you are travelling within the EU!

I’M PLANNING TO TRAVEL ABROAD WITHIN THE EU?

So many will be planning to travel abroad and knowing what the travel requirements for each country are can be tricky!  Provided you plan on travelling with the EU, travelling will be largely painless. The European Union has created a website where they set out all the relevant details for countries within their borders!  Namely the Re-Open EU website allows you to enter the country you plan to travel to and it then gives you all the relevant requirements and restrictions.

Importantly, many of the EU countries are accepting the EU digital COVID certificate which makes travelling within the EU easier.

WHAT IS EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE?

First and foremost, what is the EU digital covid certificate?  Well, it’s a digital proof that a person has either:

  1. been vaccinated against COVID-19
  2. received a negative test result or
  3. recovered from COVID-19

The EU digital certificate will be recognised in all EU countries as of July 1, as well as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. However, the EU has warned of a transition period until August 12.  Until this time it may not be possible to scan the QR code when checking in at an airport for instance.

HOW DO I GET MY EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE?

Currently The Robert Koch Institute is issuing the EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE in Germany.  As it stands they have 2 apps available.  One for those who are fully vaccinated, CovPass app.  And two, the CovPassCheck app for those with a recovery certificate or negative test.

How do the Apps work?

  1. head over and install the CovPass App or CovPassCheck
  2. scan in the QR Code on the certificates you received from whomever carried out your vaccinations
  3. the app generates a handy QR date with your certificate and fully vaccinated applicable date or status
travelling within the EU
travelling within the EU

CAN I STILL TRAVEL WITHIN THE EU IF I’M NOT FULLY VACCINATED?

In short the answer is, yes.  The EU has been fairly explicit about this: “The EU’s digital COVID certificate is intended to facilitate the free movement of people within the EU. However, it is not a prerequisite for freedom of movement. It is a fundamental right in the EU.” However, it should be noted that many countries will require you to present a negative test before allowing you to enter.   Thus, it is prudent to double check the requirements for your destination of choice before you travel on the Re-Open EU website!

TRAVELLING OUTSIDE OF THE EU?

So travelling within the EU should be fairly easy and accessible for most of us in Germany.  Unfortunately the same cannot be said for travelling further a field.  You will likely need to jump through many hoops namely covid tests and quarantine.  Of course, this is dependent on where you choose to travel too.  Moreover, it’s important to remember you will need to take into consideration both the requirements for your destination and those for Germany when returning.

High risk areas and areas of virus variant

In particular if you choose to travel to areas deemed high risk or areas of variant concern by the Robert Koch institute you will most likely need to quarantine.  The advice from the government remains that one should refrain from unnecessary travel to these areas.

They do however recommend an app that keeps you updated on the latest travel advice called Safe Travel.  In this app you will find tips and a checklist for your travel preparation as well as updates while you are abroad.

HAPPY TRAVELLING THIS SUMMER

So, I guess the only thing left to say is happy travelling this summer!  Stay safe, get a tan and come back relaxed, happy and INSPIRED!!