• COVID-19 vaccine certificates are still an important safety measure for international travel. The European Union and Schengen Area recognise a number of vaccines.
  • Visitors can enjoy a trip to Europe as long as they meet the remaining coronavirus vaccination requirements.

14-10-2022

COVID- Travel to Europe currently necessitates the administration of 19 vaccinations. Some European countries still demand all arriving visitors to be completely vaccinated.

As part of the EU travel restrictions, the European Union (EU) proposes that member nations require confirmation of vaccination from overseas newcomers.

Each country establishes its own regulations for arriving passengers. The majority of EU and EFTA members implemented actions in accordance with this guidance.

In 2021, the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) was designed to act as Europe’s vaccination passport. COVID immunisation certificates issued in several other countries are now recognised as EUDCC counterparts.

DOES EUROPE REQUIRE COVID VACCINES?

The COVID-19 vaccination requirements in Europe vary per country. Many countries have since abandoned their immunisation policies, while others continue to do so.

Some countries allow travellers from the EU to enter without a vaccination certificate, while those from other countries must be vaccinated.

The vaccination used must be one that has been licenced for use by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

WHICH COVID VACCINE DO YOU NEED TO TRAVEL TO EUROPE?

All EU and Schengen countries accept the following COVID-19 vaccinations, as recognised by the EMA:

  • AstraZeneca
  • Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)
  • Moderna
  • Nuvaxoid
  • Pfizer-BioNTech

Some nations additionally accept the following vaccines, which have been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) but not by the European Medicines Agency (EMA):

  • Covishield
  • Sinopharm
  • Sinovac

CAN I TRAVEL TO EUROPE IF I GET THE COVID VACCINE?

Yes, in most circumstances. The majority of EU and EFTA nations allow visitors from outside Europe to enter if they have confirmation of complete vaccination.

It is essential to remember that the regulations and limits vary according to the destination country. Each European country is in charge of its own policy. These have changed regularly over the epidemic, so verify what you need for the exact country (or countries) you want to travel.

It is also worth mentioning that fully vaccinated travellers entering Europe may face further restrictions. These might include:

  • Testing before travelling
  • Testing on arrival
  • Quarantine on arrival

CAN YOU TRAVEL TO EUROPE WITHOUT A VACCINE?

Yes, several European nations have reopened their borders to all visitors, even those who have not been immunised against COVID-19. However, because the epidemic is still occurring, vaccinations and testing are still advised before travel.

TRAVELLING THE EU WITH A VACCINE PASSPORT

During the pandemic, travel between EU or Schengen member states may necessitate an EU vaccination passport or an acceptable equivalent from a non-EU country.

The specific requirements vary by nation, although most only admit travellers with one or more of the following:

  • Proof of vaccination
  • Proof of recent recovery from COVID-19
  • Negative test result

These are all displayed on the EUDCC.

This implies that you can travel between some European nations without getting vaccinated. Travelers, on the other hand, encounter less barriers while visiting another EU country if they can produce proof of immunisation.

COUNTRIES THAT REQUIRE A COVID VACCINE TO TRAVEL: EUROPE

Some EU and EFTA nations continue to require travellers to demonstrate that they are not at risk of carrying coronavirus:

  • Luxembourg
  • Netherlands
  • Slovakia
  • Spain

In many circumstances, proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test result is also accepted.

The laws for entrance vary on a regular basis, therefore it is essential to know what you need to enter your target country before you fly.

COVID VACCINE TO TRAVEL TO EUROPE IN 2022: WHAT PASSENGERS CAN DO NOW

Travellers wanting to visit Europe or other locations in 2022 should do the following to prepare:

  • Check health travel requirements for Europe frequently and consult the country-specific travel advisory.
  • Read the terms and conditions of their flight and get in touch with the airline to ask about vaccination requirements 6-8 weeks before flying.
  • Get vaccinated as soon as their health service offers the opportunity.
  • Keep detailed records of their vaccinations/COVID-19 testing safe.
  • Have the documentation regarding their vaccinations/COVID-19 testing translated into English or another accepted language (if applicable).