Dreaming of a summer vacay? This certificate may make it possible

The European Commission will present a plan tomorrow under which EU citizens will be freer to travel between different EU countries if they are carrying a pass stating their “corona status.” 

The Commission wants to introduce a “green certificate.” This will act as a travel pass that will give those who have been vaccinated, tested negative, or those who carry antibodies, more freedom to travel, the NOS reports.

Additional restrictions remain

However, while many EU countries — particularly in southern Europe — are happy to see such a pass brought in, others are hesitant. The EU Commission must take both these positions into account and as a result, EU countries will still be able to set their own individual requirements for travellers.

This means that while the certificate will be helpful for those who wish to travel, it does not guarantee unrestricted access to all EU countries. For example, countries may decide that those who carry the green certificate may enter, but they must still quarantine for a set period of time.

If a country does decide to bring additional restrictions for travellers, it must make these restrictions known to the EU Commission and the other member states.

Not the only way

On top of this, the green certificate will not be the only way people can prove that they are safe to travel. For example, vaccination and test certificates may also be accepted.

READ MORE | How to prove you’re vaccinated against COVID-19 in the Netherlands? DigiD of course

However, these certificates should be recognised by other EU countries. The EU must now work on designing its own digital certificate. This certificate could become accessible through an app but will have to use a barcode that can be read in any EU country.

The Dutch plan

The Dutch government has discussed potentially bringing in a “vaccine passport” that will allow more freedom to travel to those who have already been vaccinated. However, Rutte has previously stated that much work has to be done in order to implement such a system.

The Dutch Ministry for Health is also looking into bringing in additional testing for those who want to attend large scale events in the Netherlands. Attendees will be rapid tested and must show a “green tick” to event security as part of their ticket.

How would you feel about travelling this summer? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Feature Image: Nils Nedel/Unsplash 

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Before becoming the Senior Editor of DutchReview, Sarah was a fresh-faced international looking to learn more about the Netherlands. Since moving here in 2017, Sarah has added a BA in English and Philosophy (Hons.), an MA in Literature (Hons.), and over three years of writing experience at DutchReview to her skillset. When Sarah isn't acting as a safety threat to herself and others (cycling), you can find her trying to sound witty while writing about some of the stickier topics such as mortgages and Dutch law.

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