EU COVID Passport Roll-Out Starts

The EU’s Digital Green Certificate, or ‘COVID passport’ will become available for all EU citizens and residents, as well as for specific categories of travellers from third countries, by July 1st.

A number of countries, as well as some regions in Spain, have begun the roll-out, with the rest of the EU Member States expected to implement the system in the coming weeks.

Intended to eliminate travel restrictions, the ‘passport’ is designed to facilitate travel throughout Europe for vaccinated persons, as well as for people recovered from COVID or tested negative.

The single DGC document can be issued in both paper and digital format, comprising either proof of completed COVID vaccination, a NAAT or antigen test certificate, or recovery certificate.

Eligible third-country citizens may apply for the certificate through their destination Member State participating in the scheme. Member States are obliged to cover the costs of DGCs, making them free of charge for travellers.

The Balearics will make the DGC available from Thursday, 10-Jun.