The digital COVID certificate, designed to enable the free movement of travellers within the European Union, is now very close to becoming a reality, with launch expected in early July. Following the adoption by a large majority of the outlines of this health pass by the European Parliament last April, its implementation was debated between the Parliament, the Commission and the European Council. These discussions culminated in a provisional agreement on 20 May. It now remains for the Heads of State and Government to discuss it at their next summit in Brussels early next week, and for the Parliament to give its final approval in early June.
Technically, everything is almost in placeThe EU's gateway for verifying certificates across borders is ready to go live, and there is now little doubt that it will be a reality. Especially as this certificate is crucial for many tourist countries before the start of the summer seasonThis is a breath of fresh air for all those involved in the travel industry, from hoteliers and airlines to rail carriers and car hire companies. All the more so as, at the same time, the 27 EU member states have also agreed to grant entry to travellers from other countries if they are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.
The "Rebuild Travel Digital Health" survey conducted for Amadeus among more than 9,000 travellers in nine European and international countries, including France, shows that more than 9 out of 10 travellers worldwide - and 81% in France - would be inclined to use a digital health passport for their future travels. " European citizens are eager to travel againand today's agreement means that they will be able to do so safely very soon." said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, yesterday. "The COVID European digital certificate is free, secure and accessible to all. It will cover vaccination, testing and immunity, offering different options to citizens. It fully respects fundamental rights, including the protection of personal data".she added.
Available in paper format, this Covid certificate will be deployed mainly in digital form with a QR code showing vaccination, recovery from the pandemic or negative tests less than 72 hours old for those who have not yet been vaccinated, or do not wish to be. " It is now crucial that all Member States continue to the deployment of their national systems to get the solution up and running as quickly as possible" said Ursula von der Leyen.
French travellers already have access to the TousAntiCovid which meets European requirements and will enable them to travel within the EU, but also to attend meetings in France. professional, cultural or sporting events attended by more than 1,000 people.
