EU set to introduce 'vaccine passports' in time for summer

As the UK is no longer in the EU, we will not be part of the scheme

Author: Sophie ParsonsPublished 17th Mar 2021
Last updated 24th May 2022

The European Union has proposed plans for documents that work like vaccine passports to enable people from EU countries to travel across the continent this summer.

The "digital green certificate" would work as a form of passport, providing digital proof that individuals from Europe have had their Covid-19 vaccine, have recovered from Covid-19 and therefore have antibodies or have had a negative test result.

The plan aims to ensure the safety of both travellers and residents as people move around the continent, preventing further transmission of Covid-19.

Will the UK be part of the 'vaccine passport' scheme?

Since Brexit the UK is no longer a member of the European Union, so it will not officially participate in digital green certificate scheme.

However, non-EU citizens will be able to use the certificate if they live in a country from where travel to Europe is allowed.

This means that UK citizens may be able to obtain digital green certificates in order to travel within Europe this summer.

Meanwhile, UK cabinet minister Michael Gove says he will investigate the prospects of "Covid status certificates" for British citizens, to establish whether they could help the country exit lockdown.

However, the idea has not proved popular among the British public, with an online petition asking the British Government not to introduce the passports receiving over 300,000 signatures.

The European commission has also confirmed that it is working with the World Health Organisation to "ensure that certificates issued in the EU can be recognised elsewhere in the world as well.”

Why do the EU want to introduce vaccine passports?

Speaking on the benefits of the digital green certificates, the European commission said: “This certificate would facilitate safe free movement of citizens inside the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic in a non-discriminatory way.”

“In addition to possible uses in healthcare, the aim of the certificate is to facilitate the safe free movement of citizens of one Member State to and in other EU Member States."

Can Brits still go on holiday to the EU this year?

Some European countries that are well-known as popular holiday hotspots among Brits have already said they plan to welcome UK tourists this summer.

Greece hopes to welcome UK holiday makers from May, while Cyprus will accept visitors who have had both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Which countries are expected to welcome British holiday makers this summer?

Greece

Greece hopes to welcome UK tourists from as early as May. Visitors will have to be vaccinated, have had a recent negative test or have the Covid-19 antibodies.

Turkey

UK travellers heading to Turkey are unlikely to be required to provide proof of a Covid-19 vaccine or a negative test result. Instead, Turkish ministers have said they are working with the UK Government to ensure travelling to and from the country is Covid secure.

Cyprus

Cyprus will also welcome UK tourists this summer as long as they have had both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

P&O ferry cruises

Ferry company P&O has said that holidaymakers will have to provide proof that they have had two doses of the vaccine. If holidaymakers fail to provide evidence they will not be allowed on board the staycation cruises.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.