EU Digital COVID Certificate

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EU Digital COVID Certificate

The EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) is a digital or paper-based document that facilitates safe and free movement within the European Union (EU) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The certificate serves as proof that a person has been vaccinated against COVID-19, received a negative test result, or recovered from a COVID-19 infection.

Background

The EUDCC was introduced by the European Commission to restore freedom of movement within the EU and support the tourism industry, which was severely impacted by the pandemic. The regulation establishing the EUDCC was adopted on June 14, 2021, and the system became operational on July 1, 2021.

Types of Certificates

The EUDCC includes three types of certificates:

• Vaccination Certificate: Confirms that the holder has been vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
• Test Certificate: Indicates that the holder has received a negative result from a PCR test or a rapid antigen test.
• Recovery Certificate: Shows that the holder has recovered from a COVID-19 infection and is no longer considered infectious.

Format and Validity

The certificate can be issued in both digital and paper formats, featuring a QR code that contains essential information and a digital signature to ensure its authenticity. The certificate is free of charge and available in the official language(s) of the issuing member state and English.

Interoperability

The EUDCC is designed to be interoperable across all EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The system ensures that certificates issued by one member state are recognized and accepted by other member states.

Privacy and Data Protection

The EUDCC adheres to strict data protection and privacy standards. Personal data included in the certificate is limited to what is necessary and is not stored or retained by the verifying authorities.

Implementation

Each EU member state is responsible for issuing the certificates and ensuring their verification at borders and other points of entry. The European Commission provides technical support and guidelines to facilitate the implementation process.

Impact

The introduction of the EUDCC has significantly eased travel restrictions within the EU, contributing to the recovery of the travel and tourism sectors. It has also provided a standardized approach to managing public health risks associated with cross-border travel during the pandemic.

See Also

• COVID-19 pandemic in Europe
• European Medicines Agency
• PCR test
• QR code
• Data protection