The EU-UK Agreement and COVID-19 Passport: Everything You need to Know
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to numerous global travel restrictions, making it difficult for individuals to move from one country to another safely. However, in recent times, the idea of a COVID passport has gained momentum as a potential solution to the problem of international travel restrictions.
The European Union and the United Kingdom have recently come to an agreement pertaining to the use of COVID-19 passports for travel. This agreement enables individuals to travel without having to go through quarantine, provided they meet the specific requirements of the passport.
What is a COVID-19 Passport?
A COVID-19 passport is a digital or physical document that contains data that certifies that an individual has been vaccinated against COVID-19, has recently recovered from COVID-19, or has tested negative for the virus. The passport is meant to act as proof to border authorities that the individual does not pose a risk to the country visited.
What are the Requirements for the EU-UK COVID-19 Passport?
The EU-UK agreement stipulates that to be eligible for the COVID-19 passport, individuals must meet specific requirements.
Vaccination: Individuals must have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days before traveling. The vaccine must be one that is approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the UK`s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Recovery: Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 can travel using the passport, provided they have proof of a positive PCR test result issued at least 11 days but not more than 180 days before their intended travel date.
Test: Individuals who have not been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 must show a negative COVID-19 test result from either a PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours of travel.
The agreement does not apply to children under 18 years of age, who can travel as long as they are accompanied by a vaccinated adult.
How to Get the EU-UK COVID-19 Passport?
The process of obtaining a COVID-19 passport depends on the country of residence. Both the UK and EU countries are working on creating digital solutions to enable people to access their COVID-19 certificates. People who reside in the UK can access their COVID-19 certificates online through the NHS app, while the EU`s digital COVID-19 certificate will be available through an online portal that`s being rolled out across all member states.
Conclusion
The agreement on the use of COVID-19 passports between the European Union and the United Kingdom has brought hope for travelers looking to move across borders without the need for quarantine. Individuals must make sure they meet the requirements of the passport to avoid any inconvenience while traveling.
Lastly, it`s essential to keep in mind that the use of COVID-19 passports is still in its early stages, and changes may occur at any time as the pandemic situation evolves. Therefore, it`s crucial to keep up to date with the latest information on the EU-UK agreement and COVID-19 travel requirements.
