“From Tuesday, February 1 the new rules on a standard acceptance period of 270 days for EU Covid-19 Digital Certificates, in the vaccination aspect, used for travel will start to apply within the EU”, said the European Commission, in a statement.

This amendment follows the proposal of the European Commission and as agreed between the EU Member States in the European Council. In this context, “Member States must accept vaccination certificates for a period of 270 days (nine months) from the completion of the primary vaccination series”, i.e. the two doses of vaccine in the Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccination schedule or single dose, in the case of Janssen.

In view of this commitment, Brussels stresses that Member States should not impose additional restrictions, such as quarantines and tests, for the purpose of travel within the EU. However, in Portugal, the Government currently requires the presentation of a negative Covid-19 test (PCR or antigen) for the purposes of air travel to national territory, however, in light of the Brussels recommendation, the Executive has already admitted to reviewing the restrictions.

“The standard acceptance period does not apply to certificates for booster doses”, adds the community executive. However, the EU’s Covid-19 digital certificates will also, as of today, include information on booster doses, which “are being administered to the adult population of the EU in several European countries”.