EU calls to scrap quarantine and testing for Europeans holding vaccine passports

31 May 2021, 12:16 | Updated: 31 May 2021, 12:48

The EU Digital Covid Certificate is at the heart of plans to reopen travel within Europe without the need for quarantine or tests.
The EU Digital Covid Certificate is at the heart of plans to reopen travel within Europe without the need for quarantine or tests. Picture: PA

By Joe Cook

The European Commission has recommended that EU citizens travelling within Europe should not be required to quarantine or take a Covid test if they have a certificate showing they have been vaccinated or recently had the virus.

The new proposal paves the way for the unlocking of travel on the continent as the sluggish vaccination programme begins to pick up speed.

At the heart of the plans is the EU's Digital Covid Certificate, a digital passport that will be introduced from 1 July and contain information about an individuals Covid-19 vaccination history and recent PCR or lateral flow test results.

Anyone who has had two doses of the vaccine, has recovered from Covid in the last 180 days or has a negative test within the last three days will be exempt from all quarantine and travel testing arrangements, under the proposals.

Read more: UK travellers will need 'compelling reasons' to enter France

Explained: UK travel rules: Can I holiday abroad and which countries are allowing Brits to enter?

With the UK now out of the EU, the current plans will not apply to UK travellers, who are likely to still face testing and quarantine rules this summer.

However, EU Commissioner Didier Reynders reportedly told a briefing that the EU will talk with third countries, including the UK, about mutual recognition of vaccine certificates.

Commenting on the announcement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted: "Europeans should enjoy a safe and relaxing summer.

"As vaccination progresses, we propose to gradually ease travel measures in a coordinated way with our common tool: the EU Digital COVID Certificate.

"It will bring clarity and predictability as we resume free travel in the EU."

However, the proposals do include provisions for EU countries to re-introduce "emergency brake" travel restrictions for areas where cases are rising rapidly or there is high prevalence of variants of concern.

Read more: UK weather: Bank Holiday Monday set to be hottest day of year so far

Indie SAGE member's warning around Covid travel fraud

While the EU Commission pushes for the continent to open up, in a blow to UK holidaymakers from Monday travellers entering France from Britain will have to provide "compelling reasons" to enter the country.

Travel to France from the UK will only be permitted for EU nationals, French residents, or those travelling for essential reasons, amidst concern over the spread of the Indian variant.

Those who are allowed to make the journey must take a pre-departure Covid test and quarantine for seven days on arrival.

France's move follows Germany starting to require people arriving from the UK to go into quarantine for 14 days, again in response to the spread of the Indian variant.

More to follow.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

There were reports of vehicles being damaged and burned out, stolen cars, motorbikes being used and bricks thrown at officers amid the disorder, Greater Manchester Police said.

Girl, 16, charged with assaulting an emergency worker in Salford after ‘60 masked youths’ clash with police

The affected products include the Jolly Rancher Hard Candy, “Misfits” Gummies, Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1, and Berry Gummies, the FSA said.

'Don't eat them': Brits told to avoid popular American sweets linked to cancer amid 'toxicological concern'

A woman has been arrested after a four-year-old boy was found dead in Dunholme End.

Boy, 4, found dead inside Maidenhead home as police arrest woman on suspicion of murder

Exclusive
Caz Holbrook, 54, said 2023 was a "very stressful" year after her landlord evicted her and her 15-year-old son from their home in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire

I was evicted after Liz Truss's budget tanked the economy – my son and I ended up in a beetle-infested flat

St Michael's Church, Mytholmroyd

Village church ordered to silence 'cherished' chiming bells after residents' complaints spark huge row

The Bridgerton actress said she has been left with a concussion and "on edge" - and the incident traumatised her dog.

Bridgerton actress Genevieve Chenneour left 'traumatised' after fighting off phone thief who threatened to 'stab' her

Shopper walking through the aisle of a supermarket.

Deadly disease outbreak linked to 'contaminated' UK supermarket item

Demonstrators gathered outside Stoke Newington Police Station in protest against police in schools, after it emerged that a 15-year-old Black girl ('Child Q') was strip-searched by police at a Hackney school, which is thought to be racially motivated.

Officer who strip-searched black schoolgirl while she was on her period admits failings but denies racist motivation

Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England

My mum finds Jude Bellingham’s on-field antics repulsive, says Thomas Tuchel

The jury found him not guilty of an additional sexual assault charge and have not yet returned a verdict on a charge of rape.

Harvey Weinstein found guilty in New York sexual assault retrial but acquitted on second charge

Riot police vans at Clonavon Terrace, Ballymena, as people take part in a protest over an alleged sexual assault in the Co Antrim town.

Residents 'fear for their lives' in third night of Ballymena riots as 'masked thugs set leisure centre alight'

Brian Wilson performs Pet Sounds at the Pantages Theatre on May 26, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.

Legendary Beach Boys co-founder and primary songwriter Brian Wilson dies aged 82

England head coach Thomas Tuchel.

'I'm in the right place': Thomas Tuchel wants to extend England head coach job until Euro 2028

The Lower Broughton Road in Salford.

Rioting erupts and 16-year-old girl arrested in Salford as ‘60 masked youths’ clash with police and 'set fire to car'

Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu following their doubles match defeat to Lyudmyla Kichenok and Erin Routliffe on day three of the HSBC Championships at The Queen's Club, London

Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter beaten in the doubles at Queens

In the latest development in the family's ongoing feud, the 26-year-old has reportedly quashed any attempts from the superstar couple to make up

Brooklyn Beckham 'cuts contact' with parents David and Victoria amid family rift over wife Nicola Peltz