EU vaccine passports will be 'valid for nine months' following the first dose

European "vaccine passports" will now be recognized for nine months after the initial vaccination, as reported by Reuters.

The European Commission has approved new guidelines as EU nations impose stricter regulations on travelers to mitigate the spread of the omicron variant during the hectic winter holiday season.

Starting February 1, all 27 EU countries will be required to allow fully vaccinated travelers entry without needing to show a negative test, provided they have a valid European Union COVID-19 certificate.

Currently, seven European countries (Italy, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Latvia, Cyprus, and Austria) require all visitors to present a negative COVID-19 test, regardless of their vaccination status.

The regulations do allow for some exceptions, especially in response to a worsening situation. This could involve reinstating negative tests and quarantine measures, but governments must demonstrate that these actions are justified and proportionate.

"We prefer to facilitate free movement across Europe using just the certificate without any extra requirements," stated EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders to Reuters.

However, the nine-month validity period is applicable only to travel. Governments may choose to prolong the validity of COVID-19 passes for events taking place within their borders.

It is also probable that the validity period will be extended indefinitely for individuals who have received their booster shot, though the Commission noted that it's too early to determine how long a third dose will confer immunity.