EU Travel Update: Booster Jab for EU Travel in 2022

Travellers hoping to head to the European Union (EU) or travel within the bloc may need to get a COVID booster shot nine months after full vaccination, the European Commission proposed in an effort to prioritise vaccination status instead of a traveller's country of departure as the continent grapples with a surge in COVID-19.

On 25 November, the European Commission proposed a nine-month limit for vaccine validity that would apply for travel within and to the EU.

If the plans are approved by EU ministers, from 10 January 2022 non-EU travellers will be required to show proof of an EU-approved booster jab once their original vaccine status is more than nine months old. Similarly, travellers between the member states would have to meet the same requirement to avoid COVID tests, quarantine and other restrictions.

This, following the UK's announcement that they will be requiring booster shots for 2022 travel as well.

Recognise WHO-Approved Vaccines

The Commission is also proposing to allow entry to travellers with non-EU approved vaccines that are recognised by the WHO, including China’s Sinopharm and Sinovac and vaccines produced in India. Proof of a negative pre-departure PCR test will be required in the case of travellers vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccine that is not approved by the European Medicines Agency.

At present, most EU member states only permit entry to people with EU-approved vaccines.

The latest EU proposals prioritise vaccinated people, as it moves to classify travellers according to individual health and vaccine status, rather than their country of departure.

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