These seven countries now accept vaccine passports

PHOTO GALLERY. As travelers from around the world begin to plan their jet-setting adventures in a post-pandemic landscape, it is almost impossible to ignore the fact that traveling across borders will present unprecedented obstacles and risks, according to the Entrepreneur portal.

For many, this summer will be their first time traveling in more than a year, and popular tourist destinations expect an influx of new and possibly nervous visitors.

Earlier this spring, the European Union (EU) announced that it would fully reopen to all vaccinated travelers, a great feat in the battle against the coronavirus that paralyzed tourism across Europe.

The easiest way to do it? Create a digital vaccine passport that has the same requirements for all countries in the union, which visitors must show before entering.

And ahead of schedule, seven of the EU countries have already implemented the new documentation.

As of Tuesday, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece and Poland have started accepting the EU Digital COVID Certificate from external visitors.

The EU said all 27 member states have passed “technical tests” and can start using the new technology “voluntarily.”

Travelers who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, who have already had Covid-19 and have recovered or tested negative for the disease within 72 hours of travel are eligible to receive the certificate and participate.

The document will allow free movement within the EU and is expected to be implemented in all 27 member states on July 1.

“The EU digital COVID certificate provides European citizens with a common tool that allows them to move freely and safely again,” said Didier Reynders, European Commissioner for Justice. “It shows the technological leadership of Europe in full respect of our values ​​and principles: data protection, inclusion and proportionality.”

The EU maintains that no private information or data will be exchanged or shared through the use of the certificate.