Those planning on travelling abroad in the coming days and weeks could now face being turned away from other EU countries as a new rule takes effect from Tuesday.
Vaccine certificates for primary vaccination series will now no longer be accepted for travel if more than 270 days (nine months) have passed since the final dose in the primary vaccine series.
However, updated Covid vaccine certs following the administration of the booster jab and additional doses are not time limited.
The Covid cert was introduced during the pandemic to help EU citizens move freely and safely within the European Union.
It provides proof that you have:
- Been vaccinated against COVID-19;
- Received a negative test result;
- Recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months; or
- Had a booster vaccine
In order to travel with an expired Covid cert, you will need to provide proof of recovery within the past 180 days or have a negative Covid test result.
People who have received their booster dose will be able to use their updated Covid cert, which will be sent to your email automatically after receiving the jab, while those recently recovered can apply for a recovery cert online.
If you are yet to receive your booster vaccination, but it has not yet been 270 days since your last dose of the vaccine, you will still be permitted to travel.
However, if your Covid cert has expired on February 1, you may be asked by some countries to adhere to other restrictions.
Although most countries will allow you entry provided you have a negative Covid test taken within the allowed time from before travel or have a recovery cert.
When re-entering Ireland, the same rules will apply, and you will only be permitted to reenter the country provided you have a Covid cert that shows full vaccination/booster within the last 270 days proof of Covid recovery in the past 180 days.
If you do not have one of the above, a negative Covid test will be required.
Children aged under 12 can enter the country with no vaccination proof or testing.
