The European Commission (EC) has proposed to allow entry into the EU for so-called nonessential reasons (for example, tourists), not only for people arriving from countries with a good epidemic situation, but also for all people who have been made the last recommended dose of the vaccine allowed by the EU. "This regulation could be extended to vaccines listed by the WHO for use in emergency situations," is said in the EC statement.
Member states must allow those people who have completed their vaccinations to enter the EU at least 14 days prior to arrival.
The fact of vaccination will be confirmed by the Digital Green Certificate. Until it comes into force, member states should be able to accept certificates from non-EU countries, in accordance with national legislation, with the ability to verify their authenticity.
Children excluded from vaccination should be able to travel with their vaccinated parents if they have a negative PCR test made no earlier than 72 hours before arrival.
This proposal made by the EC is to be considered by the Council of the EU. The first discussion is scheduled at the technical level on May 4, followed by a discussion at the EU Ambassadors' Meeting on May 5.
Once the proposal is accepted by the Council, member states will have to implement the proposed measures.
The Council's recommendation applies to all EU member states (except Ireland) as well as the four non-EU states that have acceded to the Schengen area: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Context. Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are registered in the EU.
Five vaccines are now included in the WHO emergency use list: Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and two AstraZeneca vaccines (produced in India and South Korea). The vaccine from the Chinese company Sinovac is expected to be listed in May.
Thus, vaccination with all vaccines currently used in Ukraine can open the way for travel to the EU.
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