The European Union announced in March 2021 the arrival of the Digital COVID Certificate, a document that would facilitate mobility between EU Member States. This certificate, which is already a reality, is very important if you want to travel this summer through this territory, so we explain what it is specifically, what requirements you have to satisfy to get it and what are the steps to follow to request it.
We already tell you that it is a document totally free, and that you can have it both in electronic and paper format. Without further ado, we dive straight into the COVID digital certificate to tell you everything you need to know about the key document to travel this summer.
What is the COVID digital certificate of the European Union
To travel to the European Union this summer it is important to have the COVID Certificate.
The COVID Digital Certificate is a document that facilitates mobility between the Member States of the European Union for all those European citizens who have been vaccinated, recovered from the disease or had a negative test performed in the past 48 or 72 hours, depending on each country.
In this way, the passenger can prove that he is traveling safely, which will facilitate the entry and exit of European countries. As they say, the goal of the “COVID passport” is facilitate mobility, not limit it. People without this document will also be able to travel to the European Union, but they will have to follow a slower admission procedure. Furthermore, if the country of origin or destination requires additional measures, such as testing or quarantines, it will have to comply with them.
The COVID Digital Certificate is completely free, and you can receive it either in paper and electronic format, that is, you can carry it on your mobile for greater comfort. Basically, this document consists of your personal data, vaccine information and a QR code that acts as an identifier. As specified by the Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Security on its website, your personal data is kept in absolute security and confidentiality.
At the moment, this COVID Digital Certificate is valid only between the countries that make up the European Union and only serves to facilitate mobility, it cannot be used for any other purpose. By the way, the document is issued in the official languages of each state and in English.
Requirements to be met to request the COVID Digital Certificate
Not all citizens can access the COVID Digital Certificate to travel between member states of the European Union, it is necessary meet one of the requirements listed in following:
- Having been vaccinated against COVID-19 with some of the vaccines authorized by the European Union.
- After recovering from COVID-19.
- Run a negative test within the last 48 or 72 hours, time of each country's choice.
Also, if you want to apply for the certificate online, you will need this:
- Have a permanent digital or Cl @ ve certificate.
- Have Cl @ ve Firma or the AutoSignature program to sign the application.
If what you want is request the COVID Digital Certificate for another person, you will need these applicant data: identity document, name and surname, date of birth, autonomous community, health card number and document proving protection or guardianship
How to request the EU COVID digital certificate?
The requirements to access this COVID Certificate are clear, but what steps do you need to follow to get it? First of all, we must remember that the expedition is conducted by the Autonomous Communities. For example, you can request it in hospitals, testing centers, health centers and / or health advice.
In addition, the Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Security can also issue them, but in electronic format. In some ascertained cases, the Ministry will also issue the certificate in electronic format. Whether it's one or the other option, you can use it throughout the European Union, without limits.
Choose the procedure to follow to request your COVID Digital Certificate.
Therefore, if you want to request the EU COVID Digital Certificate in electronic format, you can do it directly from the website of the Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Security. Click on «Access via certificate» or «Access via Cl @ ve» depending on the procedure you prefer to follow.
Instead, you can go in person to the points authorized by your Autonomous Community to request this document. Consult the offices in presence on this page of the Ministry.
Waiting time to obtain the COVID Digital Certificate
There is no exact waiting period between the request for the Digital COVID Certificate and its issue. According to the Ministry, it depends the ongoing questions and the need to verify further data.
