All travellers to EU member states will be required to have had a second vaccination within nine months (270 days) from tomorrow.
Visitors may also provide proof of recovery within the past six months (180 days) or a booster vaccination in order to travel within the European Union from February 1.
Changes, confirmed last week by the European Commission, mean EU states will take into account the Covid status of the person instead of the situation in their country of origin. The person-based approach comes with the exception of travel from areas where the virus is circulating at ‘very high levels’.
The Irish Travel Agents Association reminded members of the changes coming into force but said it expects the new rules “will have no major impact on international travel”.
Chief executive Pat Dawson said: “It has been well-flagged by the European Union that the original EU Digital Covid certificates have a nine-month validity.”
President Paul Hackett added: “This is an EU-wide decision and the EU Commission has been very good with handling the digital Covid-19 certifications and ensuring consistency across all member states.
“This means that when travelling anywhere in the EU, the rules are pretty much the same.”
He said the ITAA advises customers “receive up to date guidelines from your travel agent” before travelling.
An Abta spokesperson said agents must still check individual countries’ rules as some destinations have different regulations.