Filenews 9 March 2021
By Cecilia Rodriguez
As the European Commission prepares to present its plan for a digital vaccination certificate, some European Union member countries are already ready to recognise the document and are setting looser conditions for vaccinated tourists in a bid to save the summer season.
With the tourism industry providing 27 million jobs across Europe and accounting for around 10% of European GDP, the bloc's countries are desperate to encourage the return of summer tourists, with the "digital green certificate" or vaccination passport seen as the most appropriate option to facilitate travel to the EU.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von de Leyen, has advocated the plan for a common vaccination certificate, while the World Health Organisation is also working on a corresponding international certificate.
Whether in digital or printed form, the passport or vaccination certificate will be issued by the traveller's country of origin and will allow him to move to Europe and come to Europe from a third country, without the need to carry out an additional diagnostic test for the coronavirus or to remain in quarantine.
The document shall indicate the name, date of birth, health insurance number, type and date of the diagnostic test and vaccine made by the holder (date of administration of the two doses), and shall indicate the period required for immunisation in accordance with the instructions applicable to each vaccine.
"Yes" and on international certificates
Many European countries are already committed to recognising both certificates issued by countries on the continent and international certificates from other countries.
At the top of the list of countries already committed to welcoming visitors who will have a vaccination certificate (also known as a vaccination passport, Covid-19 passport or coro-passport) is Iceland, the first European country to issue Covid-19 passports for its vaccinated citizens.
The country is also prepared to recognise vaccination certificates, starting with those issued by the other 26 European countries belonging to the Schengen area.
Greece and Portugal (in particular the autonomous regions of the Madeira and Azores) but also Georgia, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Poland and the Czech Republic are also moving in the same direction and are beginning to adopt looser measures for vaccinated travellers, issuing crown passports for their vaccinated citizens and recognising the corresponding passports/vaccination certificates issued by other European and non-European countries.
In cooperation with the European Union's tourism ministries, The European Best Destinations (EBD), which is part of the European Commission's EDEN network ("European Destinations of Excellence"), has established a list of the 15 "best destinations for vaccinated tourists" on the continent.
The EU website, reopen.europa.eu, provides real-time information on the travel regulations in force in each European country.
The EBD also provides information on how to issue the vaccination certificate and instructions for making trips to Europe without a certificate.
The 15 best destinations for those with a vaccination certificate
The best options for travelling to Europe are listed below for those who receive the coveted vaccination certificate.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Last summer's safest destination, Tbilisi, managed to remain among the areas least affected by the pandemic.
The capital of Georgia is even at the top of Europe's most popular destination this summer.
It is noted that Georgia has "opened" its doors to vaccinated travellers from any country, without requiring either quarantine or additional diagnostic testing.
Madeira, Portugal
The island cluster remained in the "green zone" throughout the pandemic thanks to the effective measures taken to make it the safest destination in Europe.
The Portuguese government has ensured a "safe" stay for travellers and is committed to recognising vaccination certificates.
EBD recommends Madeira as an ideal destination for newlyweds, romantic or family trips, as well as for digital nomads as it has created the first village of "digital nomads", in Ponta do Sol.
Kefalonia, Greece
It was voted one of the top destinations of 2021, as it is considered one of the most beautiful Greek islands.
Less influenced by coronavirus than other European countries, Greece quickly established itself as a safe destination in Europe. With restaurants and cafes reopening from mid-April and a wide range of accommodations (villas, tourist apartments) and beaches many kilometres long that allow the necessary distances to be respected, Kefalonia is ready this summer.
Azores, Portugal
The cluster of Portugal's nine islands is considered one of the safest destinations in Europe. The Azores are even the first choice of travellers who are in the interests of sustainable tourism, protection and observation of nature.
The vaccination certificate will allow entry to the archipelago without additional diagnostic testing or quarantine. Those who do not have the coveted certificate will be allowed to enter with a negative test up to 72 hours before the trip, and no quarantine will be required.
Rethymnon, Crete, Greece
Rethymnon, with its beautiful lighthouse, Venetian port with fishing boats, fortress, walking routes and wonderful beaches, is also ready to welcome tourists this summer.
It was recently ranked among the most romantic destinations in Europe, while the area is known as the place where the Greek god Zeus grew up.
Iceland
Iceland was the first European country to adopt vaccination certificates for its citizens who have received both doses of the vaccine. Iceland also recognises vaccination certificates issued by other European countries.
Cavtat, Konavle, Croatia
Cavtat is considered one of the safest destinations in Europe due to the low number of cases of coronavirus, proximity to airports (in case of repatriation) and hospitals, but mainly due to the health measures taken by the authorities.
Cavtat is a leading travel destination for vaccinated travellers to Croatia that prepares to welcome those with a koro-passport.
Seville, Spain
Spain has given an innovative response to the health crisis. After harsh restrictions that have yielded positive results in limiting coronavirus, the country's Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism announced plans to adopt vaccination passports as an "element of safe mobility".
Spain even hopes to be among the first countries to apply vaccination certificates in order to boost its tourism industry.
And Seville, with a lower number of cases than other parts of the country, is considered an "oasis" amid the health crisis.
Athens, Greece
Greece is one of the first countries to agree to the introduction of the vaccination certificate.
The country has already concluded an agreement to welcome tourists from Israel if they have a certificate, and Cyprus has announced that it will welcome tourists from 1 May as long as they have received both doses of any vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Rubjerg Knude, Denmark
Denmark and Sweden are one of the pioneers in issuing vaccination certificates. Their citizens already use them to participate in concerts and exhibitions or to book restaurants, and will now also use them for travel.
The two countries have pledged to recognise the Covid-19 passports issued by other countries. As long as they are compatible with the international vaccination certificate (according to the World Health Organisation) and the certificates issued by European countries.
Denmark is expected to launch the vaccination certificate system at the end of the month and will be fully operational in June, when it is estimated that its entire population will have been vaccinated.
Rhodes, Greece
Europe owes Greece a great deal for the fact that the idea of a vaccination certificate is moving forward. The country is pushing for the EU to "move faster" on its adoption, as Athens seeks to stimulate the tourism sector that has been severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The island of Rhodes is one of the best destinations for those who want to visit Greece, according to EDB.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark decided in February 2021 to introduce a vaccination certificate allowing its citizens who have had the coronavirus vaccine to safely return to normal life rates.
The country is also ready to recognise vaccination certificates to be issued at international and European level.
Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands also open their doors to vaccinated travellers, with each having its own identity and providing a different experience that combines safety and well-being.
Kos, Greece
Kos is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. The "perfect Greek island" for those looking for holidays that combine sea, sun and beaches.
It is one of the Greek islands with the largest number of sandy beaches.
Stockholm Sweden
With an emphasis on the treatment of coronavirus, Sweden is one of the first countries to advocate a vaccination certificate for travel and everyday life.
Considered one of the cities with the best quality of life, it is also one of the European capitals with the happiest inhabitants.
Source: Forbes
