The document that accredits the vaccination is gradually making its way in Spain as a requirement to access bars, cinemas or hospitals. It is a requirement that they are very used to in other countries. In many cases, for months. In some of the main tourist destinations, the certificate that accredits the complete immunization schedule is necessary for all types of establishments.
France
The use of the COVID certificate was approved in France in summer and since then it has been required to access all types of establishments: bars and restaurants (even on the terrace), shopping centers, theaters and cinemas, nursing homes, public transport, airplanes, hospitals … Moreover, as of January 15, those who have received the second dose more than seven months ago will need a third prick for the covid passport to remain valid. Everyone over 18 years of age must have the third injection if they want to keep the document. At the moment, the Government has not ruled on how this measure will affect foreigners who have received two doses.
After the Executive announced the importance of the third puncture, the website to request an appointment has collapsed. The Government has announced that it will be stricter in monitoring that establishments require the covid passport. These measures seek to avoid as much as possible a return to policies of absolute limitations as has happened in Austria or Germany.
The document is also requested to access the country from Spain. If you do not have it, you can provide a negative coronavirus test.
United Kingdom
The National Health Service (NHS) has been offering an application for more than a year to download the covid passport: the official proof that the bearer has received the complete vaccination schedule or has undergone in the last hours to a test, with a negative result. EU countries now easily read the QR code of the British application, comparable to the one used on the continent. However, the Government of Boris Johnson has never seriously considered – nor is it doing so at the moment – the obligation to require the vaccination certificate for restaurants, bars, pubs o public events. There are exceptions, and the rule does not apply as strongly in England, Scotland or Wales. In these last two territories, especially, the certificate may be required for cinemas, theaters, concerts or shows with more than 500 people, indoors, or more than 4,000, outdoors. The United Kingdom allows access from Spain by presenting the covid passport or a negative test.
Italy
Italy was the first western country to impose the vaccination certificate for most public activities, including work. Since last July it was required to be vaccinated, to have recently passed the disease or to have a negative test carried out two days before to enter museums, restaurants, stadiums, gyms or cinemas. Also to enter the country. In September the obligation was extended to the workplace, which generated huge protests.
As of December 6, conditions will get even tougher. The negative test or having passed the disease will no longer be sufficient to have the certificate and it will be necessary to be vaccinated to access all those enclosures. Only the previous status will be maintained for means of transport and work. In addition, also from December 6, the validity of the certificate will be only nine months. A measure that will imminently force the third dose of the vaccine to be supplied to a large part of the population.
Germany
In recent days, new restrictions have been imposed to try to contain the fourth wave of coronavirus, the worst to date. This Friday the average incidence was almost 440 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (at 7 days; if it is calculated at 14, as in Spain, it would be almost 900). On Thursday the psychological barrier of 100,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic was overcome. Between 200 and 300 deaths are being recorded every day. The Government allows entry into the country from Spain by presenting the covid passport or a negative test.
With the infections soaring, the federal government and the countries they are reintroducing restrictions. The measures are different in each federal state, since they have powers to adapt them to their situation. In general, to enter bars, restaurants and closed places of leisure or culture, it is necessary to present a certificate of vaccination or of having passed the disease in the last six months. Berlin and other states also impose a recent negative test to consume in restaurants. In the means of transport a certificate of vaccination, cure or negative test is required from this week.
Portugal
As of December 1, Portugal tightens the rules to try to stop the constant increase in infections detected in the country, despite the fact that it has the highest vaccination rate in the European Union (87% with the complete guideline). Since that day, in which the status of “calamity”, Masks will be mandatory in all closed spaces and the digital certificate to access restaurants, hotels, tourist apartments, gyms and events with pre-assigned seats. In addition, to access hospitals, nursing homes, discos, bars and sporting events and activities in places without an assigned seat, a negative covid test must be presented. From December 1, to enter the country by plane it is necessary to present a negative test to board, even if you have the vaccination certificate. The Government will fine airlines that allow passengers to travel without this proof with 20,000 euros for each infraction.
USA
On November 8 and after 20 months of international isolation, the United States lifted travel restrictions for all travelers who are not US citizens, or legal permanent residents, or travel to the United States with an immigrant visa as long as they are vaccinated. against covid-19. Washington’s visitor requirements benefit tourists from 33 European Union countries, the United Kingdom, China, India and Brazil. Before traveling to the US, foreigners must present the vaccination certificate to the airline when checking in. Additionally, travelers must show a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours of boarding. To date, more than 80% of American adults have received at least one dose of the vaccine. About 60% of adults have the complete vaccination schedule.
As in many other matters, the requirement for a vaccination certificate to access entertainment venues such as cinemas, restaurants or bars depends on each State of the Union and often on specific counties within those States. In New York, since last September 13, it is required to fill out a complete vaccination form to enter restaurants and bars. In the nation’s capital, Washington, with a very low rate of covid cases, the mayor, Muriel Bowser, announced last week a relaxation of the rules regarding the use of masks, which will be mandatory in schools and hospitals, but leaves its imposition in the hands of shops and entertainment venues.
With information from Silvia Ayuso (France), Rafa de Miguel (United Kingdom), Daniel Verdu (Italy), Elena G. Sevillano (Germany), Tereixa Constenla (Portugal) and Yolanda Monge (EE UU).
