The EU Digital COVID Certificate will not only allow people to easily prove that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19, but it will also verify that they have taken a test with a negative result or that they have recovered from COVID-19.

This Digital Certificate has been operational since July 1, 2021, for all people who have received the full vaccination schedule. However, Spain began issuing and recognising the EU Digital COVID Certificate on June 7, one month ahead of the date established by the European Union.

WHAT IS THE EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE USED FOR?

The EU Digital COVID Certificate will facilitate mobility for people who can prove any of the three conditions mentioned above between the different Member States of the European Union.

It is therefore an instrument designed to make movement within the European Union easier, with the main objective of ensuring the protection of the health of all citizens.

This means that it is not a travel document or a passport, and it does not condition or restrict each person's right to free movement within the Member States of the European Union.

HOW MUCH DOES THE COVID DIGITAL CERTIFICATE COST?

The COVID Digital Certificate is completely free of charge, as it will be issued at no cost and can be obtained either in digital format or as a printed paper document.

Some of its main advantages are:

• The digital version allows users to easily carry it on any smartphone or tablet.

• It includes a QR code containing all the essential information.

Remember that you will not need to make any payment or bank transfer to obtain it.

WHERE CAN YOU GET THE COVID-19 DIGITAL CERTIFICATE?

This Digital Certificate is issued by the competent authorities of each EU Member State.

It will not only be issued in the national language of each country but will also include a second copy in English.

It is a 100% secure and reliable document, valid throughout the entire European Union. It is protected by a digital seal that guarantees its authenticity and integrity.

HOW DOES THE EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE WORK FOR TRAVEL?

When travelling to any country within the European Union, the traveller's QR code is scanned upon arrival at the destination to verify that the person carrying the certificate (and, importantly, their ID card or passport if requested) meets one of the three conditions:

• They have been vaccinated.

• They have a negative test result.

• They have recovered from COVID-19.

It is a simple and quick process that usually takes only a few minutes. Once the QR code has been verified at the destination, travellers can continue their journey.

DOES IT MATTER WHICH VACCINE I HAVE RECEIVED?

Initially, EU Member States accept vaccination certificates for vaccines that have received EU marketing authorisation.

However, countries may also choose to extend acceptance to EU travellers who have received other vaccines.

Each country also decides whether it accepts vaccination certificates after only the first dose or only after completing the full vaccination schedule.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I TRAVEL WITHIN THE EU WITHOUT THE EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE?

You will still be able to travel without the COVID Digital Certificate. However, the admission process in the destination country may be slower, and you may have to comply with the measures and restrictions established by that country.

These measures may include quarantine periods or additional testing requirements, such as the two PCR tests required by the United Kingdom (which must be paid for before travelling).

THE EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE

The EU Digital COVID Certificate guarantees full protection of personal data, as well as security and privacy.

This information will only be processed to verify the details included in the certificate.

Citizens residing in Spain can request the COVID Digital Certificate through the electronic headquarters of the Ministry of Health or directly through their regional health authority.

Through the Ministry of Health website, users can consult the map showing the status of certificate issuance in each autonomous community.