Greece, Italy and France are among 13 EU countries to launch new vaccine passport rules which will be enforced at tourist attractions, restaurants, cafes and bars.
The rules will apply to tourists, as well as locals.
Greece implemented the new rules in mid-July. Patrons are required to provide proof of vaccination or recent recovery from COVID-19 in order to access indoor restaurants, bars, cafes and venues such as cinemas.
Outdoor venues across the country still remain open to all.
Officials in Italy have stated that the new vaccine regulations will come into force from August 6 – this means only those who can show the country’s “green certificate” will be able to access indoor bars, restaurants, cafes, museums, cinemas, gyms, and indoor attractions.
Prime Minister Mario Draghi said the measure is “an instrument to allow Italians to continue their activities with the guarantee of not being among contagious people.” (Important note: public health and UK government guidance still states that those who have received the vaccine can still catch and spread the virus so everyone should continue to practice mask wearing in indoor spaces, regular hand washing and social distancing regardless of vaccine status)
France has also launched its own Covid pass for those visiting bars, reactants, cafes and tourist attractions. The new rule will be in place from August and impacts popular tourist hotspots such as the Eiffel Tower.
In total 13 countries across Europe have announced plans to legally enforce a hospitality green pass.
Is a green pass different from the European Covid Digital Certificate (EUDCC)?
In some cases, no. The EUDCC currently operates as a travel pass across EU member nations, verifying a person’s vaccination status in order to facilitate trips across the continent.
Some countries are using their own apps or paper documentation created before the existence of the EUDCC while other countries are happy to utilise the benefits of the EUDCC.
What countries are using a green pass and how can you get one?
The current guidance is that visitors should go through the same process as residents or citizens to obtain their green pass.
- Austria: Entry to eateries, theatres, hotels, sports facilities and places for personal grooming requires proof of vaccination, a negative test, or certificate of recovery from COVID-19.
- Cyprus: Anyone visiting indoor hospitality in Cyprus must have a Coronapass, also known as a Safe Pass, documenting proof of vaccination or a negative test. This is an app that differs from the EUDCC and is used separately.
- Denmark: Denmark requires a “Coronapas” for all indoor dining and cultural venues that holds the same requirements as the EUDCC. Coronapas is available in paper form or downloadable via an app.
- France: All indoor hospitality venues with a capacity larger than 50 are now required to show a green pass.
- Germany: Restrictions vary from state to state across Germany, but it is widely accepted that customers must present a negative test result or proof of vaccination to be admitted to indoor catering.
- Italy: A COVID-19 green pass will be required to visit all indoor hospitality from August 6 in Italy. It will provide proof that the holder has either received at least one dose of the vaccine, has recovered from the virus or tested negative in the previous 48 hours. It is not yet clear whether this will be done through the EUDCC.
- Latvia: Outdoor dining is open for all residents and visitors, but only vaccinated people can dine indoors and visit gyms, cinemas and theatres. Proof is required in electronic form. It is not yet clear whether this will be done through the EUDCC
- Lithuania: People with proof of vaccination through Lithuania’s electronic “opportunity pass” may dine indoors and access other cultural and entertainment sites. Those that aren’t yet vaccinated are offered takeaway or outdoor-only services. The EUDCC can be used as proof by tourists that aren’t on Lithuania’s healthcare database.
- Luxembourg: Customers with a digital vaccination certificate are permitted to use indoor hospitality until 1am without restrictions. Those without must wear facemasks and practice social distancing.
- Netherlands: No formal legal implementation of a COVID-19 green hospitality pass but businesses that check for proof of vaccination are the only ones allowed open to full capacity.
- Portugal: Over 60 high and very-high risk municipalities – including the cities of Lisbon and Porto – require proof of a COVID vaccination or a negative test on Friday evenings after 7pm and at the weekend. This does not apply to children under 12.
- Republic of Ireland: The Irish government recently passed a law that will allow pubs, cafes, and restaurants to serve vaccinated people indoors from July 26. This is expected to be via the EUDCC or using paper documentation for those without the QR-coded pass.
- Slovenia: Indoor hospitality is open to over-18s who are vaccinated or can offer proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Tables must be 3 metres apart, even with the use of passes.
