EU to enforce time limit on validity of jabs for travellers

THE European Union has recommended a nine-month expiry date on coronavirus vaccine passports for those looking to travel to the bloc.

Member states should prioritise vaccinated travellers who have received a booster dose and continue to welcome those inoculated with jabs approved by the European Medicines Agency and World Health Organisation, it was announced yesterday.

The European Commission’s proposals, which cover travel from outside the bloc, also include a time limit for the validity of Covid vaccines.

This would mean that, beyond the nine-month point, travellers will need to have received a booster shot in order to enter the EU.

Ylva Johansson, the EU’S home affairs commissioner, said: “We would like to welcome people. All people that are vaccinated can come into the EU.”

National governments will ultimately decide whether or not to act on the recommendations. The change is set to come into force in March and could affect millions of British tourists hoping to travel to Europe next summer.

As it stands, younger Britons face uncertainty as scientists have not yet endorsed boosters for under-40s. However, Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, has insisted the Government wants all UK adults to be offered a third jab.

“After March 1, nine months after the second dose it becomes no booster equals no travel into the EU for nonessential reasons,” an EU source told The Daily Telegraph.

Travellers who have had an extra jab are now able to display their vaccination status on the NHS Covid Pass, the Department for Health said last week.