Effective on February 1, the EU limits the validity of Covid vaccination certificates to 270 days, or 9 months.

The measure is mandatory for all EU member states, but only applies to traveling within the Union, with the application of the certificates for other purposes, such as access to restaurants or events, being left at the discretion of each member state.

“The acceptance period of nine months for vaccination certificates will give citizens and businesses the certainty they need when planning their travels with confidence. It’s now up to the Member States to ensure boosters will be rolled out swiftly to protect our health and ensure safe traveling,” said EU Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders.