The Taoiseach this afternoon suggested booster certs will be needed to access pubs and restaurants – and some EU countries are already demanding them.

Under new rules adopted by the European Commission last month, the EU Digital COVID-19 Certificate will soon only be valid for nine months.

The rules only apply to international travel; however, the Taoiseach has suggested they could eventually be applied domestically in pubs and restaurants.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister has confirmed that updated Digital COVID Certs recognising booster and third-dose shots will start issuing this week.

While booster passes are unlikely to be required in Ireland any time soon, a number of EU countries are already demanding.

Here is a quick list of what you can expect when travelling to any of Europe’s top tourism destinations in the coming weeks.

Austria 

People in Austria need to show and proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID to visit places like pubs, restaurants and venues.

Negative COVID tests are only accepted in exceptional cases – such as people who can’t be vaccinated for health reasons and businesspeople travelling for professional reasons

Teenagers can apply for ‘Holiday Ninja Pass’ – Which requires them to sit two negative PCR tests and one negative antigen over a one-week period.

France

People in France need a ‘Health Pass’ to access a wide range of services and amenities including bars, restaurants, leisure and culture venues, inter-regional public transport and non-urgent hospitals.

Currently people can qualify for the pass by being fully vaccinated, proving their recovery from COVID or sitting a negative COVID test.

Meanwhile, people aged over 65 do not qualify for the pass if their last vaccine was more than seven months ago.

Those who received the Janssen vaccine do not qualify if they received it more than two months ago.

The French Government has announced plans to extend the seven month rules to people of all ages form January 15th.

They also plan to limit the pass to those who are fully vaccinated or recovered on the same date – meaning a negative test will no longer qualify.

Italy

In Italy, you need to show a Green Pass to access cultural and sporting events, long-distance travel, nightlife and indoor dining.

You can qualify for a green pass through full vaccination, recovery or negative test result.

However, Italy has a nine-month expiry on all vaccine doses – meaning anyone who was vaccinated before April 2021 is no longer covered.

You can still qualify for a 48-hour Green Pass by sitting a negative PCR or a 24-hour Green Pass by sitting a negative antigen test.

The tests cannot be self-administered and can be accessed at local pharmacies and test centres.

However, until at least January 15th, a ‘Super Green Pass’ is required – meaning the passes can’t be accessed through negative testing.

Children under the age of 12 are exempt from the Green Pass requirement.

Switzerland

Switzerland requires a Swiss COVID Certificate or an EU Digital COVID Certificate (or international equivalent) for entry to hotels, bars, restaurants and other indoor areas.

The certs are valid in Switzerland for 365 days after your last vaccine dose.

You can also get a Swiss COVID cert if you have recovered from COVID within the past year but longer than four months ago.

You can get a 72-hour cert by sitting a negative PCR and a 24-hour cert by sitting a negative antigen. The tests must be administered professionally.

Spain

Restrictions in Spain vary depending on the region.

Many regions require the EU Digital COVID Cert to access indoor spaces. The wearing of a mask is mandatory in outdoor and indoor spaces in all parts of Spain, as well as on public transport.

Portugal

All bars and restaurants in Portugal are closed until January 9th.

Upon reopening, an EU Digital COVID cert or negative test is expected to be required to enter restaurants, casinos or attend parties in public spaces.

Capacity restrictions are currently in place in shops and a negative test needed to stay at hotels.