The COVID situation in Portugal is sadly getting worse. On a good note, most people over 60 years of age have been inoculated and the death rate is growing, but ever since British tourists were allowed to come in early in the holiday season and Sporting fans decided they just haaaadddd to celebrate the team’s win in hordes, our numbers have been spiking. While I do not recommend that people travel, I am putting this information out there because it will be helpful to those who need to travel within the European Union. The EU has created a Digital COVID Certificate that will make it easier for some to travel within the region.
Everything You Need to Know About the European Union COVID Digital Certificate.
What is the EU COVID Digital Certificate?
The European Union COVID Digital Certificate is a document that allows people in the EU to prove that they were either vaccinated against COVID-19,
received a negative test result, or have recovered from COVID-19.
What can I Use the EU COVID Digital Certificate for?
You can use the EU COVID Digital Certificate to safely travel within the European Union during the COVID-19 pandemic without having to worry about additional measures and restrictions imposed by the country you are going to, such as testing and quarantine procedures. This being said, take things with a grain of salt because the situation can change at any minute and so can this.
What kind of EU COVID Digital Certificate Can I get?
It all depends on your situation, You can get either of these three:
- Vaccination – If you have been vaccinated.
- Test Certificate – Must be from a molecular nucleic acid amplification test (TAAN) – RT-PCR, real-time RT-PCR, Rapid Molecular Tests – for identification of SARS-CoV-2 – showing negative COVID RESULTS.
- Recovery Certificate – If you have had COVID but have recovered.
Is the EU COVID Digital Certificate Required for me to Travel Within the EU?
No. It is not mandatory, but it will make your life a heck of a lot easier.
What Countries Accept the the EU COVID Digital Certificate?
- EU Member States
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
- Switzerland
What People in Portugal Are Allowed to Request The EU COVID Digital Certificate?
People in Portugal who are holders of a National Health Service (SNS) User number can request the COVID Digital Certificate from the European Union.
Do I Have to Pay For My EU COVID Digital Certificate?
No, it is free.
Can I Get The EU COVID Digital Certificate If I Have Only Received One Dose?
Yes, but you need to renew when you get the second dose.
How Should I Expect to Be Treated At My Destination Country?
With the EU COVID Digital Certificate, you will have the same rights (and restrictions) as citizens of the destination who have been vaccinated, tested or recovered.
What COVID Tests Make Me Eligible To Request The EU COVID Digital Certificate?
TAAN tests that include RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR are good. Rapid molecular tests will soon be included. Self-tests do not make you eligible for the certificate.
How Can I Request My European Union COVID Digital Certificate?
Before you start the process, make sure you have your SNS number and your cell phone handy.
- Click here.
- Choose “Acceder”
- Choose the type of certificate you are eligible for.
- Enter your date of birth.
- Enter your SNS number.
- Click on “Submeter”
- You will receive a text message with the code.
- On the same page where you requested the code, click on “Inserir”
- Enter the access code you received.
- Wait for your request to be validated.
- Once they have validated your request (just a few seconds), you will be able to download the certificate or you can request that it be sent to your email.
A Few Notes
I was able to request and download mine with no trouble. When Antonio and my mom tried they had some trouble, so we will be trying again later.
If you do decide to travel, please travel responsibly and only when you absolutely have to. Everyone that is taking this light for whatever reason is just making it harder for us to get the pandemic under control and as an effect, they are messing up the Portuguese economy. This is not a rich country. People like me will be fine, but it is the locals who will suffer. Please take precautions and wear your masks even if you feel the virus won’t hurt you. It’s the right thing to do.