Travelling is not something to be improvised. The health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic has reinforced the formalities required. Which identity document should you use? Which visa? Do I need a vaccination or health passport?
In all cases, travel insurance such as Travel Pass is essential. Travel insurance is sometimes required to obtain a visa. The unforeseen events that can spoil a trip, or even make it worse, don’t just happen to other people…
The Covid-19 pandemic is complicating travel, and some countries are setting up “health corridors” allowing people to travel freely as soon as they have been vaccinated. The European Union has voted to introduce a “green certificate” by June 2021.
Need a passport to travel?
1. Do you need a passport?
The identity document you need to bring with you depends on your destination. Within the European Union, you can travel with a national identity card or a valid passport if you’re a European citizen. As soon as you leave the EU, you’ll need your passport, or even a visa, also known as an entry visa. It can take several weeks to obtain one of these documents. So it’s important to apply for them well in advance of your departure.
Europeans can freely cross the borders of one or more other EU countries without having to show their identity papers. However, it is still advisable to carry a valid national identity card or passport to prove your identity in the event of a check. If you’re flying, you’ll need to show proof of identity. For non-Europeans, a passport is mandatory.
A passport is an identity document issued by the government of a country to its citizens, enabling the owner to travel abroad by certifying his or her identity. So, for destinations outside the EU, you need a passport to prove your identity and nationality abroad.
Do I need a health passport or Covid certificate?
In the wake of the Coronavirus crisis, the European Union has voted to introduce a “green certificate” to guarantee the free movement of people and limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus. All proof of testing, vaccination or recovery is now required. The system is called the “European Union Digital Covid Certificate”. This health pass is compulsory for travel within the European Union and worldwide.
1. What’s in the Health Pass?
Equipped with a QR code, the European health certificate can be contained in a smartphone or on a paper document. This tool will include the following information:
– Name
– Date of birth
– Date of issue
– Relevant information about the vaccine/test/institution
– Unique certificate identifier
2. Recognition of the European Health Pass worldwide
The EU digital Covid certificate is accepted in all EU member states. In fact, several non-EU countries have joined the European Union’s digital COVID certificate system.
3. The use of the Health Pass in European countries
In every European country, the Health Pass is mandatory for access to many “closed” areas
– Denmark: One of the first European countries to introduce the Health Pass. The country has relaxed its health pass, making it no longer compulsory for access to various locations.
– Hungary: The health pass is issued after the 1st dose of vaccine.
– Luxembourg: A pass is only required in shops.
– Italy: A “green pass” is required for access to enclosed areas. It is compulsory for workers.
– In Greece, Ireland, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia, a sanitary pass allows access inside catering facilities.
– France: Use of the sanitary pass is compulsory in shops, restaurants and cultural establishments.
– Austria: Customers must either have a negative PCR test or a vaccination certificate for all activities in contact with the public (restaurants, hotels, theaters, concerts, etc.).
Do I need a visa to travel?
1. What is a visa?
In addition to a passport, some countries require a visa authorizing the holder to enter their territory. In this case, you should contact the consulate or embassy of your destination country to find out what documents are required and how to obtain a visa.
A visa is a document certifying that you are authorized to travel to a foreign country for a certain period of time and for a specific purpose (work, tourism, study…). It takes the form of a stamp or sticker, which is affixed to your passport.
2. Visa-free stay
No visa is required within the European Union for stays of less than 90 days. The principle governing visas is reciprocity. If your country requires a visa for certain nationalities, it’s highly likely that if you visit that country, you’ll need to hold one.
3. Entry permit: ETIAS, ESTA or AVE
For tourists, even if a visa is not required, some countries require prior identification to collect data on anyone entering their territory. The United States, for example, requires anESTA travel authorization. Canada requires an electronic travel authorization (AVE). In May 2023, the European Union will also launch a visa waiver program for some sixty countries: the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The ETIAS system will automate checks on travelers and save time in issuing authorizations. Authorizations will remain valid for 3 years for multiple trips of less than 90 consecutive days within the EU.
4. Visa issued on arrival
For most countries, a visa is not required on entry. For others, you’ll need to apply for a visa on arrival at your destination, and at the country’s border post, the immigration officer will provide you with a visa on your passport. Please note that in some countries, a fee of between €15 and €50 is required to obtain a visa.
5. Visa required for travel
When traveling to a foreign country, it is sometimes necessary to obtaina visa before arrival. To do this, you need to go to the embassy or consulate of the corresponding country with documents such as your passport, passport photo, travel itinerary and plane ticket. If these establishments are not present in your town, it is possible to take the necessary steps by mail, but sometimes it is necessary to travel. For more information on obtaining visas, country by country, visit the website of the embassy of the destination country. Private companies also specialize in visa preparation.
In many cases, international health insurance is a prerequisite for visa applications.
6. Visa renewal
Visa renewal conditions vary from country to country, due to different laws. To renew your visa, you need to go to an immigration office with the required documents. After examining your file and conducting an interview, your renewal will be processed. Please note that in some cases, renewal may be subject to a fee.
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When you travel, remember to make a photocopy of your passport and/or identity card beforehand, and send it to yourself by e-mail when you go abroad. This will enable you to prove your identity when going out or being checked, without having to carry the original documents with you. What’s more, in the event of theft or loss, you’ll have the means to prove your identity. And don’t forget to take your insurance certificate with you!
