COVID-19 Booster Vaccines Are Required For Travelers To These Countries

Several foreign countries have started demanding overseas travelers to produce documentation of a booster dose in addition to their original COVID-19 vaccine series in the last few weeks. Travelers with forthcoming plans may be surprised to learn that the definition of "completely vaccinated" has changed.

Recent studies, according to Frommer's, reveal that booster shots result in strong immunity and improve a person's protection against becoming very unwell if they get COVID-19. In fact, new research from the United Kingdom (UK) indicated that boosters cut the risk of hospitalization and death from the virus by 95% in those aged 50 and over. In light of this evidence, governments around the world are altering their entrance regulations to incorporate vaccine booster requirements.

The European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union (EU), has updated the E.U. Digital COVID Certificate, which is a permit that proves the holder has finished an approved vaccine series. It was announced that these certificates are now valid for nine months, or 270 days, unless they are renewed with the inclusion of a booster immunization.

While the E.U. Digital COVID Certificate is primarily for travel within the European Union, it's safe to suppose that other parts of the globe will follow suit. Many European countries are already changing their policies to reflect the reforms made by the Commission.

In the nations listed below, your first round of COVID-19 immunizations may not be enough:

Austria — Vaccine certificates were previously thought to be valid for a year, but Austrian authorities amended the rules in early December. Your evidence of two-dose vaccination is now only valid for nine months after the last injection in the series, although it can be renewed if you've had a booster. Officials also ruled that a single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine will not be acknowledged unless the person has also had a booster shot.

Croatia — If a visitor's initial two-dose vaccine series has been completed for more than 365 days, Croatia considers it expired. There is no information on the booster

France — If it has been four months or more since they completed their original vaccine series, travelers will be required to acquire a booster dose. On February 15, the rule will take effect.

Greece – Beginning in February, passengers must have had their final dose of a vaccine schedule within the previous seven months, unless they have additionally received a booster shot.

Iceland — Unless they've additionally received a booster, Iceland will only accept tourists who have completed their original immunization series within the last nine months.

Israel - Unless they've been boostered, travelers to Israel must have had their final dose of their original vaccine series no more than 180 days (approximately six months) prior.

The Netherlands — Beginning February 2, Americans will be permitted to visit the Netherlands without being quarantined if they have already been vaccinated and received a booster. Those who have only finished the first round of vaccines will be required to quarantine for ten days.

Spain - Travelers' original immunizations are only effective for 270 days (nine months) after the final injection in the series if they do not receive a booster.