(2)

from 1 March 2022, in point 6a, first, second and third paragraphs are replaced by the following: ‘Without prejudice to point 6(a) and (b), where Member States accept proof of vaccination in order to waive travel restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19, Member States should in principle lift the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU with regard to such travellers who have received the last recommended dose of one of the COVID-19 vaccines authorised in the EU pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 (*1) at the latest 14 days before entering the EU+ area, provided that less than 270 days have passed since the administration of the dose indicated in the vaccination certificate for the completion of the primary vaccination series, or an additional dose has been received following the completion of the primary vaccination series. Member States should also lift the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU with regard to such travellers who have received the last recommended dose of one of the COVID-19 vaccines having completed the WHO Emergency Use Listing process at the latest 14 days before entering the EU+ area, provided that less than 270 days have passed since the administration of the dose indicated in the vaccination certificate for the completion of the primary vaccination series, or an additional dose has been received following the completion of the primary vaccination series. Member States should also lift the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU with regard to such travellers who have recovered from COVID-19 within 180 days prior to travelling to the EU. To that end, travellers wishing to undertake non-essential travel to a Member State should be in possession of either: (a) a valid proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued on the basis of a COVID-19 vaccine authorised in the EU pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 726/2004; or (b) a valid proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued on the basis of COVID-19 vaccines that has completed the WHO Emergency Use Listing process but does not appear on the list of vaccines authorised in the EU pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 726/2004; or (c) a valid proof of recovery. For travellers falling under points b) and c) above, the Member State could also require a valid proof of a negative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test taken at the earliest 72 hours before departure. For travellers falling under points b) Member States could apply additional health measures such as isolation, quarantine or receiving vaccine authorised in the EU pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 726/2004. In addition to EU Digital COVID certificates, Member States should accept such proofs of COVID-19 vaccination or recovery if they correspond to certificates having been recognised as equivalent to those issued in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/953 of the European Parliament and of the Council (*2) in an implementing act adopted by the Commission under Article 8 of that Regulation. Where no such act concerning certificates issued by a third country has been adopted, Member States could accept, in accordance with national law, a proof of testing and vaccination issued by the third country taking into account the need to be able to verify the authenticity, validity and integrity of the certificate and whether it contains all relevant data as provided for in Regulation (EU) 2021/953. In such case, they could require a valid proof of a negative RT-PCR test before departure for travellers fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine that have been granted a marketing authorisation pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 but are not in possession of a EU Digital COVID Certificate or one having been recognised as equivalent to it. Unless they are covered by the provisions set out above, children above the age of 6 and under the age of 18 should also be allowed to undertake non-essential travel to a Member State if they are in possession of valid proof of a negative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test taken at the earliest 72 hours before departure. In these cases, Member States could require additional testing after arrival, as well as quarantine or self-isolation. Children under the age of 6 travelling with an adult should not be subject to additional requirements. (*1) Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 laying down Community procedures for the authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human and veterinary use and establishing a European Medicines Agency (OJ L 136, 30.4.2004, p. 1)." (*2) Regulation (EU) 2021/953 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2021 on a framework for the issuance, verification and acceptance of interoperable COVID-19 vaccination, test and recovery certificates (EU Digital COVID Certificate) to facilitate free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic (OJ L 211, 15.6.2021, p. 1).’;"