Luxembourg to launch Covid passport ahead of EU

Luxembourg will be among the first countries to pilot a digital system which provides proof of vaccine or recovery from the virus, confirming they are safe to travel abroad. It says it is ready to launch when the current pandemic restrictions expire on 12 June.

Travellers from Luxembourg with a digital certificate that shows a person has been fully vaccinated, recovered from Covid or tested negative recently no longer need to show a negative PCR test.

An EU-wide certificate is planned to be based on the same principles and is expected to launch in early July. The Luxembourg solution could be easily merged with the EU one, once ready.

National health authorities in Luxembourg will be responsible for establishing whether a person meets certain Covid-safety criteria and issuing the subsequent certificate.

The digital version can be stored on a mobile device, but people can also request a paper version. Both will have a QR code that contains essential information, as well as a digital seal to make sure the certificate is authentic.

Many locals go to Belgium, France and Germany for private or state paid treatment.  Shortages in some areas of specialty care necessitate a generous state policy towards receiving care abroad.