After several EU countries decided to shorten the validity of vaccine passes, transport and tourism associations noted concern at the inconsistent patchwork of rules across Europe.
France, Italy, Denmark and Malta decided to shorten the validity of vaccine passes for national use to seven or three months.
A number of countries have also introduced additional testing requirements, going against the current Council recommendations.
The industry wants a harmonised validity period for vaccine passes, which is ‘a necessity for safe free movement and EU level co-ordination.’
A group of associations including Airlines for Europe, ACI EUROPE, Cruise Lines International Association and the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association said these discrepancies are worrying.
"Several EU Member States continue to act unilaterally, adopting a different DCC validity period, as well as diverging rules regarding children and young adults below 18 years old. This will have a direct impact on families wanting to travel," they said.
"This inconsistency in travel restrictions across the EU directly impinges on individual passengers and businesses to schedule future trips and holiday bookings."
"The travel and tourism sectors have already suffered greatly at the hands of the pandemic. Now more than ever, co-ordination between national governments is needed."
