EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC)
- Introduction
- What is the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC)?
- How do I get the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC)?
- DCC and children
Introduction
The EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) can be used for travel originating within the EU and EEA (the EU, plus Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Switzerland). It is a standardised record of a medical event which took place in an EU country.
Your DCC can be used in either digital or paper format.
If you plan to travel abroad, you should check the testing and quarantining requirements of the country you are travelling to. The DCC is accepted throughout the EEA as proof that you have been vaccinated, tested or have recovered from COVID-19. However, EEA countries have their own restrictions and quarantine requirements.
Since 1 February 2022, vaccine certificates for primary vaccination series will not be accepted for travel if more than 270 days (9 months) have passed since the final dose in the primary vaccine series. Vaccine certificates based on booster and additional doses are not time limited.
From 6 March 2022, all COVID-19 travel restrictions are removed for travellers to Ireland. You no longer need to complete a passenger locator form. You also no longer need proof of vaccination or recovery, or a COVID-19 test.
What is the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC)?
The EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) is proof that you have:
- Been vaccinated against COVID-19;
- Received a negative test result;
- Recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months; or
- Had a booster vaccine
The DCC makes it easier to travel in the EU and EEA. You must still follow the restrictions that are in place in the country you are travelling to. You can get information about the travel restrictions in place on the ReOpen EU website.
The DCC is free.
What information is included on the DCC?
The certificate only contains necessary information including:
- Your name
- Your date of birth
- The date of issue
- Relevant information about your vaccine, booster vaccine, test or recovery
- A unique identifier number
The DCC is available in both digital and paper formats. The certificate has a QR code to avoid fraud.
When giving your details for your vaccine, booster vaccine or test appointment, enter your name as it appears on your passport so your DCC matches your travel documents.
You can get information relating to data protection of the DCC from the EU DCC Joint Data Controllers Agreement (pdf).
Who can get and use the DCC?
You can get a free EU Digital COVID Certificate from the EU country where your vaccination, booster vaccination or COVID-19 test took place. You don’t have to be a citizen of that country.
If you received your first vaccine dose in another country and your second dose in Ireland, you can apply for a Digital COVID Certificate in Ireland. You need to contact the helpline on 1800 807 008 and provide evidence of your first vaccine dose in another country. This only applies to a two-dose vaccine schedule.
If you received your first dose in Ireland and your second dose in another country, then you need to apply to the country where you received your second dose for a certificate.
If you received your complete vaccine schedule or booster outside of the EU, but are an Irish citizen, you can request a Digital COVID Certificate.
You can make your request for a DCC through this online portal. You must be 18 or older, hold a valid Irish passport, and have reliable proof (such as a Northern Irish COVID vaccination certificate or have a valid COVID vaccination certificate) that you have received an EMA- approved vaccination.
How does it work across the EU?
Individual member states will decide how the DCC is used as part of national public health measures. If you are travelling abroad you should check the entry requirements before you travel. You can find details of the restrictions for each Member State on ReOpen EU.
If you have not received your DCC and plan to travel, you should check with the airline or ferry service to find out what documents they accept instead of the DCC. You should also check the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to.
The system is being used throughout the EU and also Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Iceland. You can check the European Centre of Disease Control’s map (EU traffic lights system) before you travel abroad.
How does it work outside the EU?
If you are travelling outside of the EU, you should check the document requirements and travel restrictions in that country on the Department of Foreign Affairs website.
How do I get the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC)?
| Type of DCC | Who is it for? | How do you get it? |
|---|---|---|
| DCC based on vaccination | Fully vaccinated people | By email (if the HSE has your email address) or by post
You can check the status of your DCC using the Self Service Portal |
| DCC based on booster vaccine | People who are fully vaccinated and have received a booster vaccine | By email (if the HSE has your email address)
If the HSE do not have your email address, you will get a text message about how to access your DCC. |
| DCC based on recovery | People who had a recent positive COVID-19 test (RT-PCR or NAAT)
You can request the DCC 11 days after your positive test You must have had the positive test within the past 6 months |
Request by using the Self Service
Portal
You will get your certificate by email within 5 days. |
| DCC based on negative RT-PCR test | People who get a negative RT-PCR result at a private testing service
Test must be taken within 72 hours before travel |
You can get your DCC through private providers on this list. |
| DCC based on negative antigen test | People who get a negative antigen test at a private testing service.
You should check ReOpen EU
to check if it is accepted in the country you are travelling to.
Test must be taken within 48 hours before travel |
You can get your DCC through private providers on this list. |
I have not received my DCC
DCCs based on vaccination are sent out by email or post. You can check the status using the Self Service Portal.
You can also call the emergency helpline on 1800 807 008. You can phone +353 1 903 6437 from outside Ireland.
I want to add my booster vaccine to my DCC
Since 6 January 2022, updated DCCs based on receiving a booster vaccine are being sent out by email. If you have not received your DCC, check the status of your DCC using the Self Service Portal. You can find out more about the booster vaccination certificates on www.gov.ie/DCCbooster.
Can my DCC go out of date?
Since 1 February 2022, the DCC based on primary vaccination will expire after 270 days (9 months). Vaccine certificates based on booster and additional doses are not time limited.
I need to change details on my DCC
If you need to update the details on your DCC (for example change how your name appears), you can do this through the Self Service Portal.
I need further help
You can get live chat assistance from the DCC live chat portal if you need further help.
How to store my DCC
Your DCC will be in PDF format when emailed to you. You can download it to your phone, where the QR code on the PDF may be inspected or scanned.
You can also use the COVID Tracker App to keep your DCC securely on your phone. This can make it easier for you to carry your certificate with you.
You can also print your PDF to use a paper version of your DCC.
If you get your DCC with your booster vaccine added, delete your old DCC and replace it with your updated DCC.
DCC and children
You should check the requirements of the country you are travelling to. You can get advice on travelling abroad from the Department of Foreign Affairs website. Some countries do not accept antigen tests.