Regional health boards are expecting a run on coronavirus vaccinations heading into the summer now that the European Union has extended its vaccine passport for a year, the Telegraaf reported on Wednesday.

The pass, which has been abandoned in the Netherlands, shows whether or not someone has been fully vaccinated, recently recovered from coronavirus, or has a negative test result.

‘If the coronavirus entry pass remains in force in a certain country, then we expect the number of booster vaccinations to increase as we head towards the summer holidays,’ the health boards said.

An EU digital Covid certificate is issued to people who have had a second vaccination no more than 270 days previously, or a booster shot, as well as those who have a negative test at an approved testing centre or a certificate of recovery.

Currently, some 64% of the over-18s in the Netherlands have had a booster vaccination and 86% have completed the basic vaccination series.

Status

Last week the European parliament agreed to keep the DCC pass operating until July 1 2023, meaning travellers to some countries will still be asked if they can prove their status, the Telegraaf said.

The decision on whether to introduce restrictions on free movement to protect public health remains the responsibility of EU member states.

Masks

While most European countries have lifted travel restrictions, some countries still require a pass to visit a restaurant or have kept face masks mandatory on public transport, for example.

Read DW’s round up of the situation in popular holiday countries.

Motoring organisation ANWB told the paper holidaymakers should check the situation in any country they plan to visit both when booking and before they leave.