Since 1 July, the Covid certificates allow you to travel more easily within the European Union. If you have been vaccinated, recently had a negative Covid test or recently recovered from a Covid-19 infection, since 1 July, you can use one of these certificates to prove that you can travel Covid-safe.
Please note: Even with a Covid certificate, it is best to check before you leave whether and what specific measures apply in the country of your destination. More information below.
Which information is on a Covid certificate?
There are three types of certificates:
- a vaccination certificate, which indicates when you were vaccinated. This certificate is valid for one year from the date of vaccination.
- a test certificate, serving as proof of a negative COVID-19 test. This certificate is valid for 72 or 48 hours respectively, counting from the time the test was taken, depending on whether the test taken is a PCR test or a rapid antigen test.
- a recovery certificate, for people who have recovered for at least 11 days after a positive COVID-19 test. This certificate is valid for 180 days from the date of the test.
A single person can have several certificates. A certificate is created for each vaccination dose and each test. Vaccination certificates also indicate for which vaccination the certificate has been issued, e.g. whether this is the first or second dose of a specific type of vaccine. Each shot thus generates a new certificate, each time with a maximum validity period.
The certificates are a European agreement and contain a unique QR code. EU Member States scan this code, allowing them to check whether the certificate is correct and valid. The certificate is drawn up in English and in the three national languages.
When will my Covid certificate be available?
The certificates are available:
- For a vaccination certificate, the morning after the day on which the vaccination centres entered the data into the Vaccinnet database. This is usually the day of the vaccination or a few days later. We can’t say for sure.
- For a test certificate, it is 1,5 hours after the laboratory has entered the test results into the Sciensano database. In practice, this is at the same time as, or shortly after, you are notified of your test result.
- For a recovery certificate, it is 11 days after the positive test was taken.
How can I obtain a Covid certificate?
You can download it via the mobile app CovidSafeBE or via the websites brusselshealthnetwork.be or masanté.be / mijngezondheid.be.
From the age of 16, you can access your own certificates AND those of your underage children when you log in to these websites with your eID or Itsme. If you want to consult or download a certificate for your children, the age of your children, whether or not they have an eID and whether it is an eID with or without a pin code, don’t matter.
More information on how to obtain a Covid certificate for your children is available here.
You can only download your personal certificate or that of your underage children. Other adult family members must access and download their own certificate.
If you have difficulties to access the internet, you can also call 02/214.19.19. Via an automatic selection menu, you can choose to have your certificate sent to your eBox 24/7, if you have already activated this tool, or to have it sent by post to your official address. Please take into account that there is a delivery period of 5 working days. Test and recovery certificates are not sent by post.
What if the information on my certificate is incorrect?
It is important to check your data as soon as possible, especially if you are planning to travel. Go to masanté.be, mijngezondheid.be or brusselshealthnetwork.be or install the CovidSafeBE app right away. You can log in using your electronic ID-card, ItsMe or another digital key.
Where can I find more information?
- More information about the CovidSafeBE and frequently asked questions about the Covid certificate can be found on CovidSafe.be.
- More information about the measures in place in your country of destination can be found at https://reopen.europa.eu/en.
- Travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be found here (available in French & Dutch): https://diplomatie.belgium.be/fr/Services/voyager_a_letranger/conseils_par_destination
- Information on travel is available on https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/safe-travel/