By Francesco Guarascio

(Reuters) – The European Commission adopted Tuesday rules to allow the European Union COVID-19 certification to be valid for travel up until nine months following the conclusion of the primary immunization schedule.

This proposal is coming as many EU countries introduce new requirements for travellers to help reduce spread of Omicron coronavirus variant. Didier Reynders (EU Justice Commissioner) stated that the EU Commission opposes additional requirements and is evaluating the options.

From February 1, the new rules will become binding for all 27 EU countries. Officials have stated that there is enough support to allow the rule to be blocked by either a majority of EU countries or simply a majority of European Parliament members.

This rule replaces the non-binding recommendation that was made by EU Commission in November.

After the rule becomes effective, EU member states will have to permit fully vaccinated visitors with valid passports access to their territory. As an exception to the rule, states could still apply quarantines and negative tests if necessary.

Seven EU states require that all travellers arriving from outside the EU must also have a negative COVID-19 screening. This is a measure some believe will damage the EU’s credibility.

These are the states of Italy, Greece and Ireland as well as Portugal, Latvia, Cyprus, Austria, Portugal, Ireland, Portugal, Latvia, Cyprus, and Ireland.

Reynders stated that they prefer the only certificate for free movement within Europe.

The Omicron variant could have caused concerns, which could justify the extra requirements. However, the governments would need to show that they are proportionate and essential.

Reynders indicated that the Commission was still considering the options and adding that it did not make sense to bring infringement proceedings against time-limited restraints.

While the national measures tend to be limited to Christmas, the Italians have extended their reach until January.

Only international travelers are affected by the new rules.

For indoor events and activities in their territory, the COVID-19 passes can be extended by governments.

The validity of the COVID-19 card will be extended beyond the set time limit after a booster shot. However, there are not yet enough details about the protection against boosters.

A current primary vaccine schedule for COVID-19 in Europe consists of two doses of vaccines from Pfizer BioNTech and AstraZeneca. (NASDAQ:). Moderna (NASDAQ:), or a single jab of the Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:) vaccine.