Covid Recovery Certificates: Travel to EU Countries despite a Positive Covid Test

If you are testing positive for Covid-19 after you have recovered, or are not fully vaccinated against Covid-19, you may still be able to travel to the European Union as you may have developed a natural immunity to Covid-19. Where you have had Covid-19 more than 11 days ago, but less than 180 days ago, and have completely recovered, you are likely to be eligible for a Covid Recovery Certificate. The European Council recognises Covid Recovery Certificates as equivalent to the EU Digital Covid Certificate. Note that each European country can set their own entry criteria, so please check the EU's travel planner before you travel: https://reopen.europa.eu/en.

Eligibility

If you have recovered from Covid-19 in the last 180 days, but more than 11 days ago, you are eligible for a Covid Recovery Certificate for Travel to the EU.

What You'll Need

You will need to show us either a PDF, screenshot or photo of your positive Covid test result certificate which clearly states the date of the positive test result. (Photos of the tests themselves are not accepted - it must be a photo of official test result paperwork).

Benefits

The Covid Recovery Certificate replaces the need to show a negative Covid test, so you don't have to stress about calculating which day you have to take your Covid-1 test before your flight to the EU. Fill out an online form now and receive your certificate within 24 hours.

See an example Covid Recovery Certificate below.

How It Works

Proof of positive test

Send us proof of your positive Covid test result. This can be in the form of a PDF, screenshot or a photo. The proof of the positive test must show the date of the positive test result, and it must be within the last 180 days (but not the last 11 days).

Submit a form

All it takes to get your Covid Recovery Certificate for the EU is a simple form submission that takes 5 minutes. No appointment needed.

Get your certificate

Once submitted, one of our doctors will review your form. If all the information is satisfactory based on the eligibility, we will send you a Covid Recovery Certificate by email so you can travel to the EU.

FAQs

Does the EU accept Covid Recovery Certificates?

Yes. Many countries in the EU accept Covid Recovery Certificates for those who have recovered from Covid-19 but continue to test positive. Please check the country you are travelling to before purchasing.

Who can get a Covid Recovery Letter for travel to Europe?

Anyone who has a positive Covid-19 PCR test certificate dated within 180 days of travel and has fully recovered from Covid-19 (11 days since the start of symptoms, or from the date of the test and 48 hours free of symptoms) can get a Covid Recovery Certificate. Please be aware that some countries in the EU have their own requirements (Austria and Cyprus, for example, requires your test date to be 14 or more days ago), so please check this travel planner before you travel: https://reopen.europa.eu/en.

What is the difference between a Covid Recovery Certificate, Proof of Immunity and Documentation of Recovery?

A Covid Recovery Certificate and Proof of Immunity are the same documents, showing that you have recovered from Covid-19. When these are presented with your positive test result, this is called your Documentation of Recovery.

What language will my certificate be in?

Currently, we only write certificates in English as all airlines and border authorities usually accept English and the local language. We will require your Covid-19 test to be in English too. Currently, we only offer customer support in English. Certificates in English are accepted throughout the European Union.

What do I need to do to get Covid Recovery Certificate?

You only need to answer our online form to assess your recovery and upload a copy of your positive PCR Test Certificate (dated in the last 11 to 180 days). We will then send you your Covid Recovery Certificate to present with your test result.

How do I use my Covid Recovery Certificate to travel?

You will need to present your Covid Recovery Certificate alongside your positive test result.

When can I apply for a Covid Recovery Certificate?

Your symptoms must have started (or you must have had your test) at least 11 days ago and you need to have been more than 48 hours without symptoms before you can apply. Note that some countries require your test to have been 14 days ago and for you to be symptom-free for 72 hours.

How do I know these certificates will be accepted for travel?

We have written thousands of certificates for international travel. The European Council states that Covid Recovery Certificates are equal to an EU Digital Covid Certificate. There is a helpful traveller planner which provides you with the requirements to enter each EU country: https://reopen.europa.eu/en.

What will my certificate contain?

It will state that we have reviewed your test certificate and assessed your symptoms, which allow us to state that you appear to have recovered from Covid-19 and therefore have developed a natural immunity to Covid-19. This will be signed by a doctor fully registered with the UK General Medical Council. Our contact details are included if any verification is required. We don’t currently include QR codes; this isn’t a requirement for travel.

How can my certificate be validated?

Your certificate will contain a unique reference code that can be used by airlines and border authorities to verify the validity of your certificate.

When will I receive my Covid Recovery Certificate?

This will depend on the delivery option you have chosen. Please see our main Covid Recovery page for more information. To avoid delays make sure that you meet the criteria for travel and include all the correct information, including your passport number and full name.

I still have a cough and loss of smell, can I get a Covid Recovery Certificate?

A loss of sense of smell or taste, and a dry cough, can last for many weeks. As long as these are improving, these won’t stop you from getting your certificate.

How do I calculate my isolation days?

Day 0 is your first day of symptoms or a positive viral test. Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed or your test specimen was collected. Although the quarantine rules allow some people to end isolation after 5 days, you are still required not to travel for 10 days.

Where can I find more information?

This travel planner allows you to choose your original destination and ultimate destination and it will inform you of what you need to enter each country: https://reopen.europa.eu/en.

European Council Covid Travel Advice: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/coronavirus/covid-19-travel-into-the-eu/.