Austria and Croatia, two European Union (E.U.) member countries, have implemented new rules for international travelers, putting an “expiry date” on visitors’ COVID-19 vaccination status.

The European Union abolished most travel restrictions for visitors from the United States in June, however, each of its 27 member countries is free to set its own immigration rules (e.g., testing, vaccination, or quarantine requirements).

Croatian and Austrian policies have thus far stipulated that inbound foreign visitors must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours (PCR test) or 48 hours (antigen test) prior to arrival, a certificate of full vaccination with an approved vaccine, or evidence of having recovered from COVID-19 infection within the previous six months.

Croatia also enables travelers to test immediately (within 24 hours) upon arrival, as long as they self-isolate pending negative results or quarantine for 10 days.

Those dependent on vaccination confirmation to enter either country must now have had their final dose of the vaccine no more than 270 days before their visit.

So far, they are the only E.U. members to impose an ‘expiration date’ on the validity of immunizations, but others may follow suit. Especially when the EU is apparently considering revising its decision to welcome travelers from the United States at all.

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