Last update: September 20th, 2021.
Coronapas is (or rather, was) the Danish COVID-19 pass.
On September 10th, the Danish government rolled back any COVID restrictions that were still implemented in Denmark, including the use of the Coronapas to get into nightclubs, restaurants, and sporting events.
Coronapas regulations in Denmark
Coronapas was one of the first COVID passes in Europe, predating the EU Digital COVID Certificate.
Coronapas is still available to Danes who are planning to travel abroad, and are properly vaccinated against COVID-19.
“It will be the extra passport that you will have on your mobile phone to show documents that you have been vaccinated,” said Morten Bødskov on February 3rd, when the Coronapas was first publicly announced.
Initially, this health passport was “primarily relevant for business travelers who need to participate in critical business activities abroad,” according to information provided by Sundhed, the Danish public health service portal.
Once some key epidemiological indicators got better, and most travel restrictions were eased, the Coronapas became available to those who wanted to travel for leisure or tourism from Denmark.
On August 27, Danish Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said that “the epidemic is under control” and that the country will not continue with COVID restrictions.
He also added that the country will not hesitate to reintroduce restrictions if the epidemiological situation changes dramatically.
Michael Bang Petersen, professor of political science at Aarhus University, explained in a tweet why the country can lift restrictions:
“The basis for an open society is vaccinations. 86 % of all invited (from 12 years and up) have received 1+ dose. 96 % of everyone above 50 are fully vaccinated. Throughout the pandemic [Denmark] has had higher acceptance than many comparable countries. No mandates needed.”
How does the EU Digital COVID Certificate work in Denmark?
Denmark joined the EU Digital COVID Certificate program on June 1st, a month ahead of schedule. It was one of the very first countries to do so, alongside Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Germany, Greece, and Poland.
The EU Digital COVID Certificate is the European COVID pass. It proves that the holder has been fully vaccinated, recently recovered, or recently received a negative PCR test result.
On July 1st, the EU Digital COVID Certificate became the standard COVID pass for travel throughout Europe, allowing EU citizens access into Denmark.
As for third-country citizens, Denmark has implemented a color grading system (green, yellow, orange, red) similar to the UK’s traffic light system. Travelers will be subject to various requirements depending on their country of origin.
Restrictions range from PCR test results to a 10-day isolation period. Travelers are advised to use the tool provided on coronasmitte.dk/covidtravelrules to evaluate which rules apply to them.
Is it safe to travel to Denmark now?
According to Our World in Data, when Denmark eased their restrictions on September 10th they were still recording 500 new cases per day, but the government assured that the situation was “under control”.
Indeed, COVID-19 cases in Denmark have since been steadily declining and hospital uptake is low due to high vaccination numbers.
As of September 20th, 76,4% of Danes above the age of 12 are fully vaccinated. This makes Denmark the country with the 6th highest fully vaccinated population percentile.
Denmark has also started administering 3rd doses, or booster shots for those who are most vulnerable.