Last update: June 25th, 2021.
One of the EU’s smallest member states, Luxembourg, has officially joined the EU Digital COVID Certificate program since mid-June.
The tiny nation with a population of just over 600,000 has made great strides in implementing the EU COVID pass and has reported no problems thus far.
Neighboring countries, Germany, France, and Belgium have all opened their borders to Luxembourgers ahead of the summer season.
How does the EU Digital Covid Certificate work in Luxembourg?
Citizens can now freely travel to countries that are already accepting the EU COVID pass. Borders will open to all the member states from July 1st.
The latest news on the Luxembourg COVID pass rollout has also coincided with lockdown restrictions being lifted. Citizens can once again enjoy bars, restaurants, social gatherings, and sporting events.
In response to a new level of freedom, the minister of health Paulette Lenert reminded citizens that the fight against COVID-19 is not over yet.
“Faced with a clearly declining epidemic situation, the CovidCheck certificate will allow our citizens to regain new freedoms after months of joint efforts and restrictions. To preserve these new freedoms and openings, it is however essential that everyone respects the rules in force and acts as a responsible citizen”, she explained.
The Luxembourg COVID pass app CovidCheck is used to verify the authenticity of certificates by scanning the unique QR codes. The app, developed by the State Information Technology Center, will allow holders entrance to various events and establishments.
How to get the Luxembourg COVID pass
There are three types of certificates, each with its own set of regulations as set out by the EU. They are:
- for vaccinated citizens
- for citizens who have recently recovered from COVID-19
- for citizens who can provide a recent negative COVID test result
The vaccine certificate can be issued on the day an individual receives their second dose. In the case of a one-dose vaccine, citizens need to wait 14 days.
Those who have negative PCR test results can also get their certificate online or directly from the laboratory. This certificate is valid for 72 hours.
After testing positive for the virus, the certificate will also be available. It can be downloaded 11 days after the positive result and is valid for up to 180 days.
The certificate can be issued at the vaccine center but is also available online at the secure portal MyGuichet.lu.
The My Guichet portal has proven to be highly efficient and the certificates are automatically generated for citizens over the age of 16 under the “My Data” section.
COVID-19 health situation in Luxembourg
Luxembourg reached a peak infection rate during its second wave in November 2020. But its numbers have fallen drastically to less than 20 new cases per day by the end of June.
Only 818 people have died from the virus and just over 70,000 people have tested positive.
The country has administered close to half a million doses of vaccines. Around 32% of the population is fully vaccinated.