7 EU Countries & Switzerland Allow Indians Fully Vaccinated with Covishield

Several EU (European Union) nations, notably Switzerland, have allowed fully vaccinated Indian nationals to visit after months of debate. If you're wondering which are the Covishield-accepted countries in the European Union, let us tell you that Spain, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Slovenia, Austria, Greece, and other European nations have opened their borders for Indian nationals with Covishield vaccination.

These Covishield-approved countries have incorporated the Covishield vaccination made by Serum Institute of India, Pune, in their Green Pass/Passport. This particular decision to incorporate Covishield in the Green Passport/Pass was made after India cautioned of a reciprocal policy for the identification of digital COVID-19 certificates granted by European Union nations.

To put it simply, Indian nationals who have taken both doses of the Covishield vaccination will be permitted to visit these nations without being quarantined. However, Indian nationals travelling to most European nations must have a valid travel insurance plan because it is a legal requirement.

Also, an international travel insurance plan is an individual's ticket to get their visa granted. These European nations need valid travelling insurance from Indian nationals or non-Europeans to set foot in their respective lands. As a result, before an individual applies for a visa, they must get decent international travelling insurance from reputable insurance carriers like Tata AIG and others. The plan not only protects the tourist or traveller from financial crises but also assures that the covered traveller receives necessary medical care.

Also, travellers, while visiting a European nation, might be subject to several contingencies that might devastate their finances. From trip cancellations to luggage loss to flight delays, numerous other risks might arise but may be covered under an international travel insurance policy.

In reaction to the EU nations' failure to identify Covaxin and Covishield vaccines in its Green Pass/Passport, the Government of India threatened to impose a reciprocal policy for identifying the digital COVID-19 certificates granted by the European Union countries. The Government of India will not recognise the digital COVID-19 certificates granted by EU nations to its citizens when they pay a visit to India. Consequently, citizens of the European Union landing in India will be subject to obligatory quarantine for a certain period of time.

The reciprocal policy will remain in effect until Covaxin and Covishield are approved in Europe and incorporated in the Green Pass/Passport programme and also acknowledge the vaccination certificate provided by India's CoWIN.

When a member state of the European Union notifies the Indian officials of the incorporation of Covaxin and Covishield in the Green Pass/Passport and the validation of CoWIN vaccination certificates, its residents will be free from the reciprocal policy while visiting India.

But hold on, there is more. The EMA (European Medicines Agency) has not given Covishield EU approval since Pune's Serum Institute of India hasn't filed for the necessary approvals, and the European Medicines Agency will evaluate their case when they do. However, the Indian officials urge the European Medicines Agency to take into account Indian vaccines by recognising the vaccination certificate provided by CoWIN, even if applications haven't been submitted.

Comirnaty, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Valneva, AstraZeneca-Oxford's Vaxzervia, and Johnson & Johnson's Janssen are among those authorised by the European Medicines Agency. However, because the Green Pass isn't required for travelling to European Union member nations, these countries may accept WHO-approved vaccines on their own.

As said earlier, travel insurance is an individual's ticket to get their visa application processed. Without it, the immigration department won't grant them a visa. Also, even though you have meticulously planned your vacation abroad, there could be times when something unexpected might occur.

Add to that the stress of dealing with difficulties like hospitalisation in a strange location owing to exorbitant medical bills, and your trip plans will come to a halt. With perks like personal accident cover and cashless hospitalisation, renowned insurance carriers like Tata AIG alleviate many of your travel concerns and allow you to enjoy a carefree vacation to your favourite places. Thus, it is always recommended to protect yourself with a decent international travel insurance policy.

Listed below are some of the benefits of having international travel insurance:

• Trip cancellation insurance
• Trip delay coverage
• Coverage for missed flight connection
• Flight cancellation insurance
• Medical coverage for hospitalisation with COVID-19
• Emergency dental treatment
• Passport loss coverage
• Daily hospital allowances
• Medical evacuation and repatriation
• Luggage delay/loss insurance
• Personal Accident coverage
• Cashless hospitalisation
• The trip extension (in case the policyholder requires)

Some of these benefits have terms and conditions applied, and the extension of service may differ from policy to policy. However, they are bound by the policy wording, so we strongly recommend you read the policy papers carefully before commencing your journey.

While there could be terms and conditions, you can rest assured of the coverage and reliable service by Tata AIG. So, why bother? Get both doses of Covishield, pack your luggage and board the adventure train to these mind-blowing destinations, all while being protected by a robust international travel insurance plan.

We hope you got the answer to your question — is Covishield approved in Europe or not — by now. Also, you got to know Covishield is used in which countries after reading this blog post.

The acceptance of the Covishield vaccination by the 7 European nations and Switzerland is a positive step toward enabling quarantine-free trips for Indian nationals across the world. Travel enthusiasts may now easily visit these nations if they obtained both jabs of the Covishield vaccination.

Also, do not forget to purchase an international travel insurance policy from leading insurance providers like Tata AIG to stay prepared for any unexpected adversities.