The process of returning to everyday life is underway but, apparently, it goes through a series of apps, acronyms and paper or digital documents, in addition to the vaccine. Here we must also deal with the PLF, or the Passenger Locator Shape. What is it about? In many countries it is mandatory and will have its relevance during the summer. Here is everything you need to know to leave in peace.
What is PLF
If it is true that in Italy the Green pass it is a sort of passepartout, one step away from becoming a crucial document, especially self-certification. Access to places at risk of crowding will be guaranteed only thanks to this pass. This attests to the double vaccination or recovery from Covid-19, with the relative development of antibodies. It is also discussed to confirm the "light version", to favor those who have received the first dose and are waiting for the second. Some countries, however, also require the possession of the PLF, Passenger Locator Form. A further document, the importance of which should not be underestimated. There are already several tourists who have encountered serious problems in the absence of such a certificate.
In fact it is a digital tracking module. A key tool for health authorities to track travelers' movements. The ultimate goal is to be able to quickly go back to the contact list in case of positivity of a subject. Anyone in possession of the PLF will be able to quickly receive an official communication regarding the risk of exposure to Covid-19. A protection for himself and the local authorities. All in the utmost transparency, to avoid further spread of the infection. All you need to do is fill out an online form, print it or have it with you in digital format.
How to fill in the PLF
There is one official European platform but, to date, the only countries that use it for the entry of tourists are Italy e Malta. In other cases, in fact, there are independent national sites. It is therefore necessary to inform yourself adequately before embarking.
The good news is that the directions needed to fill out the online form aren't complex at all. In case you intend to return to Italy or reach Malta, we will have to move from the European platform, as mentioned. Once connected to the site, the country of destination and the chosen means of transport must be indicated. Using a valid e-mail address you can subscribe, confirming everything by clicking on a link received in the e-mail box. Once this is done, you will have to enter the following personal informations:
- name
- last name
- identification document number (identity card or passport)
- phone number
- residential address
- travel information
- arrival date
- residence address
- previous accommodation
- travel friends
- emergency contact
Once you have clicked the send button, you will receive an e-mail containing the link to download the PLF in PDF format or the relative QR Code for a quick check. In the case of other countries that require this form, using a national site, it is necessary to follow the respective indications, which will generally correspond to these, net of some small differences.
PLF, in which countries it is mandatory
All EU countries have the possibility to request this form from incoming tourists. For now, however, only some of them have made it mandatory. Here's the list:
- Belgium
- Cyprus
- Croatia
- Estonia
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Malta
- Portugal
- Czech Republic
- Slovakia
- Spain
- United Kingdom (although it is no longer part of the EU)
Travel to multiple destinations
It is good to know that in the case of family or group travel, it is sufficient for one person to take responsibility for correctly completing the PLF form. Obviously, he will have to enter the required data of all his companions. This is provided that the group shares the same itinerary and place of stay.
In the event that the trip includes different destinations, you will have to fill in a new form to be able to enter each different country (it is not necessary in the case of different city stages but in the same country). There is no obligation, however, for stopovers, as long as you stay inside the airport. Finally, a single module will suffice in the case of cruise travel, despite the many stages.
Photo source: PLF: euplf.eu/it/eudplf-it
