Slowly but surely, tedious Covid travel restrictions are being peeled back. Just this week, Sweden opened its doors to all, Costa Rica ended all restrictions, and France said it would, finally, let in unvaccinated Britons (though they will still need a negative test).

But there is a piece of travel paperwork that endures, and is the physical (or digital, depending on where you are going) embodiment of everything that is wrong with the EU.

Behold, the EUdPLF, whose adoption of the lower-case “d” was presumably the result of a lengthy meeting somewhere in Brussels. What exactly is it? Luckily for you, the EU has a 10,000-word, 78-page document answering that very question (14 pages longer than the Vintage Classics edition of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner). 

But, assuming you are not currently trying to curb a bout of chronic insomnia, allow us to enlighten you on this albatross of a form that hangs around the neck of travellers to a small number of EU countries.

What is it?

The European Digital Passenger Locator Form (EUdPLF) is an application created by the EU, which national public health authorities can use to track incoming arrivals during the pandemic. Simple enough? Think again.

Which EU countries use it?

Barely any. The form is available to all EU countries, but is used by just four: France, Italy, Malta and Slovenia. And they all use the form in slightly different ways.

So presumably other EU countries do not have a PLF?

Wrong. Portugal has its own, separate passenger locator form, Croatia has an online entry form. Arrivals in Spain must fill in a “health control form”. Austria has a ‘pre-travel clearance form’. The Netherlands has its own health declaration form. We could go on. 

Is it mandatory?

It depends. On the France FCDO page, it says: “You may also be asked to complete the EU-PLF form before boarding.” In Slovenia, Malta and Italy, the form is mandatory.

How do I fill in the EUdPLF?

As you will see on page 76, section 14 of the user manual, it depends. In France, you can either fill it in digitally (prior to travel) or on a paper slip, which may or may not be handed to you by airline staff during the flight. In Malta, Italy and Slovenia, the form must be filled in digitally before travel and you’ll receive a QR code to flash on check-in and arrival. 

Who has to fill it in?

It depends. In France (maybe), Malta and Slovenia, every adult and child must complete a separate PLF, even if travelling as part of a group. One family member can create an account and do this for everyone in their party. In Italy, you don’t need to fill in a fresh form for minors, but can rather add them under the “Declaration” section of the parent’s form. Are you following?

Surely I can fill it in at any hour of the day?

Not in Malta you can’t. For some reason, applications are only reviewed between 7am and 9pm. Fill in your form outside of these hours and you will not receive a QR code.

Does my vaccine certificate come into this?

It depends. France and Slovenia no longer require vaccine certificates for entry. Italy does still request proof of vaccination, but does not require it to be attached to the EUdPLF. In Malta, however, as part of the application process you must upload a copy of your vaccination certificate or test result (if unjabbed).

What is the point of the form?

The form is a relic of the deep end of the pandemic, when governments scrambled to gather as much data as possible about where in the world people were arriving from, and whether they were seated next to a positive case on their flight so they could be contacted and told to isolate. Italy, France and Malta do still have rules in place if you come into close contact with a positive case. Slovenia does not, but rather uses the form to restrict entry for unvaccinated travellers planning to transit via Slovenia to an EU country where they are banned from entering.

Are there other forms to enter these countries?

In France, yes. To enter the country you must fill in a sworn statement (déclaration sur l’honneur) self-certifying you’re not suffering from Covid symptoms, and haven’t had the virus within 14 days. The EUdPLF is the only form you’ll need to complete to enter Malta, Italy and Slovenia.

I have more questions about the EUdPLF

Lucky for you, there’s a riveting document with all the answers you’ll ever need. Enjoy.