The Council today adopted updated recommendations on facilitating travel to and within the EU during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the new recommendations, Member States should not impose travel restrictions on public health grounds. However, the recommendations contain many safeguards in case the epidemiological situation worsens.
Travel from a third country
When to deal with Serious deterioration of the epidemiological situation, Member States should decide in a coordinated manner to reintroduce the appropriate requirements to travelers before departure. These may include vaccinations, proof of recovery, or testing. Member States may also apply additional measures upon arrival, such as additional inspections and quarantines.
When Variant of Concern or Interest When appearing in a third country, Member States may exceptionally establish emergency, general or temporary travel restrictions or travel requirements. Such a restriction should expire after 21 days, unless a Member State decides to shorten or extend it.
Free movement in the EU
If a Member State considers restrictions on free movement necessary Serious deterioration of the epidemiological situation These restrictions should be limited to requiring travelers to possess a valid EU Digital COVID certificate. Those who do not hold a certificate may be required to undergo a pre-arrival or post-arrival test.
to respond quickly new variant, the emergency brake is maintained. In such cases, Member States may require the traveler to undergo quarantine or testing even if the traveler holds her EU Digital COVID Certificate.
Background
The EU is working with Member States to contain the spread of the virus and support national health systems in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To slow the spread of the virus, EU leaders agreed on March 17, 2020 to temporarily restrict non-essential travel to the EU. This applies until June 30, 2020. Non-essential travel to the EU and possible lifting of such restrictions. This recommendation was last updated on February 22, 2022.
The decision whether to introduce restrictions on free movement to protect public health remains the responsibility of Member States. To avoid fragmentation and disruption of services and ensure transparency and predictability for citizens and businesses, the Board adopted recommendations establishing common standards and a common framework for travel measures. This recommendation was last updated on January 25, 2022.
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