On December 13th, the Council of the European Union adopted updated recommendations on travel to the EU and on facilitating free movement within the EU during the Covid-19 pandemic. Under the new recommendations, member states shouldn’t impose any restrictions on travel on the grounds of public health. However, a number of safeguards remain available in the case of a deteriorating epidemiological situation.
Travel From Third Countries
Where necessary to address a severe worsening of the epidemiological situation, member states should decide in a coordinated manner to reintroduce appropriate requirements for travelers prior to departure. These could include vaccination, proof of recovery or testing. Member states could also apply additional measures on arrival such as additional testing or quarantine.
Also, when a variant of concern or interest emerges in a third country, member states might exceptionally establish an urgent, common, and temporary travel restriction or travel requirements. Such a restriction should expire after 21 days unless member states decide to shorten or extend it for an additional length of time.
Free Movement Within the EU
If a member state considers free movement restrictions are necessary due to a severe worsening of the epidemiological situation, the restrictions should be limited to requiring travelers to be in possession of a valid EU digital Covid certificate. Individuals not holding a certificate could be required to undergo a test prior to or after arrival.
Spain was the last EU country to lift all COVID-related entry restrictions in October. While the decision on whether to introduce restrictions on free movement to protect public health remains the responsibility of the member states, considering the latest recommendations, it’s unlikely any countries will reinstate restrictions unless new variants emerge.
To be able to quickly react to new variants, the Council mentioned the emergency brake is to be maintained. In such cases, a member state could require travelers to undergo quarantine or testing, even if they hold an EU digital Covid certificate.
