On 13 December, 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 should not impose any restrictions on travel on the grounds of public health, however, a number of safeguards in case of a deteriorating epidemiological situation are kept available.
1. 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 travellers 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.
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 it or extend it for an additional period.
2. Free movement within the EU
If a member state considers free movement restrictions are necessary due to a severe worsening of the epidemiological situation these restrictions should be limited to requiring travellers to be in possession of a valid EU digital Covid certificate. Persons not holding a certificate could be required to undergo a test prior to or after arrival.
In October, Spain was the last EU country to lift all Covid-related entry restrictions, regardless of where travellers are coming from, after it had previously done that only for the Schengen area. 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 is unlikely any countries will reinstate restrictions, unless new variants emerge.
To be able to react quickly to possible new variants, the Council mentioned the emergency brake is maintained. In such cases a member state could require travellers to undergo quarantine or testing, even if they hold an EU digital Covid certificate.
