The European Council today (Dec 13) adopted updated recommendations on travel to the EU and on facilitating free movement in 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, the recommendations keep a number of safeguards in case of a deteriorating epidemiological situation.
The Council also recommends, “When a variant of concern or interest emerges in a third country, member states might exceptionally establish urgent, common, and temporary travel restrictions 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”.
“To be able to react quickly to new variants, the emergency brake is maintained. In such cases, a member state could require travelers to undergo quarantine or testing, even if they hold an EU digital COVID certificate”, Council added.
