EU tells member states to remove all remaining Covid restrictions

The EU Council has issued a new statement calling on the Member States to remove any remaining Coronavirus travel restrictions and enable the full freedom of movement between member countries.

In a statement issued today (Tuesday), they announced that they have made amendments to the recommendations on travel to and within the EU, that were adopted during the pandemic, and have advised the Member States to refrain from imposing any new restrictions.

“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 said in its statement.

It further points out that if the epidemiological situation worsens, and the Member States have the need to address the situation, appropriate restrictions should be imposed in a coordinated manner, which may include vaccination, proof of recovery, or testing.

In cases when a dangerous variant is detected in a particular third country or world region, the Council also foresees that the Member States may impose urgent temporary travel restrictions, which shall be uniform for all of them.

“Such a restriction should expire after 21 days unless member states decide to shorten it or extend it for an additional period,” the Council says.

Spain was the last country to remove COVID-19 restrictions on travellers from outside the EU on October 21st, permitting them to enter without having to complete a health form or present proof of vaccination, testing, or recovery.

Prior to Spain, Luxemburg had removed all Covid-19 restrictions on October 1st. The two were the last countries in Europe to still keep entry restrictions in place.

The Coronavirus pandemic affected all sectors in Europe, but in particular, it brought the travel and tourism sector to its knees, after, all travel to, from, and within Europe was almost completely halted in March 2020.

While the industry has yet to recover fully, it has been predicted that by the end of 2023, European tourism will recover at least 75% of its 2019 figures.

According to the European Travel Commission (ETC), the air travel industry has recovered best, with its August flight volumes being just 11% below August 2019 levels.