Under the terms of the new recommendations, Member States “should not impose any travel restrictions for reasons of public health”, reads the press release made available by the EC. However, the recommendations continue to contain a series of “safeguards in case of deterioration of the epidemiological situation”.

Travel from third countries

Whenever necessary, in order to face a significant worsening of the epidemiological situation, Member States should decide, in a “coordinated way, to reintroduce adequate requirements for travellers before departure”, says the EC. These requirements may include “vaccination, proof of recovery or carrying out tests”, stressing the EC that the Member States may also apply “additional measures upon arrival, such as additional tests or the imposition of quarantine periods”.

Whenever a variant arises that raises “concern or interest in a third country”, Member States may, “exceptionally, establish an urgent, common and temporary travel restriction or impose other travel requirements”.

Freedom of movement in the EU

If a Member State considers it necessary to impose restrictions on freedom of movement due to a significant worsening of the epidemiological situation, these restrictions should “be limited to requiring travellers to be in possession of a valid EU COVID Digital Certificate”, adding that “persons who are not holders of a certificate may be obliged to take a test before or after arrival”.

In order to be able to react quickly to new variants, the “emergency brake” is maintained. In such cases, a Member State may require travellers to undergo quarantine or testing, even if they hold an EU COVID Digital Certificate.


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