To try to avoid a third wave of the corona pandemic, the Commission proposed that EU countries should advise against all non-essential travel.
A new category for areas with extra high risk is being introduced, which will be given a dark red color in the EU's color scale, which previously went from green to yellow and red.
The advice against non-essential travel is particularly strong from a dark red area.
People coming from a dark red area in the EU should be tested for COVID-19 before traveling and quarantined upon arrival.
People in border areas may be exempted from certain travel restrictions. If the epidemiological situation is the same on both sides of the border, no tests are needed.
For travellers coming from non-EU countries, the Commission proposed mandatory testing before departure and quarantine upon arrival. EU countries should be particularly strict regarding travellers from countries with new virus variants.
”"If it's not essential travel, the message is: Don't come!" said EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson at a press conference.
It should also be mandatory for passengers to fill out a form to be tracked upon entry.
Non-essential travel from outside the EU is prohibited for most countries. The selection is based on COVID-19 cases, spread of infection and testing.
EU countries will have to decide on the Commission's proposal. Each EU country has the right to decide on restrictions on travel to and from its country.
Source: news agency direct
