The European travel and tourism associations have again urged member states to abolish travel restrictions in the EU in a coordinated manner in order to facilitate the travel process before the summer season as the vaccination program accelerates.

Such requests were made by stakeholders ahead of the EU Ambassadors meeting on Nov. SchengenVisaInfo.com reported.

The associations’ call is very timely, in their opinion, to revitalize the travel and tourism industries by the summer after months of lockdowns and restrictions imposed to stop the virus from spreading further.

The proposal, originally submitted by the European Commission on May 31, would restore freedom of movement within the European Union if implemented.

European travel and tourism associations support the following elements;

  • People who are fully vaccinated can travel without additional requirements such as tests or quarantine.
  • Individuals who have fully recovered from the coronavirus can travel without having to show a negative COVID-19 test result or remain in self-isolation upon arrival in a particular country.
  • Citizens from countries that have recently reported a low number of COVID-19 infections should be allowed to travel without restrictions. At the same time, trips from countries with medium risk and countries with high risk should be allowed without quarantine requirements and only on the basis of a negative test result.
  • Member States should take a unified approach to accept a negative result of a PCR COVID-19 test that is no older than 72 hours prior to arrival and 48 hours for rapid antigen tests.
  • Minors traveling with their parents should not be placed in quarantine unless the parents are required to do so. Children under the age of six should be excluded from the trip.
  • Raising the thresholds on the map of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (two-week incidence rate for the “medium risk” category increased from 50 to 75).
  • Exempt from restrictions for travelers who present a digital COVID-19 certificate.
  • The European Union has presented an emergency braking system that can be used in the event that a region has an increased number of infections (which could lead to the category being changed to dark red); Member States should impose test and quarantine rules for travelers to these zones, including those who receive a digital green certificate.

“The travel and tourism associations wholeheartedly welcome this important initiative for a coordinated lifting of travel restrictions in Europe. This is an important step in restoring traveller’s confidence and reopening Europe. We believe that the European Commission has done its part, the industry is ready to ensure safe and responsible travel: we need swift action from the Member States now, ”emphasized the stakeholders in this context.

Stakeholders have also urged Member States to implement the EU Council’s recommendations on intra-EU travel, avoiding travel restrictions that deviate from the conditions outlined in the updated recommendations, and ensuring that tests (PCR or antigen) are at least very accessible convenient for travelers.

Airports Council International Europe (ACI) previously warned that current restrictions could cause travelers to spend hours in airports this summer.

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