Following a review under the Recommendation to gradually lift temporary restrictions on non-essential travel to the EU, the Council updated the list of countries for which travel restrictions should be lifted to add Israel. As foreseen in the Council Recommendation, this list will continue to be reviewed every two weeks and updated as necessary.
On the basis of the criteria and conditions set out in the Recommendation, from 6 May 2021 Gradually lift travel restrictions at the external borders for residents of the following third countries:
- Australia
- Israel
- New Zealand
- Rwanda
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Thailand
- China, subject to mutual confirmation
Also for the special administrative regions of China: Hong Kong and Macau, travel restrictions are to be gradually lifted, subject to the confirmation of reciprocity.
Residents of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican should be considered EU residents for the purposes of this recommendation.
That criteria determining the third countries for which the current travel restrictions are to be lifted were updated on February 2, 2021. They include the epidemiological situation and overall response to COVID-19, as well as the reliability of the information and data sources available. Reciprocity should also be taken into account on a case-by-case basis.
The associated Schengen countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) also take part in this recommendation.
background
On June 30, 2020, the Council adopted a recommendation to gradually lift temporary restrictions on non-essential travel to the EU. This recommendation included an initial list of countries for which Member States should start lifting travel restrictions at the external borders. The list is checked every two weeks and updated if necessary.
On February 2, 2021, the Council adopted an amendment recommendation updating the criteria for determining the countries for which the restrictions are to be lifted. These are the criteria currently used in the review of the list. The recommendation for amendment also provides for measures for travelers, including PCR testing and quarantine, and foresees the swift reintroduction of restrictions if the situation deteriorates rapidly or if a high incidence of worrying variants is identified.
On 3 May 2021, in view of the evolution of the epidemiological situation and the progress of vaccination campaigns, the Commission presented a proposal to further relax the current restrictions on non-essential travel. This proposal raises the threshold of cumulative COVID-19 cases for the countries on the list and allows non-essential travel for vaccinated people. At the same time, an “emergency escape” mechanism will be introduced to limit the entry of worrying variants into the EU. This proposal is currently being discussed in the Council.
The Council recommendation is not a legally binding instrument. The authorities of the member states remain responsible for implementing the content of the recommendation. You can only gradually lift travel restrictions to the countries listed in full transparency.
A Member State should not decide to lift travel restrictions for unlisted third countries until this has been decided in a coordinated manner.
