Summer travel to Europe becomes feasible for vaccinated global tourists from June, as per the European Commission's suggestions.
The European Union (EU) has a swift and effective mechanism in place to manage non-essential travel from countries with high COVID-19 cases or variants of concern – the "emergency brake" system. This system, designed to prevent the spread of the virus within Europe, is currently being closely monitored in relation to the UK due to the principle of reciprocity.
Recently, the European Commission proposed to amend the criteria for non-essential travel from seven countries, increasing the threshold of the 14-day cumulative COVID-19 case notification rate from 25 to 100. The aim is to expand the list of countries from which non-essential travel is permitted, regardless of vaccination status, subject to health-related measures.
Israel, with its low level of infection, has already been confirmed to be on the exempt list. The proposal also includes an EU emergency brake mechanism to act fast if variants emerge. The Council will continue to review this list at least every two weeks.
The EU's "emergency brake" system is not a new concept. It enables quick reimposition of restrictions based on epidemiological criteria, such as the seven-day incidence rate of new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. In Germany, crossing certain incidence thresholds (e.g., 50 or 200 cases) triggered restrictions or travel bans.
On the EU level, member states can restrict travel or impose testing and quarantine requirements for travelers arriving from countries identified as having dangerous variants, aiming to prevent their spread within Europe. The EU’s approach generally involves coordination with agencies like the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which set guidelines on risk assessment and protective measures in the travel and aviation sectors.
The EU's focus on controlling the spread of COVID-19 variants is evident in its close eye on the evolving situation in the US regarding vaccination rates. The proposal, if accepted, is expected to have a direct effect on travel demand and much-needed bookings, potentially saving the summer season for tourism entrepreneurs, according to the European Travel Commission Executive Director, Eduardo Santander. European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has also voiced her support for the proposal, aiming to revive the tourism industry and cross-border friendships safely.
However, an EU official has stated that the figures for the UK are good, but the UK's status for non-essential travel remains uncertain. The EU's "emergency brake" system is a testament to the EU's proactive approach in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the safety of its citizens while also supporting the recovery of its tourism industry.
- The European Union (EU) is currently considering amending the criteria for non-essential travel, increasing the threshold from 25 to 100, with the aim to expand the list of exempt countries for travel, regardless of vaccination status, subject to health-related measures.
- The EU's approach to managing non-essential travel involves coordination with agencies like the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which set guidelines on risk assessment and protective measures in the travel and aviation sectors.
- The EU's focus on controlling the spread of COVID-19 variants is evident in its close eye on the evolving situation in the US regarding vaccination rates, as the proposal, if accepted, is expected to have a direct effect on travel demand and much-needed bookings, potentially saving the summer season for tourism entrepreneurs.
- Non-essential travel from seven countries is being closely monitored, with the principle of reciprocity playing a significant role in the EU's decision-making process, particularly in relation to the UK.
- The EU's "emergency brake" system, designed to prevent the spread of the virus within Europe, is a testament to the EU's proactive approach in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the safety of its citizens while also supporting the recovery of its tourism industry.
