COVID-19: Council updates travel recommendations to lift all COVID-19 restrictions

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The European Council has advised EU member states to lift all COVID-related travel and entry restrictions.

Key Points:

• The European Council recommends that member states lift all remaining COVID-19 entry restrictions and said they “should not impose any restrictions on travel on the grounds of public health.”
• In the event that the COVID-19 situation worsens, the Council said member states should “decide in a coordinated manner to reintroduce appropriate requirements for travelers prior to departure.” Such requirements could include vaccination, proof of recovery or testing, or quarantine upon arrival.
• The Council said that if a “variant of concern or interest” emerges in a third country, member states could establish a temporary travel restriction for 21 days.

BAL Analysis: Most EU countries have already lifted COVID-19 entry and travel requirements. Policies can change with little or no notice, however, and the U.S. continues to enforce a vaccination requirement on most foreign nationals entering (or reentering) the country. Employers and employees are encouraged to continue consulting their BAL professional before planning international travel from the United States.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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