A common approach on COVID-19 travel measures in the EU (until 13 June 2021)
A common approach on COVID-19 travel measures in the EU (until 13 June 2021)
EU countries agreed on a coordinated approach to COVID-19 travel measures and developed common criteria for mapping risk.
Common criteria
- testing rate = the number of tests per 100 000 population during the last week
- test positivity rate = % of positive tests during the last week
- 14-day cumulative cases = number of new cases per 100 000 population in the last 14-day (at regional level)
Comparable data
EU countries communicate weekly data to the European Centre for Disease Prevention
The European Centre for Disease Prevention publishes a common colour coded map with regional data to support EU countries decisions
Common colour codes: mapping of risk areas
- green if the 14-day notification rate is lower than 25 and the test positivity rate below 4%
- orange if the 14-day notification rate is lower than 50 but the test positivity rate is 4% or higher, or if the 14-day notification rate is between 25 and 150 and the test positivity rate is below 4%
- red if the 14-day notification rate is 50 or higher and the test positivity rate is 4% or higher, or if the 14-day notification rate is higher than 150
- dark red if the 14-day notification rate is higher than 500
- grey if there is insufficient information or if the testing rate is lower than 300
Common framework for COVID-19 measures
Green areas
- no restriction of free movement of persons should be applied
Orange areas
- measures should be proportionate and respect differences in the epidemiological situation of orange and red areas
- in principle, entry should not be refused to travellers from orange/red areas but requirements could be applied
- possible requirements for travellers: quarantine/self-isolation and/or COVID-19 testing prior to / after arrival
- inform other affected EU countries 48 hours before applying measures
Red areas
- measures should be proportionate and respect differences in the epidemiological situation of orange and red areas
- in principle, entry should not be refused to travellers from orange/red areas but requirements could be applied
- all non-essential travel should be discouraged
- possible requirements for travellers: quarantine/self-isolation and/or COVID-19 testing prior to / after arrival
- inform other affected EU countries 48 hours before applying measures
Dark red areas
- measures should be proportionate and respect differences in the epidemiological situation of orange and red areas
- in principle, entry should not be refused to travellers from orange/red areas but requirements could be applied
- all non-essential travel should be discouraged
- requirements for travellers : quarantine/self-isolation and COVID-19 testing prior to arrival
- inform other affected EU countries 48 hours before applying measures
Measures similar to those applied to dark red areas could apply to areas with a high prevalence of variants of concern.
Travellers could be asked to submit passenger locator forms.
Exceptions
No quarantine requirement for travellers with essential function or need while performing that function.
No COVID-19 testing in principle for transport workers and people who cross borders frequently for work, study or family reasons.
Why is it essential to coordinate COVID-19 measures?
- ensure freedom of movement
- increase transparency for citizens and businesses
- avoid fragmentation and disruption of services
COVID-19 measures should be:
- limited to public health protection
- proportionate
- non-discriminatory (e.g. on nationality)
- respect specific needs of cross-border regions and geographically isolated areas
- lifted as soon as the epidemiological situation allows it
Communication on new measures
- inform the public at least 24 hours in advance
- all information and updates are available on the EU website reopen.europa.eu