The European Union will implement new regulations on February 1 to adjust personal travel restrictions during the epidemic

China News Service, February 1. According to Greece’s China-Greece Times, starting from February 1, the EU will apply new COVID-19 rules on freedom of movement. That is, travel restrictions will no longer be based on the traveler’s place of origin, but on the traveler’s recovery or vaccination status.

The report pointed out that the European Council has issued relevant recommendations. The specific requirements that each group of people need to meet are as follows:

Vaccinated persons

Vaccinated persons can move freely within the EU. When entering another country, it is only necessary to present the digital vaccination certificate and the obligation to test no longer applies.

The vaccination status will be valid if the person concerned has received an EU-authorized vaccine. Of course, some countries may also allow other vaccine recipients who have been recognized by WHO or national authorities to enter.

In addition, vaccination status will also be valid if the traveler received a booster shot or the second dose was given at least 14 days and up to 270 days ago.

Recovered persons

People whose COVID-19 infection occurred within 180 days (i.e. approximately 6 months) can also travel freely within Europe. It should be noted that according to the applicable rules recently promulgated by Germany, the country’s recovery status is only valid for three months.

Unvaccinated people

Unvaccinated people may also be allowed to travel to other European countries under certain conditions. Proof of a negative PCR test result must be presented upon entry and must be no more than 72 hours old. Negative results can also be obtained with a rapid antigen test, which should not take more than 24 hours.

Children

Children under 12 years old may travel without a valid vaccination certificate. For teenagers aged 12 to 18, the same rules apply as for adults.

The report concluded that the EU stated that it would review these rules if new and more dangerous new coronavirus mutant strains emerge, or the epidemic situation worsens. Each country has the power to trigger an "emergency brake" and suspend the implementation of new regulations.