The EU intends to loosen travel restrictions for nations outside the EU
The European Union (EU) is easing travel restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals from non-EU countries, taking into account the current epidemiological situation and the emergence of new variants. However, specific public criteria for these decisions have not been explicitly outlined.
Key elements influencing the EU's policy include the vaccination status of travellers and an ongoing evaluation of the epidemiological situation in non-EU countries. Individuals fully vaccinated with vaccines authorized by the EU or recognized by the World Health Organization are more likely to be allowed entry without additional restrictions.
The EU continuously monitors COVID-19 infection rates, variant emergence, and overall risk levels in non-EU countries to decide on travel permission and quarantine requirements. The expansion of permitted countries on the list depends on a country’s risk profile based on infection rates, variant characteristics, and vaccination coverage.
Starting from October 12, 2025, the EU is implementing the Entry/Exit System (EES)—a biometric screening system for all non-EU nationals entering or exiting the Schengen area. This system registers fingerprints and photos and ensures travelers comply with visa rules and stay limits, indirectly tying into the EU's border health and security controls.
While COVID-19 vaccination requirements for entry into individual EU countries have largely been dropped, travellers should still meet passport and visa requirements. The vaccination status may impact busier entry points or specific travel corridors, subject to change if new variants arise.
A significant factor in lifting travel restrictions is the progress in vaccinating a country's population against the virus. The threshold for COVID-19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants to lift travel restrictions from a third country has increased from 25 to 75. Additionally, the detection of variants of interest in a country, in addition to variants of concern, will now be considered when deciding to lift travel restrictions.
Reciprocity should be taken into account on a case-by-case basis when lifting travel restrictions. The digital green certificate regulation will provide the basis for treating third-country vaccination certificates equivalent to digital green certificates once adopted. Until then, member states can accept third-country certificates containing a minimum data set, in accordance with national law and the need to verify the authenticity, validity, and integrity of the certificate.
Member states are trying to coordinate their decisions on entry from non-EU countries due to the fact that there are in principle no border controls within the EU/Schengen area. The EU's approach to travel restrictions remains flexible and responsive to evolving health and safety concerns.
- As the EU reevaluates travel policies from non-EU countries, eco-tourism and sustainable travel practices may become more integral, considering the role of vaccination, infection rates, and variant emergence in determining safe travel corridors.
- Another significant factor in returning to normal tourism and travel will be the adoption of the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) from October 12, 2025, aiming to enhance border controls, health screenings, and maintain the lifestyle of travel while ensuring security.
