European Commission proposes Travel Ban

The European Commission is proposing a ban on all non-essential travel from and to the Schengen Area, in an attempt to contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus. EU countries not belonging to the Schengen Area were also invited to join forces and implement similar measures.

It can also be considered an attempt to avoid restrictions from traveling within the EU, but bilateral agreements have already been put in place, for example between Hungary and the Czech and between Portugal and Spain.

The travel ban cannot be enforced directly by European Union Institutions, because countries are sovereign in relation to border controls. The aim is to coordinate efforts and harmonize the effects.

Restrictions do not apply to EU residents under the EU Long Term Residence Directive, or who hold long term Visas, EU nationals’ family members as well as people traveling for imperative family reasons. Moreover, restrictions shall not apply to goods and transport staff. The proposal is for the Travel Ban to last for at least 30 days.