The European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA), alongside major European tourism organizations, has signed a document advocating for the removal of travel restrictions for digital certificate holders and the reopening of international travel on the same basis—no restrictions for vaccinated individuals, those who have recovered, or those with a negative COVID-19 test. Furthermore, ECTAA calls for the discontinuation of color-coded EU maps and the EU White List, according to the National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAT), a full member of ECTAA.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) now acknowledges that EU travel restrictions have not significantly impacted the reduction of virus transmission, hospitalizations, or deaths. It proposes discontinuing the use of combined indicators and the color-coding system due to their limited public health value, focusing instead on promoting vaccination among travelers, the ANAT press release states.
European tourism organizations argue that EU leaders must focus on restoring international air travel as quickly as possible, building on the success of the Digital Covid Certificate (DCC).
Consequently, European tourism organizations are requesting that member states, in collaboration with the European Commission, work on a coordinated EU exit plan from the COVID-19 pandemic for travel and tourism.
This would include a harmonized approach to fully restore freedom of movement, recognizing the endemic nature of COVID-19 and replacing complex traffic light/color systems; common criteria for when to stop using Passenger Locator Forms (PLF), as well as hygiene standards at a later stage (face masks, social distancing, etc.), the statement further notes.
Additionally, all member states should recognize the seven vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for international travel, as the United States has recently done. Vaccine certification accepted at the border should also be accepted for entry into accommodation facilities and other venues at the destination, where required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ECTAA and ANAT requesting regarding travel restrictions?The organizations are calling for the removal of restrictions for digital certificate holders (vaccinated, recovered, or tested negative) and the discontinuation of the color-coded map system.
What is the ECDC’s position on travel restrictions?The ECDC acknowledges that restrictions did not significantly reduce virus transmission and recommends focusing on vaccination instead of color-coded indicators.
Which vaccines should be recognized according to the proposal?The proposal calls for the recognition of all seven vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for international travel.