European Union: Authorities recommend COVID-19-related travel restrictions for arrivals from China; several countries enforcing measures as of Jan. 11. /update 3

Event

Several EU countries have confirmed further details on restrictions on travel from China following recommendations from EU officials on Jan. 4. The recommendations come as China eases travel restrictions amid high COVID-19 infection rates. The following recommendations apply to all EU and Schengen Area member states:

• Introduction of the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 48 hours before departure from China.

• Introduction of random testing of passengers arriving from China.

• Passengers on flights to and from China are recommended to wear a medical mask or FFP2/N95/KN95 respirators.

The recommendation is non-binding. Individual member states may impose more or less strict measures or no restrictions at all. As of Jan. 11, the following countries are imposing entry restrictions on travelers from China:

• Austria: Travelers must present a negative PCR prior to departure; the test must have been taken in the previous 48 hours.

• Belgium: Travelers must present a negative rapid antigen or PCR test prior to departure; the test must have been taken in the previous 48 hours.

• France: Travelers aged 11 and over must present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 48 hours prior to departure and commit to random testing on arrival.

• Italy: Travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the country, taken in the previous 48 hours for antigen tests and 72 hours for PCR tests, in addition to undergoing testing on arrival.

• Germany: Travelers must present a negative PCR prior to departure; the test must have been taken in the previous 48 hours.

• Greece: Travelers must present a negative rapid antigen or PCR test prior to departure; the test must have been taken in the previous 48 hours

• Netherlands: Travelers must present a negative rapid antigen or PCR test prior to departure; the test must have been taken in the previous 48 hours. Travelers are also subject to a test on arrival.

• Portugal: Travelers from China will have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test done no more than 48 hours before departure.

• Spain: Travelers must present an EU Digital COVID Certificate or equivalent or a negative COVID-19 before departure, taken in the previous 24 hours for antigen tests and 72 hours for PCR tests, and are subject to random testing on arrival.

• Sweden: Non-EU citizens or residents must present a negative COVID-19 test taken in the previous 48 hours before boarding.

Travelers testing positive on arrival will likely be required to enter quarantine or isolation. Additional EU and Schengen Area countries are highly likely to impose entry restrictions for travelers from China in the coming days.

Advice

Prospective travelers from China should check for possible additional restrictions imposed by the destination country prior to booking travel. Follow all official immigration and health-screening instructions. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or reintroduction of restrictions.

Resources

EU and Schengen Area countries