Coronavirus: Commission invites Member States to extend restriction on non-essential travel to the EU until 15 June

On Friday 8 May, the Commission invited Schengen Member States and Schengen Associated States to extend the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU for another 30 days, until 15 June. The Commission will continue to assist Member States in implementing the restriction on non-essential travel to the EU, including through regular videoconference meetings with Home Affairs Ministers. Any further prolongation of the travel restriction beyond 15 June 2020 would need to be assessed again, based on the evolution of the epidemiological situation.

Background

On 16 March 2020 the Commission invited Heads of State or Government to introduce a temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU for an initial period of 30 days. On 8 April, the Commission called for prolonging the travel restriction until 15 May. All EU Member States (except Ireland) and non-EU Schengen countries have since taken national decisions to implement and prolong this travel restriction.

To assist Member States, the Commission presented on 30 March 2020 guidance on how to implement the temporary travel restriction, facilitate repatriations from across the world, and deal with those compelled to stay in the EU longer than they are authorised to as a result of travel restrictions.

The travel restriction does not apply to EU citizens, citizens of non-EU Schengen countries and their family members, and non-EU nationals who are long-term residents in the EU for the purpose of returning home. Member States should not apply the restrictions to specific categories of travellers with an essential function or need.

More Information

• Press release "Coronavirus: Commission invites Member States to extend restriction on non-essential travel to the EU until 15 June"
• Communication to extend the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU, 8 May 2020
• Q&A for people travelling to and from the EU during the pandemic
• Communication on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU, 16 March 2020