EUROPEAN COMMISSION OUTLINES PROPOSALS TO EASE RESTRICTIONS ON NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL
In an announcement published on the 3rd May 2021, the European Commission has proposed that Member States begin to ease current restrictions on non-essential travel from outside the European Union.
This announcement was made in light of the progress associated with the vaccine rollout as scientific advice indicates that the risk of transmitting Covid-19 is significantly lowered once a person has been vaccinated.
It is submitted that those who have received both vaccination doses will be permitted to enter the EU on presentation of a vaccine certificate.
The Commission has acknowledged that with the development of the Digital Green Certificate, Member States should also accept certificates from Non-EU nationals.
It is suggested that:
‘Member States could consider setting up a portal allowing travellers to ask for the recognition of a vaccination certificate issued by a non-EU country.’
The full Commission announcement can be found at:
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_2121
In contrast to the Commission’s announcement, the Department of Justice issued notice on the 5th May 2021 that the suspension on processing non-priority visa and preclearance applications has been extended until further notice.
This notice can be found here:
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/visas-updates
This means that the Minister is continuing to prohibit travel for non-EEA family members of Union citizens.
This does not appear to be in line with the current guidance from the European Commission.
