GBTA Urges EU Governments to Lift Travel Restrictions Between Member States

Vaccinated travellers should not have to test or quarantine once the EU Digital COVID Certificate enters into force on 1st July

Brussels – The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) – the world’s largest business travel association and worldwide leader in education, research, networking, and advocacy for the industry – is today writing to EU governments calling for strong political impetus, decisive action, and seamless coordination to safely re-open travel across the EU.

The EU Digital COVID Certificate and the updated Council Recommendation (EU) 2020/912 of May 20 to ease travel restrictions for vaccinated persons travelling to the EU are exactly what is needed to restore travellers’ confidence and ensure the safety of free movement. Alongside significant improvements in testing capacity and the accelerated vaccine rollout across Europe, these decisions form the foundations for a coordinated reopening of travel to boost European businesses and local economies.

“More than a year after countries across Europe and the world decided to close their borders and restrict travel to contain the spread of COVID-19, improved testing protocols and vaccination programmes are providing hope that safe travel can resume shortly. The resumption of business travel will provide a much-needed economic boost to the travel, hospitality, and events sectors across Europe,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA, adding “Member States should ensure the interoperability and mutual acceptance of third country certificates for the EU to set the global standard for safely restarting international travel, as called for by the G7 leaders and health ministers last week.”

GBTA is calling for EU Member States to lift restrictions on non-essential travel between Member States and select third countries for fully vaccinated and recovered persons in line with the EU Digital COVID Certificate entering into force on 1 July and begin issuing digital certificates without further delay and undue additional restrictions like quarantines.