The European Council has adopted a new recommendation to allow fully-vaccinated British visitors to enter the EU without the need for Covid-19 tests from March 1.
Although the recommendation is not binding for member states, it suggests restrictions on non-essential travel to the EU should be lifted for people vaccinated with an EU or WHO-approved vaccine, provided they received the last dose of the primary vaccination series at least 14 days and no more than 270 days before arrival or have received a booster dose.
Member states should also lift curbs on non-essential travel for people who have recovered from Covid-19 within 180 days of travelling to the EU, the council recommends.
Under the recommendations, children aged between 6 and 18 should be allowed to travel if they meet the adult requirements or should be required to show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure if they do not.
The council said in a statement: “The amendments introduced respond to the evolution of the pandemic, the increasing vaccination uptake and administration of booster doses, and the recognition of a growing number of certificates issued by third countries as equivalent to the EU digital Covid certificate.”
The WTTC described the move as “sensible”, although member states can still choose to set their own restrictions if they wish.
Chief executive Julia Simpson said: “WTTC welcomes the sensible decision by the EU to drop travel restrictions before Easter.
“The patchwork of rules and regulations did nothing to prevent the spread of Covid but did cause immense damage to the economy of Europe, causing the loss of jobs and businesses. Now is time to rebuild travel and tourism and connect Europe to the world.”