The European Commission President, Ursula Von Der Leyen, issued a statement yesterday confirming that the European Union (EU) intends to impose restrictions on all non-essential travels into the EU for the next 30 days. The measures aim to contain further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and will also apply to all non-essential travel outside of the EU.
The UK has not been included in the ban, and borders will presently remain open between the UK and the EU.
The details of the travel restrictions are still to be agreed on and formalised by European leaders, however the proposed plans see a travel ban on all third-country visitors from outside the EU and the Schengen Area unless they are long-term EU residence, family members of EU nationals, diplomats or essential workers. There will also be no restrictions on the transport of goods to and from relevant EU countries at this time and trade routes will remain open.
“Essential workers” are currently classified as doctors, nurses and researchers, however this definition may be subject to change once the travel restrictions have been formalised.
If you are an EU national (or family member of an EU national) living the UK or wishing to enter the UK and have any UK visa or immigration queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2020
Immigration Consultant and Trainee Solicitor in our Private Client department