Navigating travel in Europe during the pandemic: from mobile apps, certificates and quarantine to traffic-light system

Abstract

Background. Ever since 2020, traveling has become complex, and increasingly so as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. To reopen Europe safely, a consensus of travel measures has been agreed between countries to enable movement between countries with as few restrictions as possible. However, communication of these travel measures and requirements for entry are not always clear and easily available. The aim of this study was to assess the availability, accessibility, and harmonization of current travel information available in Europe. Methods. We performed a systematic documental analysis of online publicly available information and synthesized travel entry requirements for all countries in the European Union and Schengen Area (N= 31). For each country we assessed entry requirements, actions after entry, how risk was assessed, and how accessible the information was. Results. We found varying measures implemented across Europe for entry and a range of exemptions and restrictions, some of which were consistent between countries. Information was not always easy to find taking on average 10 clicks to locate. Twenty-one countries required pre-travel forms to be completed. Forty apps were in use, eleven serving as digital certification checkers. All countries required some form of COVID-19 certification for entry with some exemptions (e.g. children). Nineteen percent (n=6) of countries used the ECDC risk assessment system; 80% (n=25) defined their own. Forty-eight percent (n=15) of countries used a traffic light system with 2 to 5 risk classifications. Conclusion. A comprehensive set of measures has been developed to enable continued safe travel in Europe. However further refinements and coordination is needed to align travel measures throughout the EU to minimize confusion and maximize adherence to requested measures. We recommend that, along with developing travel measures based on a common set of rules, a standard approach is taken to communicate what these measures are.

A comparative study of eight COVID-19 protective measures and their impact on Swiss tourists’ travel intentions

“…Another strategy to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus is testing travelers prior to travel ( World Health Organization (WHO), 2020b ). For example, a modelling study by Johansson et al (2021 , p. 6) showed that testing three days before traveling reduced the transmission risk by 10–29%, with the highest reduction in transmission risk coming from testing on the day of travel (see also Blanford et al, 2022 ). The European Council, for example, suggested several travel measures be implemented, including entry requirements such as a RT-PCR and rapid antigen test taken a maximum of 72 h before departure ( Blanford et al, 2022 ).…”

“…For example, a modelling study by Johansson et al (2021 , p. 6) showed that testing three days before traveling reduced the transmission risk by 10–29%, with the highest reduction in transmission risk coming from testing on the day of travel (see also Blanford et al, 2022 ). The European Council, for example, suggested several travel measures be implemented, including entry requirements such as a RT-PCR and rapid antigen test taken a maximum of 72 h before departure ( Blanford et al, 2022 ). Many countries, such as the US, UK and Germany, as well as Sweden, required a negative test upon entry ( Grunér et al, 2022 ; Smirnov et al, 2022 ).…”

Non-pharmaceutical interventions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 30 European countries: the ECDC–JRC Response Measures Database

“…The measures entered are recorded following a three-level coding system (Levels 1, 2 and 3). Level 1 represents six macro categories of interventions [ 15 , 16 ]: (i) case management and quarantine measures, (ii) general measures (emergency declarations, communications and risk assessments, NPI exemptions). (iii) hygiene and safety measures, (iv) internal (domestic) travel measures, (v) international (cross-border) travel measures and (vi) physical distancing measures.…”

Circular economy, environmental quality and tourism receipts in Europe: A time series data analysis

“…Europe is the leading tourist destination in the world [8][9][10]. The region's attractiveness to tourists and main strengths in tourism is underpinned by the continent's growing cultural diversity, enviable infrastructural development, and the opportunity to travel within the Schengen zone with limited restrictions [11][12][13]. According to the World Bank [14], Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy are the most preferred tourist destinations.…”