The novel coronavirus pandemic has caused massive worldwide travel restrictions that are just now being lifted – slightly. Many countries are keeping their borders closed to foreigners through the end of May, but states and cities worldwide are implementing plans to reopen slowly and safely. This is the first step, but it puts a dent in any hope for EU business travel to resume as usual.
Business travel is still considered non-essential travel
Unfortunately, business trips for meetings, conferences, and negotiations aren’t considered essential travel. People are being advised not to travel internationally unless it’s to get home or for essential medical care. Most international travel bans have been in effect for three months and it looks like those bans will be extended further.
EU business travellers should expect extended business disruption
Extended travel bans will be a huge inconvenience to EU business travellers who need to get back to work to keep their business alive. EU business travellers were hit especially hard by initial travel restrictions to Canada since Canadian borders closed early; only Canadian citizens and permanent residents are allowed entry. U.S. citizens are exempt.
Since introducing the eTA, travelling to Canada for business has been swift and easy for EU citizens. An eTA is an electronic travel authorization provided to travellers who hold passports in approved countries who also meet certain qualifications. However, an eTA won’t get anyone into Canada for a while. Canadian border restrictions were extended into mid-May and Trudeau expects that the restrictions will last for many more weeks to come.
Non-essential travel to (and possibly within) the EU could be banned for a while
On March 17, all non-essential travel to the EU was banned for 30 days. The European Commission is urging all EU countries to prolong the travel ban until May 15 to continue reducing the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19 on March 31. A Level 4 Health Advisory bans all non-essential international travel to the United States. Travelers attempting to enter the U.S. can expect restrictions to be put in place with little or no advance notice. EU business travelers without a legitimate reason to enter the U.S. will need to continue working in a virtual environment.
Most countries have banned British travelers
Even if all travel restrictions across the EU were lifted, EU travelers wouldn’t be able to go very far outside of the EU. While some countries have a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine on all foreign arrivals, other countries have outright grounded flights from the UK. In a drastic move, all but 9 countries have banned British travelers over concerns about spreading the virus. The countries that haven’t banned British travelers are:
- Mexico
- Iceland
- Nicaragua
- The Netherlands
- Sweden
- Cambodia
- Palau
- Tuvalu
- Tanzania
Sweden currently has the most relaxed travel policies
Sweden’s borders remain open to British tourists despite neighboring countries closing their borders completely. For EU travelers who want to fly to one of the above 9 countries, it’s a good idea to call the airlines in advance to find out if anything has changed before booking a flight or leaving for the airport.
Although some countries will allow EU citizens to fly into the country, that doesn’t mean travellers should consider it an invitation. To control the spread of the virus it’s still advised that all non-essential travel be postponed until the virus is under control.
Resources for EU business travellers
Don’t be left in the dark when restrictions change without notice. Visit this resource for up-to-date information about current travel restrictions by country.
Resources for U.S. citizens who travel regularly to the EU
For U.S. citizens and nationals who travel to the EU for business, you may want to take this time to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) program. Through this program, you’ll receive safety alerts about dangers like natural disasters, terrorist threats, and security incidents wherever you’re travelling. The program will also document your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in case you need to be found in an emergency. This program is free to all U.S. citizens and nationals.
The future of EU travel is uncertain
With each country and each state determining their own restrictions on travel, it’s unclear when travel will return to normal in any country. For now, business travellers will have to make do with laptops, virtual offices, remote workers, and video chat meetings.
