International non-essential travel

The International non-essential travel (INET) policy is a legal terminology devised by the European Commission on 16 March 2020 in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.[1] The INET policy is central to the Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.[2]

Synopsis

On 16 March 2020, the Commission adopted a Communication to the European Parliament, the European Council calling for a temporary Restriction on Non-Essential Travel to the EU in view of COVID19. The Commission sought to ensure that action taken at the EU's external borders was consistent and appropriate.[2]

The Schengen Borders Code (SBC) allows its members to refuse entry to non-resident third-country nationals if they pose a so-called threat to public health. The SBC allows citizens and residents "for the purposes of returning to their homes" an exemption on restrictions.[2]

The temporary restriction of non-essential travel should not apply to persons with an essential function or need, including:[2]

  • Healthcare professionals, health researchers, and elderly care professionals;
  • Frontier workers;
  • Seasonal workers in agriculture;
  • Transport personnel;
  • Diplomats, staff of international organisations, military personnel and humanitarian aid workers and civil protection personnel in the exercise of their functions;
  • Passengers in transit;
  • Passengers travelling for imperative family reasons;
  • Persons in need of international protection or for other humanitarian reasons respecting the principle of nonrefoulement.

References
  1. "COM(2020)115 - Communication COVID-19: Temporary Restriction on Non-Essential Travel to the EU". EU Monitor. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  2. "COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION COVID-19 Guidance on the implementation of the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU, on the facilitation of transit arrangements for the repatriation of EU citizens, and on the effects on visa policy". Official Journal of the European Union. C 102 I/3. 30 March 2020.
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