EU Recommends Pre-Arrival COVID Testing for Travelers from China to Member States

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] The European Union (EU) has strongly recommended that all 27 member states implement pre-arrival COVID-19 testing measures for travelers arriving from China. However, the plan to mandate pre-departure COVID-19 testing for travelers from China was unexpectedly excluded from the recommendations.

According to major foreign media on the 4th (local time), Sweden, holding the rotating presidency of the EU, announced in a statement that following an emergency meeting of the Integrated Political Crisis Response (IPCR) mechanism held in Brussels, Belgium, the EU agreed on a 'coordinated preventive measure' at the EU level based on this content. This decision was finalized after the Health Security Committee convened by the EU Commission the previous day agreed on a joint epidemic response.

The Swedish government stated, "It is strongly recommended to member states to introduce a requirement for all passengers on flights departing from China to present a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours before boarding." It also announced agreement on recommending the wearing of medical and FFP2, N95, or KN95 masks for all passengers on flights to and from China.

However, the statement did not include language mandating compulsory pre-departure COVID-19 testing for travelers from China. This appears to be a calibrated approach due to some disagreements among member states and concerns about potential backlash from China. Nevertheless, considering the EU's explanation that an overwhelming majority of member states supported the introduction of pre-arrival testing at the Health Security Committee meeting the previous day, it is expected that many countries will implement pre-arrival testing based on this recommendation. Currently, Italy, France, Spain, and others within the EU are conducting their own testing for travelers arriving from China.

On the afternoon of the 2nd, when mandatory COVID-19 testing for arrivals from China began, a health status questionnaire was being completed at the Incheon Airport arrival hall.
From this day forward, all arrivals from China must undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
Yeongjongdo - Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

In addition to EU member states, countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement but not EU members also attended the meeting, suggesting that non-EU Schengen countries may adopt similar measures.

Furthermore, the EU recommended random COVID-19 testing immediately upon arrival for travelers from China within the region. It also encouraged supplementary measures such as testing wastewater from international and China-origin flights and promoting vaccine sharing for vulnerable groups.

The EU plans to reassess the impact and situation related to the easing of China's epidemic control measures by mid-month. With a surge in arrivals expected from the 8th due to China's relaxed restrictions, the EU is likely to take additional measures if the situation is deemed serious.

As the EU strengthens quarantine measures for travelers from China, a backlash from China is anticipated. Previously, when major countries including South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, India, Canada, and Japan tightened quarantine measures for travelers from China, the Chinese government strongly opposed and vowed to take reciprocal actions.