Human-Based Approach: What Does It Mean?
Countries have different restrictions depending on where the traveler enters the Schengen area. Europe travel instructions rely on the place of departure of the person. According to a Europe press release, the Digital Covid-19 Certificate is a standard for Europe, and the regulations will avoid differences across it.
From 1st February 2022, Europe Member States will only allow vaccinated, recovered, or essential travelers. A traveler must present a vaccination certificate against COVID-19 or a recovery after having the disease to apply for ETIAS Visa for Canadians.
List of safe countries to those applying for ETIAS Visa for Canadians
Member States can decide whether to allow a traveler based on recommendations. Europe reiterates that vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons should travel to Europe from safe list countries. Some countries may require PCR test results or quarantine, so Canadians should check the restrictions imposed by a particular government before planning a trip.
List of epidemically safe countries
The list of safe countries provided by Europe includes:
- Bahrain
- Chile
- Colombia
- China, subject to a reciprocal agreement
- Indonesia
- Kuwait
- New Zealand
- Peru
- Qatar
- Rwanda
- Saudi Arabia
- South Korea
- The United Arab Emirates
- Uruguay
The list is constantly changing, and every two weeks, this list can be added or subtracted from any country. It is due to the epidemiological situation in the countries listed.
The EEA countries Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are considered safe automatically even though they are not Europe.
CA citizens need Vaccination for the European trip.
Travelers should take the last dose at least 14 days before arrival:
- An EMA approved vaccine or
- A vaccine for emergency use supported by the WHO (needs permission from a Schengen country)
Which vaccines are approved?
- The European Medical Association (EMA) approved:
- Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca)
- Companies (Pfizer-BioNTech)
- Spikevax (Modern)
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
Member States may accept travelers who have received a vaccine authorized for emergency use by a World Health Organization such as Covishield and Sinopharm.
Europe emergency brakes
The European Commission has imposed an emergency brake, allowing member states to restrict travel urgently. If the epidemiological situation deteriorates rapidly or requires attention, the country can make this step, which may or may not nullify your ETIAS visa for Canadians.
Exceptions to Covid restrictions
A specific group of travelers is exempt from European travels
- Healthcare workers, doctors, and nurses;
- Members of the scientific community working to resolve the Covid crisis;
- Citizens who move across borders, return to their home country, and so on.
Restriction color categories
- Green area — no restrictions;
- Orange areas — Member States could request rapid antigen or PCR test;
- Red zone — Member States could require travelers without a test to quarantine on arrival;
- Dark red areas — testing and quarantine requirements, non-essential travel discouraged;
Benefits for recovered and vaccinated travelers
Regulations will exempt the Travelers with a digital COVID certification from entry requirements 14 days after receiving the last dose of EMA or WHO-approved vaccine. Despite the benefits, there are still urgent brakes that will allow countries to reintroduce restrictions if the situation worsens.
