The decision was taken on the basis of the recommendations of the European Commission. It can be found on the official website of the European Union government.
Uniform criteria for assessing the epidemiological situation
Previously, it was up to each state to set its own evaluation criteria, which were the basis on which quarantine and restriction of entry decisions were made. Now the Schengen countries have to assess the epidemiological situation on their territory using 3 criteria.
The registered incidence rate is the total number of newly registered COVID-19 infections per 100,000 inhabitants. The calculation is made once every 14 days.
Percentage of positive tests in relation to all COVID-19 tests carried out in the last week.
Number of COVID-19 tests conducted per 100,000 inhabitants over the last week.
The country provides information on these indicators to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Single map for the Schengen area countries
В июне 2020 года Евросоюз запустил интерактивную карту региона. Теперь страны Шенгена окрашиваются в определенный цвет в зависимости от эпидемиологической ситуации в стране. Цвет присваивается на основе данных от Европейского центра профилактики и контроля болезней.
Country assessment system by colour
| Colour | Incidence | Positive tests |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Less than 25 | Less than 4% |
| Orange | Less than 50 | From 4% |
| 25 to 150 | Less than 4% | |
| Red | From 50 | From 4% |
| More than 150 | — | |
| Gray | No data or up to 300 tests conducted |
The map also provides general information on the possibility of entering and leaving the country. You can view the map on the official website of the European Union government.
Source: Re-open EU
An epidemiological map will help citizens and residents of the European Union and the Schengen to plan their movements. The information is also useful for investors from Russia who are participating in Malta's citizenship programmes, Malta's permanent residence permit and Portugal's residence permit programmes.
A unified approach to travel in the Schengen area
Country governments can only make decisions about imposing or removing restrictions based on colour status. For example, restrictions may relate to a ban on entry into a country or mandatory testing for visitors from certain countries.
Countries are not allowed to impose restrictions on the entry of tourists from green zone countries.
Citizens and residents of states that are marked on the map in any other colour may be obliged by countries:
- self-isolate and remain in quarantine for a set period;
- take the COVID-19 test when entering the country;
- provide an address for temporary residence in the country.
However, the self-insulation requirement will not apply to certain categories of citizens and residents. These include patients of medical institutions entering due to family emergency, passengers on transit flights.
The Schengen countries must notify the other states and the European Commission at least 48 hours in advance of the introduction or removal of restrictions. The changes will be published on the Re-open EU platform 24 hours in advance.
