Questions and answers on COVID-19: Travelling

1. What precautions should I take if I need to travel?

Travellers should consult the national policies of their destination country, as well as policies set by their transport provider prior to travel. 

Standard prevention measures to control the spread of COVID-19 that may be recommended during travel include:

• do not travel if exhibiting symptoms compatible with COVID-19
• practice physical distancing (a distance of one to two metres from others)
• follow respiratory etiquette (coughing and sneezing into a tissue or elbow) and good hand hygiene (washing hands with soap and water regularly or using alcohol-based hand sanitisers)
• use a face mask (preferably a medical face mask or FFP2 respirator) in situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Travellers who develop any symptoms compatible with COVID-19 during or after travel should self-isolate and seek medical advice and test for SARS-CoV-2 to exclude a diagnosis of COVID-19.

2. What is the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 when travelling?

There may be a risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 while travelling, so standard prevention measures should be followed.

ECDC, in collaboration with other relevant EU agencies, has developed joint guidance for the aviation, cruise ship and railway sectors for use during the pandemic, including advice on non-pharmaceutical interventions while travelling, the cleaning and disinfection of premises and managing a COVID-19 case on board.