Yesterday, the European Commission published Communication C (2020) 2050 on the implementation of the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU of 16 March 2020 and further defined the types of travel considered essential. The Member States of the European Union were urged to restrict non-essential travel in order to contribute to the containment of the Covid-19 virus. Under the Schengen Borders Code, it is possible to refuse entry for public health reasons.

What travel is considered essential

Essential travel means that third-country nationals will be authorised to enter Slovenia if they have an essential function or need:

• health-care professionals, health researchers and elderly care professionals;
• cross-border conduct of activities;
• seasonal workers in agriculture;
• transport personnel;
• diplomats, staff of international organisations, military personnel and humanitarian aid workers, civil protection staff in the exercise of their functions;
• passengers in transit (including passengers repatriated with the help of consular office);
• passengers travelling for imperative family reasons;
• persons in need of international protection or for other reasons related to the non-refoulement principle.

Border formalities to include checks on whether travel is essential

Slovenia’s police will check all incoming third-country nationals not only with respect to their fulfilment of regulatory entry conditions, but also if they travel for essential purposes, as indicated in the European Commission guidelines. This regime is in operation from 31 March 2020 onwards and at all border-crossing points on the external Schengen border.

Important notice to employers

All employers in Slovenia are urged to act responsibly and follow the instructions of the National Institute for Public Health. Employers should allow their employees to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return from abroad or refer them to a quarantine.