The European Union is proposing banning all non-essential travel into the region for the next 30 days.
European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen announced the proposals this afternoon to slow down the spread of coronavirus.
The border closure will cover thirty countries.
Essential staff and people transporting goods would be exempt from the ban.
"The less travel, the more we can contain the virus," Von der Leyen said.
"Therefore I propose to the heads of state and government to introduce temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU."
She added: "We think non-essential travel should be reduced right now in order to not spread the virus further. Be it in the European Union or by leaving the European Union.
"And also to avoid more potential strain on our health care system."
The @EU_Commission presents guidelines on border measures & proposes:
1⃣Green lanes/fast lanes giving priority to essential transport to keep the mobility sector going & ensure economic continuity
2⃣Temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU (30 days) pic.twitter.com/9bda9MntF0— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 16, 2020
