European Union Reopening Non-Essential Travel to Vaccinated Travelers
On Wednesday, European Union ambassadors announced that the EU will reopen non-essential travel to visitors who are fully vaccinated. As recently reported, EU officials have approved the ruling that international tourists who have received their full vaccination should be allowed to enter. Additionally, any restrictions on which countries are considered safe to visit will also be eased.
EU open to fully vaccinated travelers
According to The Associated Press, EU officials approved the ruling that tourists from outside the bloc who have been fully vaccinated should be allowed in and restrictions on which countries are considered safe would be eased.
US Travel Association President Roger Dow said, “The European Union’s risk-based, science-driven plan to reopen international travel will hopefully spur the US to heed the many calls for a plan and timetable to safely reopen our borders.”
“The right conditions are in place: vaccinations are increasing, infections are decreasing, all inbound visitors get tested or have to prove they’ve recovered, and it’s possible to determine vaccine status,” Dow added.
Speaking to The AP, EU Commission spokesman Christian Wigand said the European Council will now recommend that member states ease some of the current restrictions for those travelers who have been fully vaccinated.
When will this happen?
At this stage, Wigand was unable to give a date for the eventual reopening, as the measure still has to gain full approval. However, the deal must be concluded soon, in order to give enough time to put a system in place prior to the busy summer travel period.
“The council should also soon expand the list of non-EU countries with a good epidemiological situation from where travel is permitted,” Wigand added.
The move isn’t being taken lightly however as the European Commission ruled earlier this month that entry should be given to all those travelers fully vaccinated with EU-authorized shots. However, they also revealed the presence of an “emergency brake” mechanism, which could be used in the event of the possible spread of deadly COVID-19 variants.
Excitement spreads in Europe
Scott Keyes, the founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights, is excited over the news. He said, “Today’s news is thrilling.” Keyes said they have heard from thousands of members over the past few months that are waiting anxiously for word on whether they will be able to take that “bucket list trip” to Europe this coming summer.
“Now that we know Americans will be welcomed back soon, American travelers will be able to shed those anxieties and instead focus their energy on a far more exciting activity: trip planning,” Keyes added.
Europe getting ready for visitors
As reported recently, Greece has announced that the Greek Islands are currently gearing up for summer by vaccinating all residents on the island, as well as those involved in tourism. Meanwhile, Italy is getting ready to welcome all US visitors aboard Delta’s new COVID-tested flights.
This is good news indeed for Americans and other world nationals hoping to plan their trip to Europe this summer.
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