EU updates list of countries to where travel can resume

The European Union (EU) has updated its list of countries for which member states can gradually begin to lift travel restrictions. Re-assessed every two weeks and based on epidemiological data, the list includes the following countries from which travel should be allowed to the EU: Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, and China (subject to confirmation of reciprocity).

The Council notes that Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican residents should also be considered EU residents “for the purpose of this recommendation”.

It should be noted, however, that the recommended list is in no way legally binding. EU state authorities “remain responsible for implementing the content of the recommendation. They may, in full transparency, lift only progressively travel restrictions towards countries listed,” the Council said in its statement.

In response to the announcement, the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA) is calling for the immediate implementation of a uniform policy across the Union to prevent confusion among citizens and travel professionals.

“Conflicting travel advice from different countries on the same destination country confuses citizens and undermines the restart of travel and tourism in Europe. We need more coordination within Europe with regard to lifting travel restrictions and issuing travel advisories,” ECTAA President Pawel Niewiadomski said.

ECTAA added that it regrets that member states are still allowed to “pick and choose” which countries they will lift travel bans for.