European Union Recommends States Remove U.S. From Safe Travel List
Joe Cortez August 30, 2021
As a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the United States, European Union member states could once again close borders to inbound Americans. The European Council formally recommended member states restrict travelers from the U.S. and four other countries, including Israel.
U.S.-based flyers hoping to travel to the European Union for a fall or winter vacation may be forced to cancel their plans, as the European Council is recommending member states close borders to Americans. The Council of the European Union made the announcement on Monday, August 30, 2021.
United States Joins Four Additional Countries on Restriction List
The United States was one of five countries and one territorial authority which the Council recommended travel restrictions. The others include Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro and the Republic of North Macedonia.
The recommendation to re-implement travel restrictions is based on a number of factors relating to the spread of the virus causing COVID-19. Considerations include the nation’s response to COVID-19, the current epidemiological situation and other factors.
According to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, COVID-19 cases and deaths have trended upwards in the last 30 days, despite 74.1 percent of Americans having at least one dose of the vaccine. Comparatively, the Johns Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center reports Israel has over one million confirmed cases and nearly 7,000 deaths, with 60 percent of the population fully vaccinated.
While the Council recommendation is not legally binding, many member nations and Schengen associated countries often choose to follow the recommendations. The recommendation reverses the council’s June 18 decision to recommend opening borders to U.S.-based travelers.
United Kingdom Borders Remain Open to U.S. Flyers
Although European borders may soon close to Americans, the United Kingdom has not yet announced if they will introduce restrictions once again. The island nation re-opened to vaccinated travelers as of Aug. 2, 2021.
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It is worth reminding that travelling from EU and UK to USA is not possible even for fully vaccinated passengers.
Did you even read the recommendation? It is mostly related to unvaxxed Americans. Italy's updated info is if you are vaxxed you fill out a PLF and submit proof of vaccination and a negative test. Unvaxxed have to quarantine. I don't understand why this reads like ALL AMERICANS BANNED OMG! From what I have read, only 2 countries have banned all US visitors.
Some of Europe has high Covid rates. If someone is going from a high COVID area to another high COVID area, why restrict them?
A full ban like last year is highly unlikely. The restrictions Italy and Germany announced are likely the limit
I’m sure a lot of travel companies and tourist destinations are not thrilled with this; cruise lines, land tours, etc. I know Viking was ramping up their cruised in the Mediterranean.