The European Council on Monday removed the US from its ‘safe list’ of countries from which travellers can visit the European Union without restrictions during the current coronavirus pandemic.
However, the decision is not binding on individual countries and applies only to unvaccinated travellers.
The ruling has two dimensions, being on one hand a reaction to rising hospital admissions in the US and on the other an expression of dissatisfaction that the US has kept tough restrictions in place for travellers from the EU despite the Europeans removing barriers to US holidaymakers in June.
Other countries taken off the ‘safe list’ on Monday include Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro and North Macedonia.
FILE PHOTO: People arrive at Marinha beach amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Albufeira, Portugal, June 4, 2021. Reuters
