The E.U. today will re-introduce travel ban for travelers coming from the United States, as coronavirus infections and hospitalizations have surged in the U.S. in recent weeks.
The United States will be removed from a “safe list” of countries whose residents can travel to the 27-nation bloc without additional restrictions, such as quarantine and testing requirements. The suggested restrictions, made by the European Council, will not be mandatory for member countries, and it will remain up to those countries to decide whether or not to impose them.
Most European nations reopened their borders to Americans in June, hoping that American tourism would help the industry bounce back. While American tourists were able to travel to Europe this summer, the United States has remained closed to Europeans, drawing anger from Europeans and their leaders, who have expressed frustration at the lack of reciprocity.
Most European countries reopened borders for summer travel and countries like Germany, France, and Italy have required proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test result for people to dine in restaurants, visit museums or attend concerts.
The decision to urge the reimposition of travel restrictions on U.S. travelers was first reported by Reuters. Other countries expected to be removed from the “safe list” include Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro and North Macedonia.
