Europe Opens Borders, Urges "US to Also Lift Restrictions"

US "No Need to Rush... Concern Over Delta Variant Spread"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] With the expansion of COVID-19 vaccinations, Europe is gradually reopening its borders. In Europe, which has allowed the entry of Americans, voices are growing that the United States should also open its borders to Europeans based on the principle of reciprocity.

Ned Price, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, said on the 21st (local time), "We look forward to resuming transatlantic travel (between the U.S. and Europe) as science permits," but added, "Due to the infectious disease situation, global virus responses, the emergence of variants, and their impact, we cannot provide a specific timetable."

Since President Joe Biden is focusing on responding to COVID-19, the prevailing view is that border restrictions will not be easily lifted for the time being. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. has restricted entry for travelers coming from the United Kingdom, the European Union (EU), Brazil, China, India, South Africa, and India.

Under the Biden administration, exceptions to travel restrictions have been granted for certain groups such as international students, but general tourists are still strictly controlled. Recently, non-essential travel restrictions for Canada and Mexico were extended for another month until the 21st of next month.

Conversely, European countries are allowing travel for Americans who have completed COVID-19 vaccinations or submit negative COVID-19 test certificates.

Accordingly, in Europe, public opinion is rising that since borders have been opened to Americans, the U.S. should also open its borders to Europeans based on the principle of reciprocity. Emily Haber, German Ambassador to the U.S., pressured the U.S. government on Twitter, saying, "I hope a similar solution will be found for people coming from the U.S. to Germany and the EU in the spirit of reciprocity."

However, in the U.S., it is viewed that Europe opened its borders on its own to revive the severely damaged tourism industry, so there is no need for the U.S. to hastily open its borders in response. The Wall Street Journal recently argued in an editorial that "just because Europe opens its borders does not mean the U.S. has to open its borders to Europeans accordingly."

There are also many predictions that the U.S. will not hastily open its borders amid the rapid spread of the India-originated Delta variant in Europe. Celia Belin, a researcher at the Brookings Institution, told AFP in an interview, "President Biden, who was elected on a pledge to prioritize health and strengthen quarantine measures, will not take the risk of facing the spread of the Delta variant."