EU Commission Recommends Member States Ban Entry of US Citizens

Policy Allowing Entry in June Reversed
Seemingly Changed Stance Due to Continued US Ban on European Travelers

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The possibility of Americans' travel to Europe being suspended again has increased. However, since different decisions may be made by each country, confusion related to this is also a concern.

According to the Associated Press, the EU on the 30th (local time) issued a statement recommending member states to suspend entry of Americans for 'non-essential travel' purposes.

The decision by the European Commission reverses the policy that allowed Americans to travel to Europe in June ahead of the vacation season.

The AP pointed out that the European Commission's recommendation is not binding, so it is unclear what decisions individual countries in Europe will make. Some member states may continue to allow American travelers only if they have completed vaccination.

Earlier, The Wall Street Journal also reported that the EU had been considering travel suspension recommendations since last month due to the average COVID-19 infection rate in the US exceeding the EU average infection rate.

Along with the US, Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, and North Macedonia were also added to the list of countries banned from entering Europe.

The EU's move is also presumed to be an action considering reciprocity, as the US still prohibits entry of Europeans for non-essential travel. Although Europe has allowed entry of US citizens, the US still does not permit entry of Europeans.

The European Commission stated that it is continuing discussions with the US government regarding allowing Europeans to enter the US. The European Commission has argued that entry of Europeans to the US should be allowed on the basis of reciprocity.

This recommendation does not apply to the United Kingdom, which has withdrawn from the EU.

Following the EU's recommendation, stock prices of major airlines in both the US and Europe fell simultaneously due to concerns over delayed recovery in travel demand. United Airlines in the US fell 3%, and Germany's Lufthansa fell 1%.