EU Wants The Return of Stricter Travel Restrictions on US Travelers

US travelers had their chance to travel Europe with some sense of normalcy in the past months. Initially, the US vaccine rollout made it possible for European countries to forego travel restrictions on vaccinated US travelers. But as COVID19 cases rise in the US, these travel perks are most likely getting scrapped. The European Union recommends the return of stricter travel restrictions on US travelers.

With the most likely return of stricter travel restrictions, US travelers can expect measures including COVID19 testing, quarantine, and even the end of non-essential travel. Aside from the US, five other countries were removed from the list of nations exempted from travel restrictions. North Macedonia, Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, and Montenegro are also most likely going to deal with stricter travel restrictions.

Possible Return of Stricter Travel Restrictions

Though the EU lifted its restrictions on US travelers in June, the US never reciprocated this action. Instead, the US maintained its ban on Europeans traveling to the US for non-essential reasons. Earlier this month, President Ursula von der Leyen said that they will not let the lack of reciprocity to “drag on for weeks”.

EU’s updated recommendation to bring back stricter travel restrictions is non-binding. Ultimately, EU members will still have the final say whether to follow the recommendations or not.

US COVID Numbers

The US is currently dealing with high COVID19 cases. Some states have it worse than others. Florida has recorded more than 16,000 COVID19 patients in hospitals. Aside from Florida, Texas and California are also dealing with a high number of COVID19 hospitalizations.

One in five hospitals in the US has reached at least 95% capacity. Plus, you also have the alarming death rates. The US has recorded more than 1,000 deaths per day due to COVID19.

To address the current surge, the Biden administration has doubled its efforts to increase vaccination rates. The US Food and Drug Administration also gave full approval for the Pfizer vaccine. President Biden even called for the private sector to “step up the vaccine requirements”.