European Union Takes US Off COVID-19 Safe Travel List, Backs Travel Restrictions

European Union flags flutter outside the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels on May 5, 2021. Yves Herman/Reuters

The EU has recommended that 27 nations reinstate restrictions on tourists from the United States due to COVID-19 cases.

On Aug. 30, the EU removed the United States, Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, and North Macedonia from the bloc’s safe travel list. Member nations of the EU are free to determine their own border policies, despite the bloc’s recommendation.