It’s been more than a year since the EU shutdown of non-essential travel
With the tourist season and summer in Europe approaching, travelers from the US might once again be able to enjoy the beautiful sites the continent has to offer. Americans who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 will likely be able to travel to Europe by summer.
The news from the European Union comes after more than a year of no non-essential travel to the bloc. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said in an interview for The New York Times on Sunday that fully vaccinated travelers from the United States will be able to visit Europe this summer.
Americans vaccinated with EMA-approved vaccines will be allowed to visit the EU
The story of #COVID19 vaccines is that of groundbreaking science.
Pioneering spirit. And a miracle of manufacturing.
Our vaccination campaign is gaining speed.
I am confident we will have enough doses to have 70% of adults in the EU vaccinated in July. pic.twitter.com/8a4aMeFgQX
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 24, 2021
The 27 European Union states will allow those who have completed vaccination using the European Medicines Agency (EMA)-approved shots. EMA has given a green light to all three vaccines cleared for use in the United States: Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson.
“The Americans, as far as I can see, use European Medicines Agency-approved vaccines,” said von der Leyen. “This will enable free movement and travel to the European Union.
“Because one thing is clear: All 27 member states will accept, unconditionally, all those who are vaccinated with vaccines that are approved by EMA,” she added.
Von der Leyen did not disclose the timeline or details on procedures, however, her statements are an affirmation that vaccines could signify opening up after more than a year since the EU halted all non-essential travel from the US.
With over 28 percent of Americans fully vaccinated and infection rates falling, so-called COVID-19 passports have been a hot topic when it comes to the reopening of international travel.
Digital Green Certificate could enable people to move freely within the EU
We have reached a key milestone for setting up the Digital Green Certificate infrastructure.
EU countries agreed on technical specifications guidelines for implementing the system.
This is an important step towards our goal to roll-out the certificate by June. #StrongerTogether
— European Commission 🇪🇺 (@EU_Commission) April 22, 2021
With a growing number of administered vaccines, countries are looking into making vaccine certificates that would enable people to move and travel freely.
In March, the EU presented a proposal for a Digital Green Certificate valid in all EU states. The certificate would serve as proof that a person has either been vaccinated against COVID-19, recovered from the infection, or tested negative.
“When traveling, every EU citizen or third-country national legally staying or residing in the EU, who holds a Digital Green Certificate, should be exempted from free movement restrictions in the same way as citizens from the visited member state,” states the official EU website.
Facilitating safe and free movement of those who have received the jab, the Digital Green Certificate will be free-of-charge, in both digital and paper format and include a QR code ensuring the authenticity of the certificate.
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