The E.U. is planning to allow fully vaccinated Americans to visit and travel within its borders this summer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the New York Times Sunday.
Why it matters: Von der Leyen didn't specify when the rules will officially be relaxed, but the prospect of opening up tourism to Americans displays a buoyed confidence in the both the American and E.U. vaccination campaigns.
Details: Von der Leyen did note, however, that travel will be contingent on vaccination certificates showing proof of vaccination with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (E.M.A.). The E.M.A. has approved all three of the vaccines being used in the U.S.
- The decision will come more than a year after most non-essential travel was banned.
- Discussions between E.U. and American officials on what form the vaccination certificates will take are ongoing.
- Even if the European Commission suggests a change in travel policy, individual member states will still have the right to enforce stricter guidelines, such as quarantines, even for travelers with vaccination certificates, per the Times.
What they're saying: “The Americans, as far as I can see, use European Medicines Agency-approved vaccines," Von der Leyen told the Times....
- “This will enable free movement and the travel to the European Union."
- "All 27 member states will accept, unconditionally, all those who are vaccinated with vaccines that are approved by E.M.A."