The EU prepares to reopen to vaccinated American travellers

The transatlantic route should soon be back in service, or at least with a return to higher volumes of traffic. L'European Union has just announced that travellers from the United States would soon be accepted on its territory, probably during the summer.

the 27 Member States will unconditionally accept all those vaccinated with approved vaccines

As the President of the European Commission recently told the New York Times: " As far as I can see, the Americans are using vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency. This will allow free movement and travel within the European Union "said Ursula von der Leyen. She added: " One thing is clear: the 27 Member States will accept, unconditionally, all those vaccinated with E.M.A.-approved vaccines. ". Compelling reasons will therefore no longer be required for American travellers.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) also welcomed the measure. " It's a step in the right direction. It gives people hope for so many reasons: travelling, reuniting with loved ones, developing business opportunities or getting back to work. "commented IATA Director General Willie Walsh on Monday. He is nevertheless calling on the European authorities to start preparing for this reopening now, and is inviting them to think bigger in terms of geographical openness: " To be fully prepared, it is imperative that the European Commission works with the industry so that airlines can prepare indicators and a timetable (...) that will allow vaccinated people to travel unconditionally, not only from the United States but also from all countries using vaccines approved by the European Medicines Association. ".

To achieve this, the use of the sanitary pass - and of course the standard Travel Passdeveloped by IATA - is recommended by the association, which is impatient to see a global standard emerge. " We are still awaiting the development of globally recognised standards for digital vaccination certificates.. As a first step, it is vital that the EU speeds up the adoption of the European green certificate. President von der Leyen's comments should lend urgency to this work. "says Willie Walsh. What's more, he believes that the vaccine should not be the only passport to a return to travel. The freedom to travel must not be limited to those who have access to vaccines", he said, urging that "the COVID-19 test should also be included"." .
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