EU Safe List: Adds Ukraine But Removes Two Countries

The European Union Council has announced on 15 July that the borders of the EU Member States will now be open to travellers from Ukraine as the country has been added to the EU’s epidemiologically safe countries list.

At the same time, it has been revealed that stricter travel restrictions will be imposed against all arrivals from Rwanda and Thailand since both countries are no longer part of the non-EU safe countries list

Such decisions to remove or include new countries on the EU’s safe-countries list are solely based on the COVID-19 situation prevailing in third countries and the vaccination rates.

Following a review under the recommendation on the gradual lifting of the temporary restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU, the Council updated the list of countries, special administrative regions, and other entities and territorial authorities for which travel restrictions should be lifted. In particular, Rwanda and Thailand were removed from the list, and Ukraine was added to the list.
European Union Council statement

Updated EU Safe List

Based on the conditions set on the Council’s recommendation, from 15 July, the EU Member States should gradually lift travel restrictions for citizens of the following third countries:

Albania
Armenia
Australia
Azerbaijan
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brunei Darussalam
Canada
Israel

Japan
Lebanon
Montenegro
New Zealand
Qatar
Republic of Moldova
Republic of North Macedonia
Saudi Arabia

Serbia
Singapore
South Korea
Ukraine
United States of America
China, subject to confirmation of reciprocity

In addition, the Council reiterated that the travel restrictions should also be gradually lifted for China’s special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macao.

This means that all travellers from one of the third countries mentioned above can enter the bloc and the four Schengen associated countries (Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) for non-essential purposes.

However, it should be noted that such a classification of countries does not restrain the EU Member States from imposing COVID-19 related requirements like testing or self-isolation on arrivals from third countries.

The EU regularly updates the list, adjusting it to the COVID-19 situation around the world.

What are your thoughts on the new set of countries on EU’s safe list? Talk to us in the comment section below.

Check out the deals we have found below and tell us your travel plans.

Check out the offers and discounts from:

And because of the pandemic, don’t forget to get your travel insurance, which will cover you for flight disruptions and pandemic related matters.

IaM can help with your visa application to the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

Some of our posts include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of these products, we might get a small commission. For more information, check out our TOS.