The mutant COVID-19 variant has been spreading like wildfire in India. Due to the surge in cases, several countries like the UK, UAE & US have banned travel to and from India. European Commission has also suggested all member states restrict travel from India to stop the spread of the deadly variant. But when can Indians travel to Europe again? Here’s what the European Commission.
Will European Union Open Up All Categories For Indian Travellers?
Europe had said that it would lift restrictions for vaccinated travellers this summer. The European Commission recently said in a statement that it is imperative to limit the categories of travellers from India to a strict minimum. The commission also suggested countries have strict quarantine rules for Indians to limit the spread of the disease.
📣 ETC's latest report on #EuropeanTourism is out:
📈 European destinations see major declines w/ 1 in 2 plummetting over 90%
✈️ International arrivals to remain 46% below 2019 levels
💉 Accelerated #vaccination, plus UK & US rebound, provide hope➡️ https://t.co/iJCLcNQvxD pic.twitter.com/LPlPIUF1zD
— European Travel Commission (ETC) (@ETC_Corporate) May 6, 2021
When Will Europe Open For Indian Tourists?
The commission said that it will allow people from India who have a genuine reason to travel. It will not imply restrictions on those in need of international protection or are family reasons. Besides, long-term residents of European countries or families of EU citizens would not be restricted from travelling to EU countries. Travelling to Europe for tourist purposes will still have to wait.
We call on EU countries to restrict travel from India to limit the spread of the #COVID19 variant first detected in the country.
This should not affect those travelling for family or other humanitarian reasons.
More: https://t.co/akU1UK1Nac pic.twitter.com/tzVT4pNqcu
— European Commission (@EU_Commission) May 17, 2021
Did Europe Report Cases Of The Indian COVID-19 Variant?
The deadly Indian variant has already reached countries like the US, Canada, Panama, Argentina, and even the Caribbean islands. What makes the strain much more dangerous is its ability to spread faster. Italy has also reported 23 positive cases on a flight that landed in Rome from India. Europe is therefore skeptical to start full-fledged flights from India. The Deadly Indian Double Mutant Reaches Greece & Switzerland; European Countries Impose Travel Bans On Indians.
Currently, India is seeing a mounting number of cases each day. With the overwhelmed medical system, any relaxation even in domestic travel could increase the number of fatalities. Most states in India are under partial lockdown with limited movements.