EU Reopens Borders to 15 ’Safe’ Countries, Including Morocco, Starting July 1

The ambassadors of the EU and Schengen area countries proposed, on Friday, June 26, a list of 15 countries, except the United States, Russia, Israel, Brazil and Turkey. These countries are considered "safe" due to the level of COVID-19 contamination.

On Tuesday, this list was put to a vote. It was expected that 55% of the Member States representing at least 65% of the total EU population would reach an agreement. This vote was effective, and the list is now official.

Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand and Uruguay are on this list. China is not part of it but could benefit from a special status provided that the Middle Kingdom respects the principle of reciprocity by allowing European travel to China.

This list is subject to review every two weeks. This review will allow the inclusion or exclusion of countries.