In a stinging blow to U.S. prestige, the European Union is finalizing a policy that would ban Americans when borders re-open next month.
The New York Times, which viewed the draft report set to be released tomorrow, reports that citizens of three nations will remain blocked from visiting European Union nations:
- Brazil
- Russia
- United States
Nationalities including China, Cuba, Uganda, and Vietnam (the NY Times singled these nations out) will be welcomed.
It is not clear how this will impact countries like Greece and Portugal, which have planned to welcome American tourists among others.
The final order will be issued tomorrow.
This is a developing story.
Can you blame them? I’d ban us too for the time being.
I don’t blame them in the least.
Why do so many interpret this decision as “anti-american“?
It’s based on the infections per 100.000 citizens. It’s not targeted against the US as other countries are clearly mentioned as well. Of course the US is a large country and states differ but the line has to be drawn somewhere. The US ban also generalised the EU and didn’t account for differences in the member states.
Just look at Sweden within the EU. They are basically exempt from free travel to every other EU state. So there’s no US targeting.
Max, nowhere did I call this ban anti-American.
Well, the “prestige” word might have triggered @Max reaction. This has nothing to do with prestige and it is just lipstick on a pig. I live in the US and have European passport. Unless they ban all flights originating in the US there is not much they can do about me (No, I don’t have any plans to travel). At least the US has been reporting the true. So Europe will allow Chinese citizens just because they “reported” a very low infection rate? Who believes on that?
+1
Allowing Chinese in and not Americans? Do you really believe data coming from China? They lied in the beginning, and lie still.
Accepting Chinese and not Americans is a slap in the face to the country that has defended them for more than a century now. It’s time for that to end. Trump recently cut the troops stationed in Germany, it’s time to pull them all out, let China defend them now.
You need to accept the fact that a China is doing better than the US in terms of controlling Covid19. It’s a hard pill to swallow, I know
Are you Chinese or was brain washed? Seriously? Only 7 people dead in Shanghai? 9 in Beijing? Do you believe in that?
“it’s time to pull them all out, let China defend them now.”
It’s attitudes like this that make you understand how China has outmaneuvered the US over the last few years and is becoming the serious rival to US power. No wonder people are saying this will be the century of China…God help us all.
Who would you have China defend Europe from?
Trump is no friend of Europe, he has made that plain from day one. If you want to be welcomed back fpr the other fella because Trump will only widen the divide.
Honestly, I would ban us also. The US is doing a horrible job compared to Vietnam, Korea, China, etc
Pathetic effort on our part- we should be banned from every country until we can reduce our case count
This is definetley warranted!
You know Trump is gonna be miffed! I expect tariffs and flight restrictions on the horizon.
This is cheap politics by the EU no doubt targeted at Trump. Germany is having its own problems but I don’t see anyone calling on a ban for them to travel within the EU. Hypocrites!
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/21/germanys-coronavirus-reproduction-rate-jumps-to-2point88.html
Wake-up, Andy K.
The United States is a complete mess right now, thanks to that idiot in the White House and his traitorous Republican-led Senate.
COVID-19 is raging across the country and nothing intelligent is being done to curb the spread. Nothing is even in the works to curb the spread. There are going to be 200,000 American dead by early autumn.
Why would any country in the world be welcoming Americans this year? Face it: U.S. passport holders will be personae non gratae for the foreseeable future. Stop blaming other countries for America’s stunning f**k-ups.
Look, if you want to talk about COVID policy in the US, that’s fine. There are certainly things we could have done better with the benefit of hindsight. My point is not to compare our response to that of any other country; that said, I do believe that the EU’s response is largely politically-motivated as evidenced by the fact that some countries aren’t doing much better than the US when adjusted for population (see Belgium).
As for whether COVID is “raging across the country,” I have two responses:
(1) Guess it wasn’t enough of a problem to prevent thousands to protest in the streets the last few weeks.
(2) The above notwithstanding, it’s clear that COVID is not going away. Thus, we have to simply deal with it — masks, hand sanitizer, and all. Preventing 200k deaths is simply not feasible. All we can do is try to protect the vulnerable and make sure that we have sufficient resources to care for those who do fall ill, to keep the death rate as low as possible.
Why is no one saying these simple truths?
Andy K is an example of how well American education has performed in the past few years
Thanks for responding to my points, especially #2.
Covid-19 could go away, of we did the hard things necessary to make that happen. Mandatory masks, social distancing, moving indoor activities to outdoors… Unfortunately the moron-in-chief has this stupid idea that if he pretends covid doesn’t exist, then it won’t. And his death cult listens to them, and prolongs the recovery process
Bob, you make only emotional arguments, nothing based on fact, you just repeat the handed down talking points, and make everything bad out to be the fault of republicans…so I’d say you are more a reflection of our current education system.
Well said, Kenneth.
100% correct.
Utter codswallop.
I hope the US decides to just stop working with European countries at some point.
Do 100% tariffs and ban all of them.
Europeans can’t use Boeing planes, no more google, no more apple. No twitter, no facebook.
Europeans can’t use any of our technology, no oil, none of our energy.
And no more military protection for the world.
You guys all sit in your little houses and throw stones at a country that rescued you from two world wars, plus communism.
And you get all self-righteous for a diseases that kills less than .3% of the people it touches.
What a weak and emancipated response to a country that used to be an ally.
A sad day for all humans who believe in freedom, personal responsibility, or freedom.
Collectivists and do-nothings win.
Keyboard warriors quiet anyone who disagrees, and those that use science or data to make decisions.
The politics of this world… are just so sad to see 🙁
OK, boomer.
You left one of your toys in the room after you stormed out.
Jerry, don’t you see that your smart*ss response just proves his point?
Maybe. We’re obviously not going to “cut Europe off” as he suggests. That’s absurd, regardless of whether or not they should still deify us for helping them in WWI.
He’s no less of a keyboard warrior than I am.
Thank you for setting an example for keyboard warriors everywhere, sir. I salute you !
For the record, this person is a different (imposter) Andy K.
Wow!
If you had just remembered to mention President Obama, you would have had Fox News Bingo!!
But he forgot to mention Freedom Fries!
Do you really need to spam every travel blog with this nonsense? Just take it to Reddit and be done with it.
Be sure to do a trip report when you are rejected at AMS immigration, that will be hilarious.
Not a problem. I hear US tourism and business travel is not important to the EU anyway.
I’m not convinced this is a science-based decision, but it is their call. Normally, I would go to the EU several times a year for work, but I’m fine with not going. Especially give the quality of flying today.
Right… so because a particular measurement is used to determine what countries to allow and which not, you come up with this? Nothing of what you said has any relevance.
Which European Carriers of any significance apart from O’Leery Air operate Boeings?
It’s Airbus all the way this side of the pond.
Twatter and Face book as examples of technology? The world would be a better place without either.
Europe doesn’t buy oil from the US
As for the rest of your rant, please stay in the US. You’re not welcome here.
What a disaster. Only Sleepy Joe can save us now.
Matthew, how do you see this affecting US-Europe flights in July? If my flight wasn’t cancelled yet, is it likely to be now? If cancelled within 2 weeks of departure, am I entitled to any compensation under EU261?
We should continue to ban them from coming here; no visas should be authorized for any citizen of any European country, even when the Covid crisis ends.
Why would anyone want to do something so asinine?
@Andy K.
Best comment @4:36pm I’ve seen on the internet today.
It’s so weird when people just don’t look at facts or science.
As if that isn’t important these days.
35Million people have died in the world in the last 7 months.
450,000 of those had Covid-19 present.
Just over 1% of the people who died in the last 7 months. And here the mob is out.
NOooooooo. “We aren’t smart enough to take care of ourselves” Close our boarders. Lock us up.
The government will just print more money, why would we have to work?
I just don’t get why Science is hated by the lockdown crowd.
I don’t get when facts went out the window to prove a point.
On a plane right now for a week of goofing around.
120,000 miles and 5 continents this year.
I’m mid 30s and retired last year. So, not a boomer. Not a trump guy, hardcore independent dude, who believes in freedom, not groupthink.
Science still matters team.
Even if you don’t like it, science and facts are still a thing…. even if they don’t prove your own agenda.
So. If you get sick and infect someone who dies, can their estate sue the bejesus out of u? Sounds only fair.
Again not about what u think, but about whom you can infect. Was New York just a regular last seven months?
Not if they have qualified immunity.
“I just don’t get why Science is hated by the lockdown crowd.”
Er, I think the “lockdown crowd” tends to follow the Science a bit more than the ones who are dismissive of lockdowns, social distancing, mask wearing, etc.
“Not a trump guy, hardcore independent dude, who believes in freedom, not groupthink.”
Sure, Jan.
A curious comment.
Scientists (epidemiologists) are the ones recommending social distancing, wearing face masks, shelter-in-place, etc.
So, first of all, the decision is yet to be officially made. But we know where it is probably headed. Still, there is a lot to be decided before the decision that now seems to be coming early next week. I support whatever the consensus is on this, despite the fact that there are alternatives.
1. I spoke to a contact/friend who is in the Austrian Foreign Ministry. Everyone is confused right now. There seems to be some individual countries that are threatening to refuse to extend the ban on Americans. This is why it’s unknown and complicated right now with a final decision by the EU. If one or two refuse it brings the whole house down as there is no way they can regulate travel within. I would expect it’s mostly likely some of the Eastern European countries that the U.S. has heavily supported over the past years that are refusing to comply.
2. I am booked into Vienna on the 2nd and Austrian not only hasn’t informed me of anything yet, they just yesterday switched the aircraft from a 767 to a 777. Hmm, increased capacity?
3. Yes, I imagine there is also a lot of pressure coming from the U.S. tonight. Many must be in panic of what Trump will do. Tariffs are a real possibility. The man is so deranged that anything is possible. This is a storm building between countries that once were the closest of allies. It’s sad. And it’s all on Trump in the end as to the atmosphere he created. It didn’t have to be this way.
My own gut instinct is that they will compromise with the countries that are opposing a U.S. ban and settle on extending it to July 15th. Maybe August 1. It will send a message to the U.S. as a shot across the bow, yet without imposing too much in the way of lost commerce, especially for Eastern European countries. And might not anger Trumpists so much that they are not screaming “TARRIFS!” at the top of their lungs.
It’s all politics now. It’s all posturing. The fact is that even Sanjay Gupta said on CNN today that these bans are now found to have little or no impact at this point.
My take? Impose testing within four days of departure or a test on arrival (As in Austria). What’s the big deal? You assure a high percentage are not coming in with Covid and you make it harder for casual families or large groups to even want to come into the EU. But you still keep the wheels of commerce turning.
It’s our God given right to travel without wearing masks or getting tested for Covid-19!
We won World War II and therefore should be able to dictate entry into all countries we saved.
Time to cut funding to Europe !
And it’s my god given right to advise you to research the benefits of medication.
Wow.
Another example to prove Poe’s Law
Great. I love Vienna!
@Stuart, what are you talking about? EU officials said that the White House hasn’t engaged with them at all about the travel bans. There is no “pressure coming from the U.S. tonight.”
I’m not saying anything. What are you talking about? I am just speculating as the two pairs begin their dance. And what a sad thing that we have to court like strangers now.
The U.S. has 363 deaths per million. Belgium has 832. U.K. and Spain are over 630. Italy is 500. And Sweden is 500. Brazil is 280. Russia is 60.
New York State is 1700 deaths per million, New Jersey is 1410 deaths per million, Connecticut is 1200, Massachusetts is 1145. Michigan is 620. Pennsylvania is 510.
Shocker: Florida is at 150 deaths per million and Arizona is at 190 deaths per million. No, it is not really a shocker. Media bias painted a false narrative about states with conservative leaders and more freedom that have 1/10 the deaths per capita as liberal states which had strict lockdowns. However, they fail to criticize Cuomo and DeBlasio who abandoned nursing homes and screamed for 40,000 ventilators when only 4,000 were actually needed.
With that said, it is smart for Europe to close its borders with the United States. They had the spike before we did and are further along in recovery. Coronavirus is concentrated in big liberal cities where the international airports are. It is stupid for Europe to risk people spreading the virus who will probably be moving around more (tourists and businesspeople) than locals.
Laughing at your “numbers” which are reflective of the entire pandemic. It’s not about what WAS. It’s about what’s happening now. Go back and study more and come see me tomorrow when you figure that out.
Jackson, you can’t use science or facts, they are not welcome anymore!! Also data. Not allowed.
Remember, if it doesn’t prove that one side is evil – it’s NOT ok to use language.
You can only speak if you agree with the other side.
You have to use feelings, and fear.
Also, talk about your grandmother. That seems to be important to everyone.
Maybe the harsh reality is sinking in: no one is going anywhere , at least other than in clearly defined ‘bubbles’, until there’s a vaccine. Yes, it’s a total PITA, but I don’t see it any other way ( I wish I could as my everyday income , related to travel, has been zero since March 19).
I don’t believe the EU decision is punitive…it’s just realistic. The USA has handled this very poorly indeed.
I think you mean the Spanish government, Italian government, and the Belgian government have handled it very poorly indeed. Belgium has 840 deaths per million; Spain is over 600; Italy is over 573. Sweden is 500 but did not do lockdowns or social distancing. France is 455.
The U.S. has 370 deaths per million, Brazil has 280, and Russia has 60. I think you need new sources of information if you think Spain, Italy, Belgium, France, Sweden, and the U.K. haven’t done worse. All of those countries (excluding the U.K.) have liberal leadership with Spain and Italy having actual socialist governments. I can’t fault Sweden, though. They did better than a lot of the countries that did strict lockdowns.
Well, none of them handled it well. But the USA was better placed to undertake containment measures: an abject flop. Trump is not entirely responsible ; others must share the blame, including the CDC…but to have a President in denial, making light of it all, touting voodoo science cures like some snake oil merchant shyster in the wild-west …is both tragic and hugely embarrassing.
Here is the deal, they will posture, and play the part, but as usual, the eu timing is always wrong…they need american cash, no matter what type of front the project, and lets face it cash is what matters..
Prediction: Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece all ignore EU “recommendation”. Shortly thereafter, EU quietly rescinds “recommendation” to not allow US travelers. Yawn, another non event. I’m somewhat sad that you push this stuff, not really worthy of the level of analysis you often display.
If they want EU money, they’ll probably follow recommendations.
Matthew, immigration and borders are a national competency, although member states are generally expected to honor EC guidance, especially Schengen Area member states.
I hold an EU passport — although I’m unfortunately residing in the U.S. right now — and I plan to travel to the EU in July, because the guidance states that EU citizens should be allowed to return to the EU — for any reason without intention to stay in the EU — as of July 1st, so I read that as the ban not applying to EU citizens anywhere in the world, even if they live in “sick” places like the U.S.
The way I read the EC’s guidance, I also am pretty confident you could travel to Germany with your German wife in July or August — no problem.
Right now opening borders to Americans could easily result similar events like the Pakistanis who flew to Hong Kong on Emirates.
No thank you. When the virus is under control in the US, you’re welcome. EU isn’t doing Australia/New Zealand but keeping the currently worst infected countries banned.
The issue many are having with your posting is the phrase blow to Prestige. Now lets be honest, does the author really mean that, or just want to get some links when the page is shown through people’s mobile Chrome browser homepage feed of recommended articles. Yeah, it’s the later and who can blame any blogger for the dehumanizing world of Google and page impressions.
But just in case the word was chosen with thought and a thorough understand of its English language meaning, then I would say this potential unconfirmed but even if true just temporary restriction is not a blow to prestige.
It’s probably worth asking if there was a blog post made about a blow to China’s prestige when the US banned their flights, or the EU flights many months ago, but no, I don’t even need to do a search to assume/know there was no article using the word Prestige. You want to know why there was no article about it, well b/c it was NOT a blow to EU Prestige. It was just what had to be done. I didn’t know a single person who though the EU was less prestigious and I don’t know anyone who would now think that about the US.
Sept 11 could be a blow to American Prestige perhaps, but not a speculation about the EU not allowing US citizens in temporarily.
You know what would be a blow to American Prestige, would be if the US citizens weren’t allowed in due to their dogmatic following of a National Socialist Party known as NAZI-ism which resulted in untold death and destruction through the use of bullets ovens, showers, and……..oh wait, crap, that’s something Germany did, right, my bad. So yeah, THAT would be a blow to US Prestige had we done that.
I would even say the crooked underhanded dealing by the quasi-corporation Lufthansa, its thug union bosses, and the German governments handling of their farce of an aviation industry is more of a blow to Prestige than temporary flight/admission restrictions. But hey, lets not make this a blog about Prestige unless it is the Citi Prestige card, right?
So yeah, a blow to US summer travel, sure, are there other things that are a blow to US Prestige in the past, yep, Is this one of them, NO. Is NAZI-ism a blow to EU Prestige and German Prestige and something that the author should be glad the US doesn’t hold grudges about, Yep.
But let’s not get carried away with temporary travel restrictions and elevate them to more than they are.
You know, had you said a blow to American citizen’s summer travel plans, that probably would have gotten MORE page views as American’s sadly care more about their summer travel than their country’s prestige so this was just a fail on all levels. Oh well, onwards and upwards.
If the EU opens up to most nations but not Americans, it will be a blow to American prestige and further indictment over the way COVID-19 was handled in the USA. That is not my opinion. That is fact. America was once looked to as the shining city on the hill. Not so much these days…
Everyone that thinks we’ve been handling it poorly and Germany has been handling it well, really needs to look at the numbers and reality. Just like here in the US, Germans decided that corona is over and started ignoring all rules, especially in large cities. Germany has allowed outdoor congregations a while ago and people took advantage of it. In both countries you have some states which have a very low R rate in the past couple of days and some that are over 10 again due to regional outbreaks. The only motivating factor for all this opening up is $$$
Everyone that thinks we should have kept shut down and not reopen needs to realize that many businesses such as hair dressers etc. started operating out of the basement of their houses and you could get pretty much anything you wanted.
The two main traveling countries in Europe are Germany and the UK and they alone can’t save the summer season so eventually Europe will open for Americans as well.