As European countries push to revive their tourism industries and reopen borders after months of restrictions, the discussion is currently underway on whether to allow American travelers.
The reason? European Union leaders are not impressed with how the United States has handled the coronavirus pandemic.
If the EU decides to ban Americans, that would be a massive blow to a country that has been historically welcomed for its reputation and spending power.
The United States has reported more than 2 million cases of coronavirus and over 120,000 deaths – more than any other country.
European Union leaders are debating two potential lists of acceptable visitors based on how the countries handled the virus. Both lists include China, where scientists believe the COVID-19 virus originated, and developing nations like Uganda, Cuba, and Vietnam, where there are no reported deaths as a result of the coronavirus.
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Both lists, however, excludes the United States and other countries that were deemed too risky because of the spread of the virus, as reported in the New York Times.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he expected a solution “in the coming weeks” as the many European countries are planning to welcome visitors as early as July 1.
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But it’s highly likely that travelers from the United States will have to wait. European nations have stated that the list of acceptable countries is based on scientific research.
Scientific models have shown that many countries in Europe are flattening the curve while states in the US are undergoing a resurgence of new COVID-19 cases.
The New York Times added that the list of acceptable countries would be revised every two weeks, so the US could be added later on.