by Jim Byers
Last updated: 4:44 PM ET, Mon May 3, 2021
Canadians could soon be making their way across the pond to Europe in general, and to France in particular.
The European Commission on Monday said it's planning to ease its travel restrictions, which is good news for Canadians who want to visit when the time is right, and for tour operators and Canadian airlines. French officials, meanwhile, say they'll open their doors to foreign visitors with a "health pass" beginning June 9.
The European Commission's executive group on Monday said it's recommending that entry to the EU for non-essential reasons be allowed "not only for all persons coming from countries with a good epidemiological situation but also all people who have received the last recommended dose of an EU-authorized vaccine. This could be extended to vaccines having completed the WHO emergency use listing process," the executive group said in a statement.
According to the EU website, the four vaccines approved by the European Commission are Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. The site says EU member states should allow travel of those who have received their second inoculation at least 14 days before arrival.
The BBC reports that the EU currently only allows non-essential travel from seven countries.
"Time to revive EU's tourism industry & for cross-border friendships to rekindle - safely," Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said on Twitter. "We propose to welcome again vaccinated visitors & those from countries with a good health situation."
The recommendation contains a so-called "emergency brake" provision that would allow member states to ban all travel from countries where any COVID-19 variants of concern emerge.
The proposal requires approval from the member states, and the Commission hopes it will be adopted by the end of the month, so that it can go into effect by June 1, Forbes said.
Several European countries are already making moves to welcome visitors in the hopes of reviving their tourism economies. Greece has begun allowing tourists from the United States and a select number of other countries who are vaccinated or have proof of negative COVID-19 tests, and will open the doors wider on May 15. Spain has said it hopes to welcome at least some world travellers in June.
Canadians are still being asked to stay home, but that could change in the next couple months as vaccines roll out and COVID-19 numbers around the country (with some exceptions) continue to slowly drop.
FRANCE OPENING
According to French authorities, if the health situation allows it, international visitors from outside the EU will be admitted from June 9, 2021, with a special health pass that would allow presenting a proof of vaccination, or a negative PCR test or a proof of their immunity (Covid recovery certificate). The pass will be in the form of a QR code, in paper or digital format.
Atout France said that, because the terms and conditions of the health pass are not yet known, Canadian tourists wishing to travel to France should check the rules of entry authorization before purchasing their tickets. Information will be available soon on the website of the French Embassy in Canada.
In addition, anyone planning to travel or live outside of Canada should read the Canadian Government's Travel Reports and Warnings as well as the conditions for returning to Canada.
Here's a look at the changes being made in France.
May 3: Interregional travel no longer restricted
May 19: shops and businesses can reopen with restrictions. Reopening of outdoor cafes and restaurants with no more than six people per table. Museums and theatres can reopen with 800 maximum capacity indoors and 1,000 outdoors. Re-opening of covered and outdoor sports facilities with 800 maximum capacity indoors and 1,000 outdoors
June 9: Open for foreign tourists (subject to health pass). Reopening of indoor dining for cafes and restaurants, with a maximum of six people per table. Up to 5,000 people in cultural and sports facilities (subhect to health pass). Curfew moved from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
June 30:End of Curfew. End of capacity limit for establishments welcoming the general public (social distancing and other protective measures stay in place). Nightclubs remain closed
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