EU opens border to visitors, excludes United States, Russia, and others

by: Allison O'Connor

Posted: Jun 30, 2020 / 12:40 PM CDT / Updated: Jun 30, 2020 / 12:40 PM CDT

Passengers arrive at the Barcelona airport, Spain, Tuesday, June 30, 2020. The European Union on Tuesday is announcing a list of nations whose citizens will be allowed to enter 31 European countries. As Europe’s economies reel from the impact of the coronavirus, southern EU countries like Greece, Italy and Spain are desperate to entice back sun-loving visitors and breathe life into their damaged tourism industries. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

WASHINGTON (WDHN) — The European Union opened its borders Tuesday to 14 countries but not the United States.

The EU not only excluded the United States, but also Brazil, Russia, and other countries with high infection rates.

The European Council President Charles Michel tweeted, “We have to remain vigilant and keep our most vulnerable safe.”

Britain left the EU in January, so it maintains its own regulations, requiring any incoming travelers to quarantine for 14 days.

With summer being the top season for tourism in Europe, natives worry about their businesses.

President Donald Trump suspended entry of most Europeans to the United States in March.