(TAN): France reopened its borders for nonessential travellers from the European Union and the Schengen Area countries earlier this week. However, the country continued to keep entry restrictions in place for Spanish and British citizens.
The Western European nation, one of the worst hit in the world, had reportedly shut its borders in mid-March to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said the decision was taken based on the improving health situation in Europe.
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“Given the favourable development of the health situation in France and in Europe and in accordance with the recommendations of the European Commission presented yesterday, France will lift all traffic restrictions at its internal European borders on June 15 in the morning, (land, air and sea, implemented to fight the COVID-19 pandemic,” their statement said.
Meanwhile, the French administration has not lifted entry restrictions for Spain and the United Kingdom because of “reciprocity measures”.
“Spain has chosen to maintain until June 21 its traffic restrictions related to COVID-19 as well as the requirement of fourteen for air passengers from European countries. In agreement with the Spanish authorities, France will, therefore, maintain the restrictions currently in force until June 21. Until this date, air passengers from Spain will be invited to carry out a fortnight upon their arrival in France,” the statement said.
It added that British nationals will be permitted entry into France, although they will be required to quarantine themselves for 14 days since the United Kingdom too will keep the measure in place for French citizens.
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France will gradually allow travellers from countries outside the Schengen Area to enter starting July 1, reports said.
“This opening will be gradual and will vary according to the health situation in each of the third countries, and in accordance with the arrangements that will have been agreed at European level by then,” France’s Foreign Minister and Interior Minister were quoted by France 24 as saying.
The country will reportedly allow international students from all countries of origin to enter its territory – France will prioritise their visa and residence permits.
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