Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made a press release bringing some news to travelers!
-There have been developments recently in the EU, the EEA and the Schengen area that have led to the easing of restrictions that had previously represented obstacles and risks to Swedish travellers. Therefore, as of 30 June, the MFA will remove the advice against non-essential travel to the following countries: Belgium, Croatia, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland – it's written in the press release.
The reason that the advice against travel is being removed for these countries is that they have decided to open up for travellers from Sweden and the rest of the EU, which means that the uncertainty factors for Swedes are minimised. The decision to remove the advice against travel to these countries will apply as of 30 June 2020 until further notice.
For other countries in the EU, the EEA and the Schengen area, the advice against travel remains in place until 15 July.
As the press release explains, the great uncertainty concerning global travel remains. Closed borders or far-reaching restrictions on possibilities to enter and leave countries, quarantine provisions and curfews remain a reality in large parts of the world. The disruption of international passenger traffic continues.
For travel to countries outside the EU, the EEA and the Schengen area, the advice against non-essential travel for Swedish travelers is being extended to 31 August 2020.
In good time before this date, the MFA will provide information about whether the advice against travel will be changed, extended or removed.
-The fact that the advice against travel is now being removed for certain European countries does not mean that the situation is back to normal. The situation remains uncertain and changeable, even in Europe. Individuals carry a great level of responsibility – the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains, adding that every traveller should carefully consider their journey, prepare thoroughly, stay informed and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities when abroad.
