The European Union agreed on February 22nd to open its borders to tourists from outside the bloc, provided they are vaccinated against the corona virus, approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). The policy eases restrictions on travelers who have been vaccinated from India and China.

The EU has so far recognized vaccines made by Pfizer BionTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca (injectables made in Europe), Johnson and Novavax. In addition to this part of the vaccine, the World Health Organization has also approved vaccines produced by Chinese manufacturers Sinopharm and Sinovac Biotech and Indian company Bharat Biotech, while it also approved the AstraZeneca vaccine made in India by Serum Institute.

So far, travelers from outside the EU (non-essential travelers) have been denied entry to most EU countries if they have received vaccines that are not approved by the EU.

"Member states should lift temporary restrictions on non-essential travel for people who have received EU or WHO-approved vaccines," says a resolution adopted collectively by EU governments today, February 22nd. The policy will be due March 1st.