Breaking: European Union To Close External Borders for 30 Days

In a huge move that was first being thrown around yesterday, leaders of European Union countries have now decided to closed the external borders of the European Union.

Europe’s External Borders To Close for 30 Days

A proposal was first put forth yesterday that would restrict foreigners from entering the European Union for 30 days. As of tonight (Tuesday, March 17), that plan will now be put in place.

Here are the key points of this border closure:

• People within the EU’s 27 member nations will still be allowed to move within the EU
• The EU will be repatriating their citizens from other countries (this is already under way by some countries, like Germany)
• This closure does not keep out UK citizens
• Long-term residents, family members of EU nationals, diplomats, as well as EU citizens, will be allowed entry (as well as any frontline workers)

What Should You Do?

If you are not an EU national or long-term resident, it would definitely be a good time to consider heading home. While you may not necessarily be at risk (and you may be required to self-quarantine in your own country), the medical situation in many countries may not allow for help for foreigners if the doctors and beds are filling with patients within the EU. In some countries, that certainly would not be the case but could be in others.

The following countries are included in the European Union:

Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, the Benelux nations, Austria, Greece, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and all Scandavian countries with the exception of Norway.

Also, if you had plans to enter the EU in the next 30 days, your plans are definitely put on hold. Airlines should be issuing waivers to allow for cancellations, refunds, and changes to accommodate this latest border closure.

Developing – more information will be provided as it is revealed