Member countries of the European Union have refused Nigerians, Americans, and some other countries entry into their countries, says COVID-19 pandemic is still highly intensive.

Obinwannem news gathered that out of the many countries of the world, EU could approve only 15 countries including Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay while China is subject to confirmation of reciprocity.

According to a statement on Thursday, the council recommended that residents of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican should be considered as EU residents for the purpose of the recommendation.

The statement reads: “Across Europe, governments have started to open their borders after weeks of closure during the coronavirus pandemic.

“With the summer holiday season upon us, people have started to wonder whether they will be able to get away for a break abroad – and how far they will be able to go.

“The border situation remains a mixed picture across Europe, with each country imposing its own rules and its own timetable for re-opening.

“The EU has recommended the bloc opens its external borders from July 1 to 15 countries. These are Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay and China (although China is subject to confirmation of reciprocity).

“Member states are not, however, legally obliged, to follow the recommendation. The list is to be updated every two weeks, the EU says.

“Given the pace of change, Euronews has compiled a handy guide to the situation in each European country”.

Nwada Ugochinyere Onyechere reporting, Obinwannem News