SL will be included in future visa lists: EU

Tuesday, 30 June 2020 01:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

EU Member States deny SL has been placed on blacklist, says 15-country list will be expanded gradually

The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Sri Lanka and the EU Member States Embassies in Colombo yesterday denied that Sri Lanka had been blacklisted and will be included in future visa lists as the region gradually reopens.

The statement was issued following the EU lifting temporary restrictions on non-essential travel to the EU and reports that Sri Lanka was not included in the list of selected countries.

“The EU and Member States Ambassadors resident in Colombo recognise the successful efforts of the Sri Lankan Government to contain the spread of COVID-19. With the process of lifting internal border controls well underway, the EU is now preparing for the gradual reopening to travel from outside the EU,” the statement said.

The decision to lift travel restrictions with non-EU countries is ultimately the prerogative of EU Member States and the Schengen Associated Countries.

To that effect, Member States and associated countries have been working together to agree on an initial positive list of countries with which borders could be reopened soon on the basis of objective criteria, including the epidemiological situation in the given country and possibility to seek reciprocity with the country concerned, the statement said.

The shortlist being examined at the moment is limited to 15 countries. It can be seen as a first step towards a return to normal.

“The absence of a country on this positive list should therefore not be considered as being blacklisted. The list will be regularly updated and revised to ensure that further countries can be added as soon as the situation allows. Countries and travellers will be duly informed.”