Forbes: 10 European Countries Lift EU Travel Ban For Couples
"France, Germany and Finland are the latest countries to lift Europe’s travel ban for couples, bringing the total to ten. This as the EU calls for all countries to do the same," Forbes reports.
The article by Tamara Thiessen reads that the European Commission says it has raised the issue that directly affects many people during one of its regular meetings with border authorities. “Namely excluding unmarried partners of European citizens and residents from the travel restrictions into the EU.”
It’s urging member states to use existing laws to allow binational couples– separated by the bans for five months–to reunite. “Under the current legal situation, member states can allow unmarried partners with duly attested relationships to enter the EU, if they choose to do so,” it tweeted.
"Thanks to the international campaign #LoveIsNotTourism, a snowballing number are doing so. Following on from Denmark in July–Norway, the Netherlands, Iceland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, France, Germany and Finland now allow lovers’ reunions," the article further reads. However, the author also notes that it still leaves 20 of the EU and Schengen countries where travel restrictions are in place, to open their borders for love.
"I fully support a common European approach to allow entry of people into EU if they have duly attested relationships with EU citizens & residents. I encourage the Member States to do so," EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, tweeted.
"After huge pressure from the #LoveIsEssential push by Bundestag politicians and German MEPs, Germany joined the throng on August 10. In France, reunions should soon be possible. Couples will be able to apply for a pass to allow their partner to enter, by presenting documents to local consulates proving the relationship, plus residency in France (for one person), and return ticket (for the other)," the publication reads.
However, the author claims, one major obstacle has been airlines and immigration officials not recognizing the exceptions for couples made by authorities. Another problem is the lack of flights from some countries.
In Georgia, just like throughout the world, many couples are suffering from the same problem. A few days ago, the Georgian government again extended restrictions on regular international flights, this time until October 1. Recently, the Facebook group 'Beyond Borders' has been created, uniting those people who are not allowed to see their loved ones due to imposed travel restrictions.
Couples and family members who have been separated for months due to the current travel ban are joining the group, trying to find a solution from this situation together. Citizens have created a special petition, entitled 'Reuniting Family Members/Couples Living Across Borders,' the purpose of which is to give a voice to the Government of Georgia to draft a bill that provides for the reunification of families and couples living across borders as an exception.
"The bill has been successfully developed/implemented in a number of European countries (such as Denmark, Germany, Norway, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Iceland, the Czech Republic, Finland and France) and families/couples have been allowed to visit the above countries without quarantine.
"We, signatories of this petition, demand the following:
"The Government of Georgia should take into account the wishes and fair demands of many people - to draft a law, which, as an exception, after the submission of certain official documents will allow family members and couples living abroad to visit Georgia without hindrance / without quarantine," claim the creators of the petition.
By Ana Dumbadze
Source: Forbes
Image: Getty Images
Related Story: Restrictions on Regular Int'l Flights Extended until October 1