The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is extending the advice against travel to countries outside the EU, announces Minister of Foreign Affairs Ann Linde (Society for Social Democracy).

”"We assess that there will be uncertainty for several months globally," she says at a press conference.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends the advice against non-essential travel outside the EU/EEA and Schengen until April 15.

This means that it covers both the upcoming sports holidays and the Easter weekend, says Foreign Minister Ann Linde (S) at a press conference.

The government's assessment is that the uncertain situation in the world will persist in the coming months, Linde says.

”We strive for predictability and clarity, which is why this covers both the upcoming sports holidays and the Easter weekend,” she says.

The reason for the decision is that the continued spread of the coronavirus is affecting the conditions for international travel.

Many countries still have closed borders or extensive restrictions on entry and exit, quarantine regulations and curfews. It is not possible to predict when it will be possible to travel safely and freely throughout the world, taking into account the pandemic and its consequences, the government assesses.

”"We assess that there will be uncertainty for several months globally. It is an overall assessment that concerns what the situation at the travel destinations will be like. Therefore, we are clear that this applies to non-essential travel," says Ann Linde.

At the same time, traveling within the EU is "by no means risk-free" either - even though it is not advised against, Linde points out.

”"The situation now is not such that you should travel. At the same time, we are making an overall assessment that it is possible to get home from the EU," she says, adding: As I see it, you really have to think about whether it is necessary.

Source: TT