EU reimposes entry restrictions on travellers from Morocco

The European Union has reimposed travel restrictions on people entering the bloc from Morocco, due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

People coming from Morocco are only to be allowed to enter the EU if their reasons for travelling are deemed essential, according to an update issued on Friday.

Under the revised guidelines, that apply from Saturday, only citizens from Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay may now enter the bloc without restrictions.

At the outset of the pandemic, all EU countries except Ireland, and non-members Switzerland, Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland, banned all but essential travel to the bloc.

The ban was eased in early July, but as infection numbers rise, new restrictions are being introduced.

Infections within past 14 days

The list of countries deemed safe is regularly reassessed, and inclusion is based on the number of new coronavirus infections registered within the past 14 days.

Other factors include the measures a country takes to restrict the virus' spread, and its overall response to the pandemic.

Exceptions are planned for EU citizens and their families travelling from countries whose citizens are not yet allowed to re-enter.