BRUSSELS 

The EU on Thursday advised member states to close their borders to Canada, Georgia, and Tunisia as a part of coronavirus measures.

The European Council updated its list of third countries for which travel restrictions are advised to be lifted.

“Based on the criteria and conditions set out in the recommendation, as from 22 October member states should gradually lift the travel restrictions at the external borders for residents of the following third countries: Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Uruguay,” said a statement.

“China, subject to confirmation of reciprocity. Travel restrictions should also be gradually lifted for the special administrative regions of China Hong Kong and Macao, subject to confirmation of reciprocity,” it added.

The list will be updated depending on the situation in those third countries in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases and measures taken.

In March, the EU recommended restrictions on non-essential travel for 27-member states and Schengen associated countries -- Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland -- to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

The list is not binding for member states but in the nature of recommendation.

*Writing and contribution by Busra Nur Bilgic Cakmak