From the beginning of the new year, the UK, which left the EU, will be added to the list of third countries subject to restrictions due to the pandemic.

From January 2021, when the transition period after the UK’s exit from the EU ends, the kingdom will join the list of third countries with which the EU has closed borders in measures to combat the coronavirus. The European Commission said in a statement released Tuesday, Dec. 22.

“After the end of the transition period, the UK will be subject to an EU Council recommendation to temporarily restrict non-essential travel to the European Union and the possible removal of such a restriction (subsequently),” the statement said.

It is noted that until the end of December, the rules of free movement, in which EU member-states should not deny entry to individuals from the United Kingdom, are still in force.

Recall, the EU and Britain did not have time to finish negotiations on Brexit. The parties will continue to negotiate, but now the European Parliament may not vote on the agreement until the end of the year due to the disruption of deadlines.