The European Commission on Monday recommended member states of the EU to lift restrictions on non-essential travel into the bloc for passengers fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those from countries with a good epidemiogical situation.

"The Commission proposes to allow entry to the EU for non-essential reasons not only for all persons coming from countries with a good epidemiological situation but also all people who have received the last recommended dose of an EU-authorised vaccine," the commission said in a statement.

The 27-nation bloc is currently allowing citizens of seven countries to come on holiday or for other non-essential reasons and the European Commission's proposal would expand that list.

(With input from Reuters)