Love in the Time of Corona: Hope for Distanced Couples as Travel Restrictions Ease

PARIS, KOMPAS.com – Love in the time of corona has been lonesome for many couples as travel restrictions kept lovers and unmarried couples apart since the coronavirus pandemic.

The long months of waiting may finally be over since governments around the world are showing more understanding of separated couples' plight.

Some governments have introduced measures that would permit a happy and much-anticipated reunion.

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Before the coronavirus pandemic, Frenchman Nicolas Perret would regularly meet his Russia-based partner.

The couple would travel to one or the other country using a tourist visa. But love in the time of corona has kept Nicolas and his partner apart for several months.

"At some point this will all come to an end. We know that much, but no one knows when, or how much harm it will have done," the 50-year-old engineer told AFP, saying they have considered changing jobs, taking up studies again or even getting married in order to reunite.

Some governments permitted married couples and civil partners to get round travel bans and join their other half, but couples lacking official paperwork to prove their relationship were kept separated.

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The rules — judged unfair by melancholy lovers — prompted a worldwide social media campaign called "Love is Not Tourism".

"It is obvious that we must halt tourism to protect us and others," the lobby group said on a website set up to back the campaign.

"But love is not tourism. This is not just about a summer holiday, it is about mental health and the future of people all around the world."

Tragic

Non-essential travel to the European Union remains prohibited from a number of countries, including the United States, with exceptions for EU citizens, residents and their families.

In theory, member states can choose to allow unmarried partners in documented relationships to enter the EU, but in practice few do so.