WHO panel advises against COVID vaccination proof for travel

iStock [For illustration]

The World Health Organisation's (WHO) Emergency Committee on Thursday maintained its stance that proof of COVID-19 vaccination should not be required for international travel.

It comes amid a growing debate on blocking the entry of travellers if they are unvaccinated.

The independent experts said that vaccinations should not be the only condition to permit international travel, given limited global access and inequitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

The experts had previously said that requiring proof of vaccination deepens inequities and promotes unequal freedom of movement.

Poorer countries with less access to vaccinations could face exclusion if such measures are put into place, some health experts have said.

The European Union earlier this month launched its digital COVID certificate system designed to help citizens travel more freely across the 27-nation bloc and open up summer tourism.

More from International news

News

  • Gargash: UAE could join US-led effort to secure Strait of Hormuz

    The United Arab Emirates could take part in a US-led effort to safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed said, though he added no formal plan had been agreed and discussions were ongoing.

  • UAE President, Indian PM discuss regional developments

    UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call on Tuesday from India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which they discussed developments in the region amid escalating military action.

  • UAE sends urgent medical aid to Gaza

    The United Arab Emirates has dispatched an urgent shipment of medicines and medical supplies to the Gaza Strip as part of its ongoing humanitarian efforts under "Operation Chivalrous Knight 3".