The International Air Transport Association (IATA) applauded the rising number of countries taking decisions to open their borders to vaccinated travellers.
The latest data collected by IATA, including its Timatic service, shows that more than 20 countries have wholly or partially lifted restrictions for vaccinated travellers.
IATA supports unrestricted access to travel for vaccinated travelers but in cases where vaccination is not possible, access to quarantine-free travel should be provided through Covid-19 testing strategies based on widely available, free-of-charge tests, it says.
Germany is among the latest countries to remove quarantine for vaccinated travelers.
Vaccinated travelers are no longer subject to quarantine measures apart from certain high-risk countries. Germany has also removed quarantine requirements for travellers with a negative Covid-19 test result from most countries.
"There is increasing scientific evidence that vaccination is not only protecting people but also dramatically reducing the risk of Covid-19 transmission. This is bringing us closer to a world where vaccination and testing enables the freedom to travel without quarantine. Germany and at least 20 other countries have already taken an important step forward," said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
IATA research indicates that 81% of international travellers are willing to get vaccinated in order to be able to travel.
Moreover, 74% of people agree that those vaccinated should be able to travel by air without restrictions.
In addition, 89% supported globally standardised Covid-19 test or vaccination certifications
"A gap is opening up between countries responding to scientific evidence, and those exhibiting a lack of preparation or excessive caution in reopening borders," said Walsh.
