The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on governments to accelerate relaxation of travel restrictions arguing that there is not much evidence to show that travellers spread the virus.
Several countries have travel restrictions in places as means of curbing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
While other have banned foreigners, other have introduced mandatory quarantine for travellers into their country.
In countries such as Zimbabwe one is mandated to go for a 14-day quarantine despite your status and at your own costs.
AITA in a statement called for the removal of all travel barriers (including quarantine and testing) for those fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccine and enabling quarantine-free travel for non-vaccinated travellers with a negative pre-departure antigen test result.
The Association said the measures have not worked as in most cases the virus is being spread by general populations and not travellers.
‘’With the experience of the Omicron variant, there is mounting scientific evidence and opinion opposing the targeting of travellers with restrictions and country bans to control the spread of COVID-19.
‘’The measures have not worked. Today Omicron is present in all parts of the world. That is why travel, with very few exceptions, does not increase the risk to general populations.
‘’The billions spent testing travellers would be far more effective if allocated to vaccine distribution or strengthening health care systems,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General
‘’…it is clear that travel restrictions in any part of the world have had little impact on the spread of COVID-19, including the Omicron variant. The UK, France and Switzerland have recognized this and are among the first to begin removing travel measures.
‘’More governments need to follow their lead. Accelerating the removal of travel restrictions will be a major step towards living with the virus,” said Walsh.
