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

  • Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza as US pushes for ceasefire

    Israeli military strikes across Gaza killed at least 22 people on Wednesday, Palestinian medics said, as the US stepped up efforts to overcome sticking points between Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire to end the war.

  • Ukraine hits Russian oil depot serving airfield

    Ukraine struck a Russian oil depot that serves a military airfield in the Russian city of Engels, Ukraine's military said on Wednesday.

  • Tibet earthquake death toll passes 120

    At least 126 people have been killed by Tuesday's 6.8 earthquake in Tibet, while more than 400 people trapped in the foothills of the Himalayas have been rescued, and over 30,000 residents relocated, as the search for survivors continues.

  • Wildfire rages in Los Angeles forcing 30,000 to evacuate

    A rapidly growing wildfire raged across an upscale section of Los Angeles on Tuesday, destroying homes and creating traffic jams as 30,000 people evacuated beneath huge plumes of smoke that covered much of the metropolitan area.

  • Powerful earthquake kills at least 95 in Tibet

    A magnitude 6.8 earthquake rocked the northern foothills of the Himalayas near one of Tibet's holiest cities on Tuesday, Chinese authorities said, killing at least 95 people and shaking buildings in neighbouring Nepal, Bhutan and India.

On Virgin Radio today

  • Non Stop Hits

    Midnight - 6:00am

    The UAE's #1 Hit Music Station with no interruptions

  • The Kris Fade Show

    6:00am - 10:00am

    Kris, Priti and Rossi host the UAE's biggest radio show. It's full of fun, laughs and it's Where The Stars Live.

Trending on Virgin Radio