The World Health Organisation (WHO) says it does not recommend making proof of COVID-19 vaccination a mandatory condition for entry to or exit from a country.
The WHO Country Representative Dr. Walter Mulombo stated this at a press briefing on COVID-19 Response in Abuja.
He advised that countries should consider lifting testing and/or quarantine requirements for international travellers who have been fully vaccinated.
Dr. Mulombo said WHO’s recommendation that entry should not be restricted to those who are vaccinated still stands adding that proof of vaccination should not be a pre-requisite for travel and may deepen inequities, particularly while the vaccines continue to be in such short supply.
He added that no region or country should face more restrictions because they are unable to access vaccines.
Dr. Mulombo said issue of international travel is both a certification and a policy issue and that WHO is working with countries who have requested that the international yellow fever, or international yellow card be potentially used as a way to register vaccination and we are supporting countries in that.
He urge all countries to recall and respect the principles of the International Health Regulations (IHR) that vaccines must be approved by WHO and be of suitable quality and universally available before they can be considered as a prerequisite for travel.
