The WHO on Wednesday (Jan. 19) declared that international travel bans “do not provide added value and continue to contribute to the economic and social stress” of countries.
The UN health agency cited the recent failure of travel bans imposed on African countries after the detection of Omicron, saying it demonstrated “the ineffectiveness of such measures over time.”
“Travel measures—e.g. masking, testing, isolation/quarantine, and vaccination—should be based on risk assessments and avoid placing the financial burden on international travelers,” the WHO advised.
The WHO also urged countries not to require proof of COVID-19 vaccination as “the only pathway or condition” permitting international travel.
