IATA welcomes WHO Emergency Committee danger administration suggestions
States are urged to adhere to the recommendations of the WHO International Travel Emergency Committee on testing and risk management during the COVID-19 pandemic on international travel
- You do not need a vaccination certificate as a condition of entry
- Implementation of coordinated, time-limited, risk-based and evidence-based approaches to health interventions related to international traffic
- Prioritize vaccination for seafarers and flight crews
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged states to adhere to the World Health Organization’s 2005 Emergency Committee Recommendations for International Travel for Testing and Risk Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic. In particular, IATA has highlighted the following recommendations for states:
“You don’t need proof of vaccination as a condition of entry.”
IATA believes that freedom to travel across borders should not be limited to those who can be vaccinated. However, it supports governments opening borders to vaccinated people and that testing should play a key role even when vaccination is not possible. Together – testing and vaccination – are key measures for states to safely reopen their borders and restore free movement while managing the public health risks of COVID-19.
“Implementation of coordinated, time-limited, risk-based and evidence-based approaches to health measures in connection with international traffic.”
IATA strongly supports risk-based measures to safely manage international travel. Most scientists believe that COVID-19 will become endemic and that society must learn to live with the virus. The aviation industry manages multiple risks – technical, natural, geopolitical, etc. – to ensure safe operations. In line with this recommendation, IATA continues to urge governments to work with industry to develop plans to safely reconnect their people and economies via aviation based on clear reopening benchmarks and risk management test / vaccination protocols.
“Reduce the financial burden on international travelers of activities such as testing, isolation / quarantine and vaccination under Article 40 of the International Health Regulations.”
IATA strongly believes that government-mandated public health measures to manage the risks of COVID-19 should not be a financial barrier to travel. States agreed that the cost of mandatory actions such as testing should be borne by the government in Article 40 of the International Health Regulations. This should not be forgotten in a pandemic. Given the low-priced $ 100 PCR test cost and the need for multiple tests for a single trip, this could easily make flying unaffordable for individuals and families – and undo decades of strides to make freedom of travel more accessible. The same applies to quarantine measures ordered by governments.
“Prioritize vaccination for seafarers and flight crews.”
IATA strongly supports the recommendation to prioritize the flight crew for vaccination. It will protect the crew and support efficient operations. This is vital during the crisis for the global supply chains that carry vaccines, drugs, and medical equipment needed to fight the virus.
