Positive Expectations with Opening Borders: IATA
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Positive Expectations with Opening Borders: IATA

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Jorge Ramos Zwanziger By Jorge Ramos Zwanziger | Junior Journalist and Industry Analyst - Tue, 05/25/2021 - 20:24

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) applauded the growing number of countries making evidence-based decisions to open their borders to vaccinated travelers. 

IATA latest data explains that over 20 countries that have lifted travel restrictions, wholly or partially, for international travelers if they are vaccinated. “A safe opening of borders to international travel is the goal. And scientific evidence and data such as that presented by RKI, ECDC and the US’s CDC should be the basis for the decision-making needed to achieve that. There is increasing scientific evidence that vaccination is not only protecting people but also dramatically reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, according to IATA.

IATA fully supports this decision and suggests that in areas where vaccination is not available, a quarantine-free access should be provided through COVID-19 testing strategies. “This is bringing us closer to a world where vaccination and testing enable the freedom to travel without quarantine. Germany and at least 20 other countries have already taken an important step forward in re-opening their borders to vaccinated travelers. These are the best practice examples for others to quickly follow,” said Walsh. 

Mexicans, however, still face travel restrictions in many countries worldwide. According to Kayak, the only country in the EU allowing Mexicans to enter without restrictions is Rumania, while Switzerland and Croatia have only partial restrictions for Mexicans. The situation may change in June and July as countries in the EU are considering allowing more vaccinated travelers.

This month, IATA also welcomed the agreement created by the G20 Tourism Ministers to support the safe restoration of mobility by following the G20 Rome Guidelines for the Future of Tourism. These guidelines were created to guarantee safer mobility for international travelers while minimizing the impact of a future crisis. The goal is to secure a more robust tourism sector when times are tough. IATA expressed, through a press release, agreement to the five-point agenda created to safely restore mobility that includes the following goals:

  1. “Sharing information among industry and governments to inform policies and decisions to ensure safe mobility.”

  2. “Agreeing on common international approaches to COVID-19 testing, vaccination, certification and information.”

  3. “Promoting digital traveler identity, biometrics and contactless transactions for safe and seamless travel.”

  4. “Providing accessible, consistent, clear and updated information to travelers to encourage and facilitate travel planning and journeys.”

  5. “Maintaining and improving the connectivity, safety and sustainability of transport systems.”

IATA has previously expressed its commitment to guaranteeing international travel for the recovery of the aerospace industry. Read more here.

Photo by:   Mat Napo

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