The world is “largely open for travel” as countries relax their Covid-19 restrictions, according to the latest survey by airlines association IATA. Although significant regional differences still exist.
Research found that 25 of the top 50 countries for air travel, representing around 38 per cent of 2019 passenger numbers, were now open to fully vaccinated travellers without any quarantine or testing requirements – an increase from 18 markets who were in the same position in mid-February.
While 38 of the top 50 countries now had no quarantine regimes for vaccinated passengers – up from 28 countries a month ago.
In Europe, 18 out of the top 20 aviation markets currently have no quarantine requirements in place for vaccinated passengers, while in the Asia Pacific region, only six of 16 countries do not require quarantine for vaccinated travellers.
IATA added that travel in Asia “remains heavily compromised” due to Covid restrictions. Although some countries in the region, such as India and Malaysia, have recently announced a relaxation of their Covid entry rules.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general, added: “The world is largely open for travel. As population immunity grows, more governments are managing Covid-19 through surveillance, as they do for other endemic viruses.
“That is great news for a growing number of destinations that will receive a much-needed economic boost from the upcoming Easter and northern summer travel seasons.
“Asia is the outlier. Hopefully recent relaxations including Australia, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Pakistan and the Philippines are paving the way towards restoring the freedom to travel that is more broadly enjoyed in other parts of the world.”
Source: BTN
