Technical considerations for implementing a risk-based approach to international travel in the context of COVID-19: Interim guidance, 2 July 2021

Key points

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, international travel should always be prioritized for essential purposes, including emergency and humanitarian missions, travel of essential personnel, repatriations, and cargo transport of essential supplies.
• As countries gradually resume or readjust non-essential international travel, the introduction of risk mitigation measures aiming to reduce travel-associated exportation, importation and onward transmission of SARS-CoV-2 should be based on thorough risk assessments conducted systematically and routinely.
• The application of a precautionary approach is warranted in the presence of scientific uncertainties such as emergence of variants of concern (VOCs) or variants of interest (VOIs).
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination should not be required as a condition of entry to or exit from a country.
• National authorities implementing testing or quarantine as a condition for entry of international travellers may consider individualized approaches to exempting them from these measures based on acquired immunity from

  vaccination or previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.

• Adherence to personal protective measures such as mask use and physical distancing must continue to be respected

  by all international travellers, both while on board conveyances and at points of entry.

• International travellers should not be considered by default as suspected COVID-19 cases or contacts or as a priority

  group for testing.

• The overall health and well-being of communities should be at the forefront of considerations when deciding on and

  implementing international travel-related measures, which should be communicated publicly and in a timely manner.