WHO Issues Statement on Travel Restrictions

The World Health Organization (WHO) committee has recommended that countries lift or ease restrictions on international travel. The committee's statement indicates that such restrictions continue to contribute to the economic and social stress faced by nations.

At the same time, these measures have proven unhelpful, as evidenced by the spread of the coronavirus 'Omicron' variant.

The WHO's guidance on international travel states that governments may implement measures to reduce the risk of infection spread, which can include testing travelers for COVID or placing them in quarantine. According to the organization, these measures should be determined based on a 'thorough risk assessment' and must respect 'the dignity, human rights, and fundamental freedoms of travelers.'

In light of the discovery of Omicron, some countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, and others, have begun to impose restrictions on foreigners arriving from South African countries. Israel initially closed its borders to all foreigners but later allowed entry for vaccinated individuals.