Will I Need A COVID-19 Vaccine To Travel?

Mass COVID-19 vaccinations are underway in countries all over the world, raising hopes that we can glimpse the light at the end of the tunnel. Consequently, many people are turning their thoughts to vacations. But before any of us can step on board a bus, train, plane or ship, one crucial question needs to be answered: will a coronavirus vaccine be required to travel in 2021?

Currently, there is no definitive answer, but Australian airline Qantas ruffled a few industry feathers and ignited a debate toward the end of last year when it announced that it might make vaccination a requirement for all international travelers.

In a television interview with Australia's Channel Nine, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said, “We are looking at changing our terms and conditions to say for international travelers, that we will ask people to have a vaccination before they can get on the aircraft.

“Certainly for international visitors coming out, and people leaving the country. We think that's a necessity.”

The opinions of other airlines vary. Some short-haul European carriers such as Ryanair, EasyJet and Aer Lingus have said they will not introduce mandatory vaccinations for passengers, according to reports. Aer Lingus prefers rapid testing instead.

News organization Reuters reports that the Airports Council International (an international trade body representing the world's airports) is not in favor of a vaccine mandate fearing it would become a deterrent to flying and could harm efforts to reboot the aviation industry. Meanwhile, Korean Air has suggested that most likely, airlines will require passengers to vaccinate but only after coordination with governments.

Vaccinations For Cruises

The situation is just as uncertain at sea. Frank Del Rio, the CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings advocates crew vaccinations and is looking into the legal standing of mandatory vaccinations for passengers. In a statement, the Royal Caribbean Group said:

“The development of vaccines is an exciting and important step in the fight against COVID, and it will be another important factor to help us safely resume cruising. It's too early to say what role vaccines will play, but it's exciting to see this option emerging.”

There appears to be a gray legal area over whether businesses and governments can mandate the general public to take the vaccine. Some say that it can be justified on ethical grounds, while others argue that it cannot be forced on individuals who refuse it. Gloria Guevara, chief executive of the World Travel and Tourism Council, said that mandatory vaccinations would be akin to workplace discrimination.

Insurance

When it comes to travel insurance, companies may make vaccination a requirement for coverage. If so, passengers who refuse to be vaccinated either on medical grounds or for some other reason may not be able to claim back the cost of their vacation if they have to cancel it. Emergency medical cover may also be affected. Insurance policies often contain exclusions related to vaccinations, which means if you travel and catch a disease the vaccine would have prevented, you may not be covered.

Crossing Borders

One of the big vaccine unknowns at the moment is whether it stops those who have it from spreading the virus. If it does, some countries will likely make proof of vaccination compulsory for entry. Precedents already exist. For example, many countries refuse entry to people who haven't been vaccinated against yellow fever.

Travel Pass

This has been a tumultuous twelve months with changes happening at lightning speed. To help restore passenger confidence and make travel safer and better, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is developing the IATA Travel Pass. This mobile app will inform passengers about global requirements, lab locations, testing and vaccination requirements and provide a digital passport with test and vaccination certificates. The app is currently slated to

be available in iOS and Android stores by March 2021.

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