Filenews 26 July 2021
Mass vaccination is seen as key to the recovery of tourism and the economy, but this does not necessarily mean that vaccination automatically opens the borders for travel abroad.
Many governments only welcome the takers of specific vaccines, as is the case for example with the European Union, which recognises only the four vaccines approved by European authorities (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson).
The EU made it clear in July that it would not accept visitors who received the Covishield vaccine manufactured in India, despite the fact that it is the same as the AstraZeneca vaccine used in Europe. The reason is that Covishield has not received approval from the European Medicines Agency. The EU decision angered India and threatens to cause problems for non-Indian travellers, as 5 million doses of the Indian vaccine have been shipped to Britain.
The Economist cites data from VisaGuide.World show that AstraZeneca's vaccine comes first in international recognition as it is accepted by 119 governments. It is also the most widely used vaccine and has been approved by the World Health Organization.
In second place comes Pfizer accepted by 89 countries, in third the Russian Sputnik with 62 countries and in the last the Chinese CanSinoBio recognized by about 5 countries.
The tourism industry is concerned that such restrictions will discourage travel abroad, the Economist points out.
