The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has called on governments worldwide to simplify measures to safely and efficiently facilitate international travel – and eliminate travel barriers for those fully vaccinated.

In its newly released policy paper, From Restart to Recovery: A Blueprint for Simplifying Travel, the airline representative body identifies several points crucial for travel recovery: simplified health protocols, digital solutions to process health credentials, and COVID-19 measures being kept proportionate to risk levels.

“We must have processes in place to safely and efficiently manage the ramping-up of international travel as borders re-open. With over 18 months of pandemic operational experience and traveller feedback we know that a laser-focus on simplicity, predictability and practicality is essential,” explains Conrad Clifford, Iata Deputy Director General.

“That is not the reality today. Over 100 000 COVID-19 related measures have been implemented by governments worldwide. This complexity is a barrier to global mobility that is exacerbated by the inconsistencies these measures have created among states,” he continues.

Iata recommends that all travel barriers to those fully vaccinated with a World Health Organisation (WHO)-approved vaccine are dropped, and that quarantine-free travel for those unvaccinated is approved so long as negative pre-departure antigen test results are required.

In addition, management of health credentials should be digitalised and allow travellers to complete the process in advance. This will facilitate automated checking-in and reduce wait times at airports.

Finally, Iata acknowledges that while day-to-day modifications to measures would introduce unpredictability that would be counter-productive, regular reviews and adjustments are still needed to keep COVID-19 measures up to date and fair.