The latest report by UNWTO shows that nearly all global destinations have imposed some form of travel restrictions since January 20. According to the research, as of 6 April, 96 percent of all worldwide destinations have introduced travel restrictions in response to the pandemic. Nearly 90 destinations have completely or partially closed their borders to tourists. Further, 44 destinations are closed to certain tourists depending on country of origin.
4 major restrictive measures adopted by countries across the world
The analyses identified four key types of restrictive measures. This includes complete or partial closure of borders to tourists, destination-specific travel restrictions, the total or partial suspension of flights and different measures, including requirements for quarantine or self-isolation, medical certificates, invalidation or suspension of visa issuances, etc.
The UNWTO global review has shown that global regions are largely consistent in their response to COVID-19. In Africa, Asia, and the Pacific and the Middle East, 100% of destinations have adopted COVID-19-related restrictions since January 2020. In the Americas, 92% of destinations have taken similar steps, while in Europe, the proportion is 93% (as of 6 April).
Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, UNWTO said: “COVID-19 has impacted travel and tourism like no other event before in history. Governments have put public health first and introduced full or partial restrictions on travel. With tourism suspended, the benefits the sector brings are under threat: millions of jobs could be lost, and progress made in the fields of equality and sustainable economic growth could be rolled back. UNWTO, therefore, calls on governments to continuously review travel restrictions and ease or lift them as soon as it is safe to do so.”
