The Covid19 Vaccine, New Hope for Travelers?

1. I) The Vaccine, a New Hope

The health situation due to Covid19 raises many questions about our "life tomorrow" and what it portends. In particular for travelers who are waiting for only one thing: to be able to start traveling freely again. Could the vaccine be an alternative that meets expectations?

As we explained to you last week, many countries are still accessible, with measures such as obtaining a negative PCR test conducted a few days in advance. But this PCR test is just information concerning a person's health status. One of the real means to face the virus, and which constitutes a real source of hope for us, is the vaccine.

Thierry Mazoyer, a lawyer specializing in aviation law, explains that for different airlines, it will be possible to require proof of vaccination at the time of boarding, news that will allow many destinations to reopen their doors to the world. We give you the example of the Seychelles below, which is one of the first destinations considering this entry process into the territory. Good news for travel enthusiasts who can then start traveling freely again!

1. II) The Case of the Seychelles

Indeed, while the question of the vaccine and the openings it could allow remain highly discussed throughout Europe, the Seychelles have not decided to debate this topic. A compromise to not completely close borders may have finally been found, and the Seychelles are the perfect example of this. In fact, largely dependent on tourism, the Seychelles have decided to take matters into their own hands and have very high aspirations regarding the vaccination of their population. It is planned that by March, more than half of the inhabitants will be vaccinated. To contain the Coronavirus on its territory, the destination will be very selective in accepting only travelers who have been fully vaccinated and can prove it (vaccination certificate as well as a negative PCR certificate).

As for the population that will not have been vaccinated, they will only be able to enjoy the destination when most Seychellois have been vaccinated (subject to a negative PCR test).

In the meantime, people who have not been administered the vaccine are prohibited from entering the territory until at least mid-March. Nationally, French people can travel to the Seychelles subject to a negative PCR test (conducted 48 hours before) as well as a quarantine of 10 to 14 days unless they have obtained full vaccination and its proof (at least 2 weeks before departure). If this is not the case, it is at your expense that the imposed quarantine will be conducted in appropriate places.

This scheme could well become the exit door for many tourist destinations currently suffering from the situation created by the pandemic. This model will be strictly applied and daily measures remain in force in the territory.

III) Other Destinations Opening Up to This Possibility

Indeed, Australian company Qantas recently decided that it would require its passengers to be vaccinated as soon as a vaccine becomes available to the public. The idea would be to establish electronic vaccination records.

Also, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen explains that she would like European Union countries to adopt a standardized vaccination certificate; this is a document that would allow proving that a person has been vaccinated against covid19 authorizing them to go to certain public places for example or even travel abroad. It could be required at boarding, regardless of transport mode.