The Covid-19 vaccine, new hope for travelers?

1. I) The vaccine, new hope

The health situation due to Covid-19 raises many questions about our "life tomorrow" and what it holds, especially for travelers who are waiting for only one thing: to be able to travel freely again. Could the vaccine be a suitable alternative?

As we explained to you last week, many countries are still accessible, with measures such as obtaining a negative PCR test carried out a few days beforehand. But this PCR test is only information about a person's health status. One of the real ways to deal with the virus, and which is for us a true source of hope, 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. This news will allow many destinations to reopen their doors to the whole world. We give you the example of the Seychelles below, which is one of the first destinations to consider this entry process. Good news for travel and discovery enthusiasts, who will then be able to travel freely again!

1. II) The case of the Seychelles

Indeed, while the question of the vaccine and the openings it could allow remain much discussed throughout Europe, the Seychelles have not decided to debate this subject. A compromise to avoid completely closing the borders may finally have been found, and the Seychelles are the perfect example. Indeed, depending largely 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 in the territory, the destination will be very selective by 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 has not been vaccinated, they will only be able to enjoy the destination when the majority of 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. At the national level, the French can travel to the Seychelles subject to a negative PCR test (carried out 48h before) as well as a quarantine of 10 to 14 days, unless they have received the full vaccine and its proof (at least 2 weeks before departure). If this is not the case, the imposed quarantine will be carried out at your own expense in appropriate places.

This scheme could well become the way out 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, the Australian airline Qantas recently decided that it would require its passengers to be vaccinated as soon as a vaccine is available to the public. There is talk of introducing electronic vaccination booklets.

Also, the President of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, explains that she would like the countries of the European Union to adopt a standardized vaccination certificate. This is a document that would allow proof that a person has been vaccinated against Covid-19, which would allow them to go to certain public places, for example, or to travel abroad. It could be required at boarding, regardless of the mode of transport.