Covid-19: All Destinations Worldwide Have Travel Restrictions – Update by UNWTO

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused the most severe restriction on international travel in history and no country has so far lifted restrictions introduced in response to the crisis, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recently said.

Following up on previous research, the latest data from the UNWTO shows that 100 percent of destinations now have restrictions in place. Of these, 83 percent have had COVID-19-related restrictions in place already for four or more weeks and, as of 20 April, so far no destination has lifted them.

“This research on global travel restrictions will help support the timely and responsible implementation of exit strategies, allowing destinations to ease or lift travel restrictions when it is safe to do so,” UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said.

It is reminded that travel restrictions have evolved since January 30 when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Covid-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

As underlined by Pololikashvili, once destinations ease or lift travel restrictions, the social and economic benefits that tourism offers can return, “providing a path to sustainable recovery for both individuals and whole countries”.

The organization’s latest analysis shows that of 217 destinations worldwide:

– 45 percent have totally or partially closed their borders for tourists – “Passengers are not allowed to enter”
– 30 percent have suspended totally or partially international flights – “all flights are suspended”
– 18 percent are banning the entry for passengers from specific countries of origin or passengers who have transited through specific destinations
– 7 percent are applying different measures, such as quarantine or self-isolation for 14 days and visa measures.

Against this backdrop, UNWTO has been leading calls for governments worldwide to commit to supporting tourism through this unprecedented challenge.

According to the organization, the sudden and unexpected fall in tourism demand caused by Covid-19 places millions of jobs and livelihoods at risk while at the same time jeopardising the advances made in sustainable development and equality over recent years.

To see the UNWTO’s report on “Covid-19 related travel restrictions – a global review for tourism”, press here.