Operational framework for international travel-related public health measures in the context of COVID-19

Overview

Continued community transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in most Member States of the WHO European Region means that international travel will continue to pose a particular challenge in the coming year. Member States should take appropriate measures to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, during international travel, recognizing that a comprehensive set of public health measures adapted to the local epidemiological context and capacities can mitigate the risk substantially but cannot achieve “zero risk”. Therefore, a risk-based approach to international travel is needed, which prioritizes essential travel. The aim of this operational framework is to support Member States of the WHO European Region in their decision-making options with regard to international travel measures in the context of the constantly changing epidemiological situation across the Region and limited scientific evidence on the effectiveness of measures. Taking into account the practices, trends and lessons learnt in implementing travel restrictions over the past year, the framework establishes a coordinated approach by outlining guiding principles and considerations, risk-assessment criteria and indicators in areas such as local epidemiology in departure and destination countries, public health and health service capacity and performance, contextual factors and point-of-entry capacity. This will guide decisions on introducing, reintroducing or easing international travel measures.