Despite previously ruling out the introduction of a ‘vaccine passport’, there have been indications that such a scheme may be introduced to resume travel once more.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock recently announced that the UK government was working with other countries to better understand whether coronavirus vaccine passports may be necessary for future travel. Prime Minister Boris Johnson also said that vaccine passports may even be ‘inevitable’ to open foreign travel up.
The rumours were later strengthened by the vaccines minister, Nadhim Zahawi, who, during an interview, said: “If other countries will require a vaccine certificate then I think it’s right that we facilitate it.”
Mr Zahawi also added: “I think it’s right that we do that. That’s what we’re working on”.
The news comes as more countries have announced the requirement for visitors to arrive with proof of a Covid-19 vaccination, including Estonia, Georgia, and Romania.
Other destinations, such as Greece, Israel, and Cyprus have also recently joined together to create restriction-free travel corridors, allowing residents of the three countries to enjoy a summer holiday from April 1.
So, while nothing has yet been confirmed, the likelihood of travel resuming in 2021 is looking more promising by the day.
Of course, should proof of a Covid-19 vaccine become mandatory when entering other countries then holidaymakers will need to make sure they have the relevant information to hand as they pass through border control, as most travel insurance providers will not cover denied entry or cancellation costs if travellers arrive at a destination without the relevant documentation.
It is also important that holidaymakers ensure they look for a policy that includes cancellation cover should they fall ill with Covid-19 before their trip and need to cancel their holiday.
The reason we say this is because while the Covid-19 vaccine offers protection against the virus, up to 90% with some vaccines, it does not guarantee that you cannot still catch it and you will therefore need to isolate for 10-days.
