The UK on Wednesday updated travel rules applicable from October 4 and clarified that Covishield would qualify as an approved vaccine, but quarantine requirements could still apply to those vaccinated in India due to concerns over the vaccine certification process in the country.
However, with India having warned the UK of ‘reciprocal measures’, the travel industry is expecting an early resolution of the issue.
“This is hard to relate to and the move is not sustainable,” MakeMyTrip CEO Rajesh Magow said. “Something tells me this should get rectified considering the pushback we are seeing at the diplomatic level.” Nishant Pitti, CEO of EaseMyTrip, said he is hoping for a resolution as his platform is seeing a significant jump in queries for travel to the UK.
An early solution is important for the industry at a time when bookings for Maldives and Dubai, which has eased restrictions ahead of the upcoming Dubai Expo, are surging week on week, indicating a long pent-up demand for overseas leisure travel.
“While the UK’s recognition of Covishield vaccination is a good sign, Indian travellers will still face restrictions and undergo mandatory quarantine upon arrival which might complicate their upcoming travel plans,” said Aloke Bajpai, group CEO and cofounder of ixigo. “Easing quarantine rules for all vaccinated travellers will help travellers plan their international vacations at ease.”
Rajeev Kale, president and country head, holidays, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions), visa, at Thomas Cook (India), said the UK has always been a favourite and a highly aspirational destination for India’s leisure segment. “With the positive announcement on the acceptance of Covishield by the UK…