New Zealand Recognizes Covishield, Covaxin; India Awaits Lifting of Travel Restrictions

In a major relief for Indian travelers, the govt of New Zealand on Wednesday announced that it has recognized India’s Coronavirus vaccines ‘Covishield and Covaxin’ and included them in its list of eight recognized vaccines for travel.

Muktesh Pardeshi, India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, in a tweet said;

“In a positive decision, New Zealand includes Covishield and Covaxin in the list of 8 recognised vaccines. We keenly await lifting of travel restrictions. India is already open to vaccinated tourists.”

After this announcement, Indian travelers who have taken both doses of either jab (inoculated with two doses, both from the same vaccine), will not have to undergo quarantine upon their arrival in New Zealand.

#IndiaNewZealand
In a positive decision, NZ includes #covishield and #covaxin in the list of 8 recognised vaccines. We keenly await lifting of travel restrictions. India is already open to vaccinated tourists.@MEAIndia @MFATNZ @DrSJaishankar @chrishipkins @AshBloomfield pic.twitter.com/2sU3uxksWC

— Muktesh Pardeshi (@MukteshPardeshi) November 17, 2021

It must be noted that earlier this month Australia has also recognized Covishield and Covaxin and reopened the international border for Indian travelers.

It’s worth mentioning here that till now a total of 96 countries including Canada, the US, Australia, Spain, the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Russia, and Switzerland have recognized Covishield and Covaxin.

Both the vaccines Covishield and Covaxin have received emergency use listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization.

India Allow Quarantine Free Travel For Citizens of 99 Countries

The Health Ministry of India issued revised guidelines for international arrivals and allowed quarantine-free travel to citizens of 99 countries that recognize Indian Covid-19 vaccine certificates.

However, travelers from ‘High Risk’ countries need to follow additional measures on arrival in India. India suspended all visas granted to foreign travelers last year in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

UK, Europe, Singapore, and seven other countries continue to be in the ‘High Risk’ category.

Also Read: International Travel: Air India Resumes Direct Flights Between Delhi And Sydney, All Details Here