UK says engaged with India on Covid-19 vaccine certification amid criticism

After facing intense backlash from Indians over the revised travel guidelines, the UK on September 20 said that it is engaging with New Delhi to explore how it could expand the recognition of the COVID-19 vaccine certification issued by Indian authorizes amid criticism of the new British travel rules.

As per the revised rules, which will come into effect from October 4, Indian travelers who have received both doses of the Covishield vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII) will be considered unvaccinated and will have to undergo self-isolation for 10 days.

Questioned about the concerns in India over the new rules, a British High Commission spokesperson said the UK is committed to opening up international travel again “as soon as is practicable”.

“The UK is committed to opening up international travel again as soon as is practicable and this announcement is a further step to enable people to travel more freely again, in a safe and sustainable way, while protecting public health,” the spokesperson said.

“We are engaging with the Government of India to explore how we could expand the UK recognition of vaccine certification to people vaccinated by a relevant public health body in India.” the spokesperson added.