The WHO declares it's time to ease COVID-19 restrictions, deeming travel bans "ineffective."

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises nations to lift or at least relax their current travel restrictions related to COVID-19.

According to VOANews, WHO's International Health Regulations Emergency Committee stated in their latest meeting that travel bans linked to COVID-19 are "ineffective in curbing international spread," pointing to the recent surge as evidence.

The committee's report noted, "The ineffectiveness of travel restrictions following the emergence of the omicron variant illustrates their limited impact over time." It also emphasized that these restrictions "offer no added benefits and exacerbate the economic and social challenges faced by citizens."

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The agency recommends that safety protocols like masking, testing, isolation/quarantine, and vaccination "should be informed by risk assessments to prevent imposing undue financial strain on international travelers."

The WHO's warning against blanket travel bans is a consistent viewpoint. When the omicron variant emerged, it suggested a "risk-based and scientific approach" rather than merely reinstating travel restrictions.

This comes as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its travel advisory lists for 40 nations and regions amid rising global COVID-19 cases. The CDC has urged Americans to refrain from traveling to countries like Israel, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Panama, Argentina, Egypt, Albania, and Uruguay due to surging COVID-19 rates, classifying these nations at Level 4: Very High risk for travelers, the highest risk category.

Recently, the U.K. and several other nations eased some COVID-19 restrictions, prompting travel experts to predict that international travel could soon reach 90% of pre-pandemic levels.

One notable change? Fully vaccinated travelers and children under 18 are no longer required to undergo a pre-departure COVID test when returning to the U.K.