India recently surpassed the milestone of administering 100 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccines and Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin undoubtedly has been an integral part of this journey.
Covid-19 has put a dampener on the travel plans of many across the world. Now, with vaccinations allowing countries to open their borders for international travel once again, indigenously produced vaccines from several countries have been vying to get in the 'approved' travel lists of nations. And India is not far behind.
As of October 28, seven nations are allowing Indians jabbed with Covaxin, the country's first indigenous Covid-19 preventive vaccine, to enter.
Covaxin played a pivotal role in the massive countrywide vaccination drive, conducted in a phased manner that from January 16 this year. However, the vaccine is yet to get approved for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) as the World Health Organization (WHO) still seeks some additional clarifications from the manufacturer Bharat Biotech to ensure complete safety before certification.
Nevertheless, several countries have approved Covaxin under their travel rules, meaning persons jabbed with Covaxin are permitted to travel to these countries without quaratine.
Here is a list of all the seven countries that so far have approved the entry of Indians jabbed with Covaxin.
1. Oman
Oman is the latest country to add Covaxin's name to the list of Covid-19 vaccines approved by the country as the Indian Embassy on Wednesday. This means from now onwards, Indians travelling to Oman will get exemption from undergoing quarantine upon arrival.
“All passengers from India who have received two doses of Covaxin at least 14 days before the estimated arrival date will now be able to travel to Oman without the requirement of quarantine," the embassy, located in Muscat, shared in a press release.
2. the Philippines
Covaxin's emergency use is also approved by the Philippines' food and drug agency. The country considers an individual to be fully vaccinated after at least 14 days elapse since the administration of the second dose.
3. Iran
Iran has also allowed Indians jabbed with Covaxin to travel to the country. To enter the country, an individual is required to carry proof of negative RT-PCR test conducted within 96 hours. Unavailability of the same would make the travellers undergo a compulsory quarantine for 14 days.
4. Mauritius
Mauritian authorities recognise the valid certification showing that at least 14 days have elapsed since the concerned individual has taken the second dose of Covaxin. Also, a negative RT-PCR test result obtained within 3-7 days before departure is mandatory.
5. Mexico
Mexico has allowed individuals jabbed with Covaxin and no mandatory quarantine requirements are effective in the country. Mexican health regulator Cofepris has also authorised the emergency use of Covaxin.
6. Zimbabwe
The African country has approved the Indian vaccine Covaxin. On arrival, tourists and non-residents are required to show a proof of a valid negative RT-PCR test result. One should expect to be required to quarantine for 10 days. The unavailability of a valid negative RT- PCR test result could prevent entry into Zimbabwe.
7. Nepal
Indian citizens vaccinated with Bharat Biotech's Covaxin can enter Nepal with proper vaccine certificate. Elapse of 14 days since the administration of second dose is mandatory.