The UN health agency updated its international health regulations recommendations during an emergency committee meeting on Wednesday (19 January).

It said international traffic bans should be lifted "as they do not provide added value and continue to contribute to the economic and social stress" of some countries.

"The failure of travel restrictions introduced after the detection and reporting of Omicron variant to limit international spread of Omicron demonstrates the ineffectiveness of such measures over time," it continued.

The WHO said travel measures, such as masking, testing, isolation/quarantine, and vaccination, should be based on risk assessments and avoid placing the financial burden on international travellers.

The organisation also said the requirement to provide proof of vaccination against Covid-19 for international travel may not be needed as the "only pathway or condition" permitting international travel, given "limited global access" and "inequitable distribution of Covid-19 vaccines".

"State parties should consider a risk-based approach to the facilitation of international travel by lifting or modifying measures, such as testing and/or quarantine requirements, when appropriate, in accordance with the WHO guidance," the recommendation stated.