The Centre has issued SOP for those embarking on international travel for education purposes, for exploring employment opportunities or if one is a part of the contingent for Tokyo Olympics.
In the case of such students, businessmen and athletes, the passports need to be linked to vaccination proof mentioned in their CoWin certificates. However, the mention of Covishield as vaccine will do; no other qualifying entries will be required.
The Centre also said the gap between two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for those undertaking international travel has been set at four weeks. Several individuals seeking to undertake international travel had beseeched the government to reduce the second’s dose’s mandated minimum interval of 84 days from the date of first dose.
These facilities will be available to those who need to undertake international travel for these specified purposes in the period up to August 31, 2021.
The stipulation that mention of vaccine type as "Covishield" is sufficient and "no other qualifying entries are required" has, however, set off questions whether the vaccine developed by the Oxford University and Astrazeneca is only acceptable abroad.
"It is clarified that Covishield, produced by the Serum Institute of India and approved by the DCGI is one of the vaccines by the WHO for use as on 3rd June 2021," read a government order this evening.
