From November 22, the UK government has announced that India's Covaxin would be added to its list of approved Covid-19 vaccines for overseas travellers, removing the need for those inoculated with the Bharat Biotech-produced vaccine to self-isolate after arriving in England. The decision comes in response to the World Health Organization's (WHO) Emergency Use Listing for Covaxin, India's second most often used formulation.

Last month, Covishield, an Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine made in India, was added to the UK's authorized list. "There's more good news for Indian visitors to the United Kingdom. From November 22nd, passengers completely vaccinated with a COVID19 vaccine recognized by WHO for Emergency Use Listing, including Covaxin, will not be required to self-isolate; thereby joining those fully vaccinated with Covishield," British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis stated on Twitter on Monday.

On November 22, at 4 a.m., the adjustments will take effect. Apart from Covaxin, the UK government will recognize Sinovac and Sinopharm, both on the WHO Emergency Use List, as approved vaccines for inbound travel, benefiting fully vaccinated people from the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia. These travellers will not be required to undergo a pre-departure test, a day-8 test, or self-isolate upon arrival because they are completely vaccinated.

“As we continue to recover from the pandemic and expand our recognition of international vaccines, today’s announcements mark the next step in our restart of international travel," said UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. “The red list and quarantine system remain vital in protecting our borders and as we’ve said, we will not hesitate to take action by adding countries to the red list if necessary," UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said.