The shifting sands of travel bans have recently expanded into not just closely watched infection rates, but into vaccine formulations as well. With more than 67 percent of people in the UK having received both doses of the vaccine under Astra Zeneca or Pfizer, many countries - including India are still playing catch up. As of writing this blog, the number of fully vaccinated citizens of India only amounts to 34 percent, meaning that there is a long way to go for a nation that has been badly hit by the pandemic.
Those with India UK visas wishing to visit the island nation may be wondering how they can increase their chances of a holiday or business trip to the area. A matter that has complicated things further is the refusal of the UK to recognise Covaxin, a new formulation of the COVID vaccine. Whilst Covishield, a new mixture of the Astra Zeneca vaccine has recently been permitted as a satisfactory vaccine in UK law, many Indian residents may be worried about the fate of any upcoming trips to the UK.
This blog will outline what lies in store for Indian tourists or business travellers planning to use their UK visa on Fast Track Visa services, and what conditions you will have to meet so as not to be subject to quarantine on arrival.
What Is The Problem With The Covaxin Vaccine?
The Covaxin vaccine is yet to be recognised by the World Health Organisation, whilst those who have been given the Covishield vaccine, which was developed by a British company in India and is a subsidiary of the Astra Zeneca brand, are permitted to enter the UK without quarantine. The Covaxin vaccine, however, is not yet recognized by the UK, and this has led to tension between the two countries as even if Indian citizens are doubly vaccinated with Covaxin they will still be subject to testing and potential quarantines as if they haven’t been vaccinated at all.
The UK And The Co-Win Certificate
Another source of tension that could leak over into the lives of UK visa applicants from India is that Co-Win is not recognised by the UK as a legitimate health tracking app. Co-Win is used nationwide in India in much the same way as the UK’s NHS COVID app is. Users can chart their COVID 19 status and use the information on the app as proof and certification that they don’t have or are immune to the virus.
As it stands, visitors from India to the UK who are using a Co-Win certificate must still take lateral flow tests before, on the second day and eighth day of their trip to the UK to prove that they are not spreading the virus.
Covishield And UK Travel
Those who are vaccinated with the Covishield jab are permitted to travel to and enter the UK without the risk of quarantine or the inconvenience of taking lateral flow or PCR tests, making it much easier to make plans without the threat of a self-isolation for visitors.
What Will Happen In The Coming Months?
Talks are ongoing between Indian and UK ministers. At the time of writing this blog, there is a potential that in the future, Covaxin users will eventually be permitted to enter the UK without quarantining or testing but with India upping the pressure and antagonising governments to recognise Covaxin, it could be a long debate. Co-Win, due to circumstances concerning the legitimacy of the certificate, may never be recognised by the UK but again, changes to the certificate could lead to its acceptance in the future.
AdminPUBLISHED ON 23 Sep 2021
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