Distrust regarding vaccination is gaining ground on a global scale , threatening decades of health progress. According to a recent report, Morocco is among the countries recording the sharpest decline in public confidence.
While some countries like Spain no longer require a vaccination certificate to enter their territory, the vaccine pass is still mandatory to leave or enter Morocco. A restriction that hinders travel abroad.
From Tuesday to Friday, nearly 700 citizens of Sebta were allowed to cross the border with Morocco without presenting a complete vaccination certificate (three doses of the Covid-19 vaccine).
The Moroccan police arrested several people on Wednesday at the Tarajal border crossing who had come from Ceuta and presented fake PCR tests and vaccine passports.
Dr. Tayeb Hamdi, a medical specialist and researcher in health policies and systems, explains why the vaccine pass requirement is no longer justified and deserves to be abolished.
Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the requirement for Moroccans residing abroad (MREs) to present a vaccination pass or a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old before entering Morocco by air and sea. The Marhaba operation will be launched in a few days.
The health measures required at the Melilla border have led to a decrease in passenger traffic compared to the first day of reopening.
Some 25 citizens of Melilla coming from Morocco did not comply with the health rules established by the autonomous city at the border. They will face the rigors of the law.
Morocco has adopted a new health protocol for international travel. From now on, travelers to the kingdom can present a valid vaccination pass or a negative Covid test not exceeding 72 hours.
Health centers in Spain are facing high demand for Covid-19 vaccination since the reopening on Tuesday of the borders of Ceuta and Melilla. This is due to the vaccination pass required to enter Morocco.
In Morocco, the maintenance of the double requirement to present a vaccination pass and a negative PCR test for travelers arriving by air at Moroccan airports is having a negative impact on the recovery of the tourism activity severely affected by the health crisis related to Covid-19.
The easing of the double requirement to present a vaccination pass and a negative PCR test for air travelers arriving at Moroccan airports is becoming clearer.