Bibliographic information
GuidelineWHO guideline on public health and social measures for mitigating the risk and impact of epidemic and pandemic influenza
Year of Publication2026
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Recommendation
New
WHO suggests against travel restrictions (including border closures) to reduce the transmission of influenza viruses in the community during influenza epidemics and pandemics.
Recommended against
Conditional
Certainty of evidence
Very low
Notes and Remarks
- There is weak evidence, mainly from modelling studies, that points of entry closures may only delay the introduction of infections for a short period, while adversely affecting mitigation programmes and disrupting supply chains. They may also be unacceptable to individuals and communities who may rely on domestic or international mobility for their livelihoods, and for access to essential goods and services. Based on experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, border controls in sea-locked locations (such as island nations) could be effective in temporarily preventing the importation of cases if such controls are implemented before seeding events in the community. Therefore, such locations may consider border closures during severe pandemics but must weigh the potential impact of a local epidemic against the potentially serious social and economic consequences.
- Countries (for example, island nations) that can successfully implement travel restrictions (such as border closures aimed at preventing or delaying importation of the virus) could consider the use of such measures in the short term. All countries implementing travel restrictions, including border closure, shall notify WHO as required by the IHR.
- Whenever implemented, such measures should be periodically evaluated and if necessary adjusted to minimize potential negative impacts on the economy and society.
- Whenever such measures are implemented, special consideration should be given to settings in which implementation and/or adherence is likely to be challenging, such as during an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Exemptions should also be made for those seeking medical care abroad or caring for an ill family member, or for family reunifications.