As Covid-19 vaccinations roll out around the world, vaccine passports look set to help kickstart international travel. But what are they and how do they work? Here’s a quick video round-up of what we know so far and how they work:
Vaccine passports: everything you need to know
As Covid-19 vaccinations roll out around the world, vaccine passports look set to help kickstart international travel. But what are they and how do they work?
What are they?
Vaccine passports are digital health certificates proving that travellers have been protected against Covid-19.
These are being developed and trialled by many countries with a view to kickstarting international travel this year.
This is giving hope to both holidaymakers, and the tourism industry, that a return to travel will be possible for more people this year, as the vaccination programme continues.
How do they work?
Accessible through secure smartphone apps, they can allow people to travel to participating countries without having to provide negative test results or quarantine on arrival.
This then allows holders to avoid covid-19 travel restrictions in participating countries when travelling abroad.
There is also the possibility that these sorts of passports could be used within countries to allow visitors entry to venues such as bars or sports stadiums.
When are they launching?
Countries including Iceland, Poland and Bahrain are already using vaccine passports, with the UK and others expected to follow suit later in the year.
Is there a universal app?
Several different vaccine passports are currently being developed around the world. Airlines are leading the way in establishing a globally accepted app, with IATA’s Travel Pass being trialled by Emirates, British Airways, Air New Zealand and RwandAir.
Anything else?
British Airways is also trialling VeriFLY, a mobile travel health app that helps travellers to compile required documentation like negative PCR tests and vaccination certificates in one place before travelling.
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