The travel industry was one of the most affected industries in the pandemic. It has been over a year since COVID-19 broke out, but vaccinations and other government initiatives are finally allowing people to return to a semblance of normal.

To streamline the process of determining vaccination status, many government agencies are searching for a feasible way to produce digital versions of the vaccine certificates and link them with other vaccination documents. Such a system can make it easier for airlines and countries to mitigate transmission. It also allows them to check if the person is positive or negative with the coronavirus.

Such systems are already popping up all over the world. In Denmark, they made plans wherein vaccinated citizens were issued digital passports to show they have been vaccinated. Similarly, Etihad Airways and Emirates have also announced plans to start using digital travel passes. These passes will be handled by the International Air Transport Association to make it easier for passengers, airlines, and governments to document travellers who tested for COVID-19 and those who were already vaccinated.

It is a brilliant plan that will streamline the process of travelling from one country to another. However, there are some challenges to the plan—how to create a universal app for different countries and how an individual’s privacy can be protected. Here is everything you need to know about the current status of digital vaccine passports.

What is a vaccine passport or pass?

A vaccine passport is a document that shows you have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Other vaccine passports may show that you have tested negative for the virus, making it easier for you to travel. Many airlines, government agencies, nonprofit agencies, and technology companies are working on paperless vaccine passports accessible from your mobile phone via an app.

Ideally, travellers won’t need to show papers proving they are vaccinated and not carrying the virus. It should also be easier for people to travel between countries without carrying paper documents constantly.

Importance of the vaccination pass

More people are getting vaccinated all over the world, making it easier to go out of the house and travel. Many health and government officials require proof of negative COVID-19 status. Airlines also required this of many who needed to travel.

These many months have revealed a need to do things more efficiently and safely. The beauty of such solutions is that they may remove the possibility of quarantines upon arrival.

Conclusion

Submitting proof that shows you have been vaccinated or have tested negative is not a new concept. In fact, it is popular in many schools and workplaces. And while digitising the process may seem like a step towards efficiency, there are still concerns about user privacy and protection. A universal digital vaccination pass that is efficient without risking data breach might still be a ways away.

An e-government software solutions for COVID-19 is a great way to streamline the process of checking travellers. We at Informatics offer custom software development based on your organisation’s needs. We specialise in infrastructure solutions and services through years of experience and knowledge in the industry. Reach out to us now!

Written by Daniele Paoletti