Everything You Need to Know About Vaccine Passports and Travel

Vaccine Passports and Travel

Countries across Europe are tightening restrictions as the Delta variant rages on. Therefore, those vaccinated against the coronavirus seem to have an advantage if they can prove their vaccination status. Fortunately, different countries in Europe have embraced the use of COVID-19 vaccination certificates to provide proof of vaccination.  This article will help you understand everything you need to know about vaccine passports and travel.

Vaccine Passports and Travel:  What are COVID-19 Vaccine Passports

Since the beginning of the pandemic, officials in the health and travel sectors pointed to vaccines as the best chance of returning the world to normal. Countries have embraced vaccinations to help populations reduce their risk of transmitting COVID-19.

Countries have also found different ways to verify that a person’s vaccination status.

Some countries use vaccination cards.  Others have developed vaccine passports to facilitate domestic and even international travel.

A vaccine passport is a digital tool that proves that you have been immunized against COVID-19 or have recovered from the disease.  This can allow you to travel without needing to quarantine. Vaccine certificates can also show that you have tested negative for the coronavirus.

COVID-19 vaccine passports are being seen as the solution for many countries that want to reopen their borders and lift the numerous COVID-19 restrictions. For example, vaccine passports could allow citizens to attend social events, go to work, and allow international travel.

Vaccine Passports and Travel: Different Responses

The Travel industry was one of the hardest-hit sectors worldwide as countries locked down and canceled international and domestic flights. Some countries are accepting vaccine certificates as proof of immunization.  Others have yet to remove the existing quarantine requirements.

Examples of countries using vaccine passports for travel include Denmark, India, Estonia, the EU, Japan, Panama, and Singapore.

The US does not have an official, federally-issued vaccination card. However, the US Center for Disease Control issues a vaccination card that US citizens can use to verify their vaccination status. Despite there not being a federal mandate on the use of vaccine certificates in the US, states like Hawaii, California, and New York have developed digital vaccine certificates for their residents.

Furthermore, he city of San Francisco also implemented a vaccination requirement for its residents to access bars, clubs, restaurants, large indoor events, gyms, and business events serving food or drinks indoors.

Bottom Line

Health officials have yet to determine how long immunity lasts after vaccination.  Nevertheless, vaccine certificates help businesses reopen and countries allow international travel.

If you are planning to travel, you should look at your destination country’s requirements for a vaccine passport, negative COVID-19 test, and/or quarantine.

 

Related Article

The Role of Technology in Sanctions Compliance

Sanctions compliance is a complex and challenging task for many organizations, especially those that operate across multiple jurisdictions and sectors. Sanctions regimes are constantly evolving,

Ronald K. Noble is the founder of RKN Global and currently serves as one of its principal consultants.