As more people around the world get vaccinated, countries have begun introducing vaccination passports into the everyday lives of their citizens. These vaccination passports will become an essential part of society’s return to normalcy. Ultimately, the less secure paper vaccine passports will give way to safer and more reliable digital vaccine passports.
Here are three ways you can use your vaccination passport:
- Travel
As restrictions begin to ease worldwide, a vaccination passport will immensely help you travel. If you are able to provide proof of vaccination at the airport or train station, you will no longer require a negative PCR or Rapid Antigen test in order to travel. This will save you the cost and energy of getting a test, and instead simply allow you to show your vaccine certificate to prove that you are protected against COVID-19. As an immunised person, you will be able to move more freely.
- Quarantine Exemption
Several countries have already announced that travellers who are fully vaccinated are exempt from doing a full mandatory quarantine upon arrival. This includes countries within the European Union and the Caribbean, as well as several countries in Asia. Therefore, a vaccination passport can often allow you to explore other countries more freely without having to spend 5-14 days in quarantine.
Additionally, many countries are likely to cancel self-isolation protocols for those who are fully vaccinated who have come in contact with COVID-19 patients. Thus, proving your vaccination status with a reliable vaccine passport can help you avoid isolation if you come in direct contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive.
- Access to Indoor Settings
Many countries across Europe are introducing new schemes whereby only people with vaccination passports, or negative PCR tests, are able to enter indoor settings such as restaurants, bars, clubs and cinemas. This attempt to curb a new rise in cases began in Italy, where a COVID-19 ‘Green Pass’ (proof of vaccination or negative test) became mandatory in order to enter such places. By September, most other Western European countries will likely adopt similar schemes. Therefore, a legitimate and accepted vaccine passport will empower you to partake in these activities.
* V. Van Geyzel Kelaart, RKN Global DWC-LLC’s 2021 summer intern, is in the final stages of preparation for university studies.
