What vaccine passports mean for the traveler?

As vaccinations are rolled out in many parts of the world, discussions continue about the possibility of having some kind of “vaccine passport” to prove that travellers are protected against Covid-19

The digital passports are likely to appear as apps on smartphones, and will document the health status of travellers, keeping record of both vaccination and negative Covid tests. These would have to be recognised by individual governments to allow international travels.

Some destinations – including the Seychelles, Cyprus and Romania – have already lifted quarantine requirements to visitors able to prove they’re vaccinated. Others, such as Iceland and Hungary, have opened up to people who’ve recovered from Covid-19.

This raises the prospect that proof of inoculation or immunity could be the golden ticket to rebooting travel.

Tech companies are also trying to get in on the act, developing smartphone apps or digital wallets into which individuals can upload details of Covid-19 tests and vaccinations.

Airlines such as Australia’s Qantas and companies such as the UK’s Saga Cruises insisting that only vaccinated passengers will be allowed to make international trips