A new app from the International Air Travel Association (IATA) that may let airline and government officers log and share travelers’ health info, like COVID-19 results and vaccination statuses, is slated to be accessible in March, and free to passengers via both IOS and Android platforms, according to its website.
The IATA Travel Pass works by alerting passengers to the health requirements of their destinations in order to be allowed entry, and provides a health itinerary of sorts, with info on requirements, testing centers, and even the ability to schedule appointments. A “digital passport” feature is included for receiving and storing digital vaccination or testing info, which can be shared with airlines or other authorities “to facilitate travel.”
“With this app, IATA also goals to provide governments with the confidence to reopen borders without imposing quarantines on incoming travelers,” the IATA says on its website.
Singapore Airlines will be among the first to test run the app, followed by trails with Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Copay Airlines, and another 15 others, according to IATA. IATA says it also received an endorsement from Panama and is in talks with other governments.
“Testing is the first key to enable international travel without quarantine measures,” IATA CEO Alexandre de Juniac had previously stated of the idea in November. “The second key is the global info infrastructure wanted to securely manage, share and verify test data matched with traveler identities in compliance with border management requirements. We’re bringing this to market within the coming months to also meet the needs of the various travel bubbles and public health corridors which are starting operation.”
