Covid-19 has changed the way we travel. Health requirements like testing and vaccinations are having a greater impact on where and when people can fly.
To try to help restart the industry, the International Air Transport Association has developed a digital pass.
This mobile app is designed to give travellers the information they need before flying to any destination while securely verifying that passengers meet Covid-19 health requirements for any journey.
Our new partnership with Eurofins will add 800 #COVID19 test centers across 50 countries to the #IATATravelPass lab network.
— IATA (@IATA)
April 16, 2021
The app is one of several digital initiatives currently in trial phases. More than 25 airlines, including Etihad, the national airline of the UAE, and Dubai’s Emirates, have partnered with Iata to begin testing the mobile app with travellers on select flights.
Starting on Tuesday, travellers flying with Etihad on select routes will be invited to take part in the airline’s Iata travel pass trials.
The National got the chance to trial the technology to find out exactly how it works and what travellers can expect if the digital pass is approved.
What is the Iata Travel Pass?
The Iata Travel Pass is a free mobile app that allows travellers to register their personal details, find out Covid-related testing requirements for their destination and share pre-departure Covid-19 test results with airlines ahead of flying.
In the future, there are also plans that the app will house vaccination records to help facilitate easier travel between countries demanding people show proof of having had a coronavirus vaccine.