This article originally appeared on May 13, 2021, on our sister site, Lonely Planet. Some info may have been updated to be more current.
With many countries ramping up the administration of COVID-19 vaccines, travel is cautiously resuming in some destinations. But how are airlines and governments keeping track of travelers who have gotten the jab? What about digital health passports, proof of vaccines or negative tests, and digital travel pass apps? Here’s what you need to know.
If you’re seeing the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel as global vaccinations increase, you’re not alone. Millions of people have already been vaccinated against this terrible disease, and if you’re longing to see friends and loved ones, or just to explore the world once more, it’s a massive comfort.
It’s important to know that some airlines and governments are likely to require proof of vaccination before you can travel. Some are already requiring it. And since there’s no common system, that may mean you need to take the initiative and be prepared for some thoroughly unglamorous paperwork.
Some countries or regions are developing their own “vaccine passport” app systems to kick-start travel. Some can be included as part of your airline’s app, and some are separate. They work in a variety of ways, but they’re mainly based on the input, processing, and output of documents proving either your test status or your vaccination information.
On the input side, an app could be automatically linked with private testing companies, use QR codes like the EU Digital COVID Certificate, or require you to take and send a picture of your document before traveling. Since a vaccination record is the key to unlocking travel, it’s a good idea to laminate any paperwork or store it in a folder.
On the output side, the idea is that your app automatically tells the airline system whether the document you sent them means you’re OK to fly. It may, however, need help from a data center of…