In a bid to cope up with the after effects of the Covid pandemic, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has developed an application meant to store travellers’ information about testing, vaccine and policy all in one place.
The app that is currently in the trial phase but could be a ray of light to easy and less complicated travel as the world move on to the new normal.
A number of big airlines have signed up to trial the IATA created digital programme that will act as a “vaccine passport” of sorts. The IATA represents 290 airlines accounting to 82 per cent of global air traffic, and has a big influence over international travel protocols.
But what is the IATA travel pass? Which countries and airlines are using it? And how can it help re shaping the world of travel? Here is what you ought to know about the IATA travel pass.
What will the IATA travel pass do?
IATA believe that existing COVID-related travel procedures leave passengers confused. They want to combine testing, vaccine, and policy information in one mobile phone application that is accessible to travellers and airlines.
The app claims to do the following:
Allow passengers to create a “digital passport” where they can check that their test and vaccination will allow them entry to their destination.
Allow passengers to get tested easily at home and abroad.
It can be used by travellers to have their travel documents stored digitally
Which airlines have opted in to the pass?
Twenty airlines have currently said they intend to trial the pass. This includes industry leaders such Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, and Qantas. More airlines are joining the list and could be seen in the IATA website.
When did the app launch?
On 17 March the first successful journey was made using the IATA pass. They flew from Singapore to London’s Heathrow Airport with Singapore Airlines.This led to Singapore approving use of the pass for all future arrivals.
IATA’s CEO Alexandre de Juniac commented that the success proved “that technology can securely, conveniently and efficiently help travelers and governments to manage travel health credentials”.
“The significance of this to re-starting international aviation cannot be overstated”.
A universal COVID-19 travel app has significantly reduce airport waiting times and minimise planning errors Phil Mosley via Unsplash
Do I need one to fly?
The pass is not yet operational but expect to see more airlines making plans to use it this summer as trials continue.
IATA have confirmed they are not mandating any specific vaccination requirements to use their app – the only requisite is that you are following the rules of your home and destination countries.
How do I get an IATA travel pass?
IATA have revealed the pass will be available via mobile app. No definitive launch date has been set but users can expect to download it like they would with any other travel app.
A working group has been formed to address the concerns of families with older and younger members that don’t own a smartphone.
What does this mean for travellers?
This could mean that passengers won’t be able to travel without digital documentation that they have either been vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19.
Passengers will still be expected to follow each country’s travel regulations but could be sourcing their information from a single source, reducing people’s planning stresses and keeping things simple.
What does it need to work?
The IATA travel pass will only run successfully if airlines, travellers, and governments are in agreement about its purposes and outcomes. They plan to meet in October, when de Juniac hopes “borders will be sufficiently open to gather”.
About Guide2Uganda
Guide2Uganda (www.guide2uganda.ug) is the most comprehensive source of information about Uganda that exists on the web, with more content on Uganda and surrounding towns, attractions, museums and galleries than any other online guide that currently exists for Uganda as well as being a dynamic news and comprehensive events driven site with content being added daily.
According to WeFollow & Peer Index (whom both measure online influence) we are among the most influential online media organizations in Uganda. We were also awarded for ‘’Best Destination Website in Uganda’’ by Jumia Travel Uganda in the 2017-2018 Africa Travel Awards.
If you are planning a visit to Uganda you can always reach us on; info@guide2uganda.ug
