Digital health passport is officially tested in Vietnam
A digital health passport application called IATA Travel Pass, developed by the International Air Transport Association has been officially tested by Vietnam Airlines. This can be considered as the key to opening the sky, creating favorable conditions for passengers to travel between countries, and at the same time meeting the entry requirements of the destination countries.
Vietnam Airlines to pilot digital health passport IATA Travel Pass (Photo: Vietnam Airlines)
After 1 year of being severely affected by Covid-19, a digital health passport was considered by representatives of State Management Agencies and experts as one of the most expected solutions for Vietnam to quickly and safely open borders, save tourism and aviation industries. Vietnam Airlines became the first airline in Vietnam to sign an agreement with the International Air Travel Association (IATA) on testing the digital health passport application.
On May 31, a representative of Vietnam Airlines said that the digital health passport will integrate some information such as biometric data, nCoV test results, vaccination against Covid-19.
This passport can replace the current types of paperwork. This is an application developed by the IATA, ensuring safety, consistent information between parties including government, testing facilities, airlines, and passengers, recognized in many countries.
The testing will be launched in June 2021. IATA said they will support and coordinate closely with Vietnam Airlines throughout the testing process.
IATA Travel Pass
Some passengers will be selected to download the free IATA Travel Pass (ITP) application to their mobile phones, create an electronic personal profile including photos, passport information, fill in-flight information to be updated on epidemiological requirements at the destination. Before departure, passengers must make an appointment and go to a Covid-19 vaccine test or vaccination at a facility designated by the host country government that is registered with IATA, then share the results and confirm their flight status with the airline. All information is confidential and is only shared with the passenger’s permission.
All personal information can be viewed and managed on the passenger’s mobile phone. Governments also benefit from ITP because it helps to avoid congestion at airports.
Mr. Le Hong Ha, General Director of Vietnam Airlines said: “Digital health passport solutions such as IATA Travel Pass should be widely allowed and recognized by Governments, helping to quickly restore international passenger transport usually. The most important goal is to restore passenger confidence when traveling and ensure a safe and seamless travel experience for all.”
Currently, Singapore, Panama, and Estonia are the three countries that have officially agreed to permit passengers to use this application upon entry. Additionally, more than 30 airlines have announced the test, including Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, All Nippon Airways, Etihad, Emirates, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic, Ethiopian… This can be a good sign for the aviation industry around the world, a ray of hope for the airlines that are on the brink of bankruptcy.
The digital health passport is one among the foremost expected solutions for Vietnam to quickly and safely open its border, supporting the tourism and aviation industries after a year of being heavily suffering from COVID-19. The Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam has proposed to the Ministry of Transport to report back to the competent authorities to deploy this mechanism to accelerate the reopening of standard international flights carrying passengers to Vietnam.
