Almost half the United States has now been vaccinated, and the country has set up an honor system when it comes to mask-wearing. However, with travel, it’s not so simple.
Many countries and airlines are thinking about testing and offering vaccine passports, or digital platforms containing passenger health information.
Digital health passports can prove if a person has been vaccinated or recently tested negative for Covid-19. For countries that are hoping to open, or already in the process of opening, their borders, vaccine passports could be the key to reinstating safe travel.
Several countries, including Italy, Iceland, Greece and Spain are now allowing travelers who have been vaccinated or recently tested negative, and other EU countries will open up soon.
Federal officials require all inbound travelers to show proof of a negative test to board flights, and certain airlines like United, Delta and American airlines are encouraging travelers to upload health documents online, pre-flight.
So far, no digital health credential standards have been set by the government, so any rules have been left to the private sector. Vaccine passports are not required, but could become more useful as more countries and attractions open.