The UK’s NHS Covid Pass and the European Union Digital Covid Certificate (DCC) can now be uploaded into Iata’s Travel Pass as verified proof of vaccination for travel.
It means that travellers holding an EU DCC or UK NHS Covid Pass can access accurate Covid-19 travel information for their journey, create an electronic version of their passport and import their vaccination certificate in one place.
Iata said this information can be shared with airlines and border control authorities “who can have the assurance that the certificate presented to them is genuine and belongs to the person presenting it”.
Nick Careen, Iata’s operations, safety and security senior vice-president, said: “Handling the European and UK certificates through Iata Travel Pass is an important step forward, providing convenience for travellers, authenticity for governments and efficiency for airlines.”
Iata said it welcomes the work done by the EU Commission in developing the EU DCC system “in record time” and “thereby standardising digital vaccine certificates across Europe”.
The aviation association now urges the World Health Organisation (WHO) to revisit its work to develop a global digital vaccine standard.
“As more states roll out their vaccination programmes, many are urgently looking to implement technical solutions to provide vaccine certification for their citizens when they travel,” said Careen.
“In the absence of a WHO standard, Iata urges them to look closely at the EU DCC as a proven solution that meets WHO guidance and can help to reconnect the world.”