National flag carrier to pilot digital health passport

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Vietnam Airlines on May 31 became the first airline in Vietnam to sign an agreement with IATA to pilot this application, which is considered to be key to open up the border, facilitating passengers’ travel between countries, and meeting all entry requirements of authorities and governments of countries.

IATA has therefore pledged to support and closely co-ordinate efforts with Vietnam Airlines throughout the trial period. They will begin piloting the digital health app IATA Travel Pass on June 1.

The IATA Travel Pass is a mobile app that allows travelers to store and manage certifications for COVID-19 tests or vaccines. The app has been available in iOS and Android stores.

The information provided through the IATA Travel Pass can be used by governments requiring testing or vaccination proof as a condition of international travel during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A critical aspect is the fact that the information supplied is verified. It is a secure means to manage health requirements and much more efficient than paper processes.

The IATA Travel Pass enables passengers to create a “digital passport”, receive test and vaccination certificates and verify that they are sufficient for their itinerary, and share testing or vaccination certificates with airlines and authorities to facilitate travel. 

According to Vietnam Airlines General Director Le Hong Ha, promoting digital transformation through an electronic health passport solution such as the IATA Travel Pass will help quickly restore regular international passenger transport.