What is a vaccination passport and how it makes traveling easier

Your CDC vaccination card can work abroad, but some countries want to see a QR code. TheWashington Post.

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Countries around the world have eased entry requirements for international travelers, but many still require coronavirus tests or proof of vaccination to enter. And for some, not any proof will do.

Depending on where you are traveling, showing your vaccination card from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may not be enough. You may need to take extra steps before you travel to create a "vaccination passport" that can be digitally verified.

Below, experts detail how vaccination passports work, how to get them, and where you might need them now.

What are vaccination passports?

Vaccination passports are digital or paper documents that show you have been vaccinated.

But not all governments agree on what constitutes acceptable proof of a coronavirus vaccination. “This is a new virus, and we don't have established requirements,” said Scott Weisenberg, medical director of the Travel Medicine Program at NYU Langone Health. “Each country sets its own rules.”

While countries such as the UK accept vaccination cards from the CDC in addition to certain government records such as Excelsior Pass Plus in New York, others don't. Many state governments have banned vaccination passports within their borders, but residents can still use them to travel abroad. The European Union has a free coronavirus digital certificate for member states, and Italy has its own Green passrequired for hotels and public transport (until March).

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To make sure your definitions match, Weisenberg advised travelers to contact the airline as early as possible or search the destination's embassy or consulate websites for information. Then keep checking to make sure the requirements haven't changed before you travel.

How do vaccination passports work?

Vaccine passports often create a digital version of your certificate to display at various locations around the world throughout your trip. This is usually required upon arrival to bypass testing or quarantine requirements.

Many coronavirus passes generate corresponding QR codes that can be scanned to check your vaccination status.

Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of luxury travel agency Embark Beyond, said "almost all" airlines offer some sort of technology that allows you to download proof of vaccination before you fly. He said the airline usually sends an email to travelers asking them to download all required documents before they check in.

Customers can use applications such as VERIFLY, which American Airlines uses on a number of flights, and Travel-Ready Center United Airlines.

Betsy Ball, co-founder and partner of travel agency Euro Travel Coach, said airline tips are based on destination requirements and provide a more relaxed journey. “It’s more convenient to download it digitally before you get to the airport so everything is easily accessible,” she said.

Where can I get a vaccination passport?

The US does not have a national vaccination passport. However, a number of US states, in addition to the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, offer digital confirmation of vaccinations using the SMART Health Card system, which can generate a QR code. Many health care providers and health systems will issue SMART cards, as will pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid. A complete list can be found here.

application docket available to residents of Minnesota, New Jersey, and Utah. California, Colorado and New York have their own digital offerings. CLEAR, a biometric screening company, also allows users to create a vaccine passport using their health pass. Travelers can also use the digital health app commonpassto store and display evidence of their vaccination.

Ezon notes that in countries like France, travelers can get a digital vaccination pass by visiting a local pharmacy, but the country will soon eliminate vaccination passport requirements for many places.

Which popular destinations require digital vaccination passports?

Travelers traveling to the United Arab Emirates must present a vaccination certificate with a QR code for entry. Otherwise, they will need to have a negative PCR test or a medical certificate of recovery from coronavirus within a month before the trip, also with a QR code.

Similarly, Aruba requires visitors aged 12 and over to have a digitally verifiable QR code that shows proof of vaccination and re-vaccination to bypass testing requirements, unless they have recently recovered from the coronavirus. Boosters are optional for children aged 12 to 17. Paper vaccination cards from the CDC are not accepted, nor are photographs of the cards.

Louise Gehring, owner of travel agency Gehring Travel, said she found that the main places that needed "some extra step, which are the most popular right now, are in the Caribbean."

Sint Maarten, for example, accepts government-issued vaccination cards but requires that all fully vaccinated travelers uploaded their confirmation of vaccination within the framework of the electronic health authorization system.

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Goering urged to familiarize themselves with these rules in case there was a hitch.
And with the unpredictability of travel in the Covid era, your destination's rules can be lifted or tightened at any moment. You need to remain vigilant and download the appropriate applications or digital passports.

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