Europe to consider a digital health pass to help restore travel

With so many different rules being implemented around the world in relation to COVID-19 tests and vaccinations, the European Commission is proposing the implementation of a “digital green pass” to aid cross-border tourism and help stimulate economic recovery.

While details will be released on 17 March, the idea is that the digital certificate would facilitate travel within the EU by indicating if the holder has been vaccinated or has tested negative for the virus. It would also contain information on recovery for those who have been ill with COVID-19. Although the pass would facilitate travel between member countries, it does not appear that it will be mandatory for travelers to hold one.

A digital pass would indicate if the holder has been vaccinated © Aytac Unal/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The issue has divided member states and there are concerns about privacy and issues of discrimination, but the EU’s executive remains keen for a pan-EU system to be implemented. “It will respect data protection, security and privacy,” assured European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen. “The Digital Green Pass should facilitate Europeans’ lives. The aim is to gradually enable them to move safely in the European Union or abroad — for work or tourism.”

If the pass is implemented, it could also be used to grant access to entertainment and hospitality venues and visitor attractions. The US and UK are also among those currently considering whether to introduce a similar pass. US president Joe Biden's national coronavirus pandemic strategy includes an examination of the feasibility of linking vaccines to international vaccination certificates in digital form. UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, has also requested a review of vaccine passports.