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Tourists Visiting Australia May Need To Show Proof Of COVID-19 Vaccination

Tourists Visiting Australia May Need To Show Proof Of COVID-19 VaccinationAs part of what could be the ‘new normal’ in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, proof of a vaccination could be essential for travel.

The travel industry as a whole has been hit badly by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and continues to suffer. This is causing many changes within tourism, with health and safety protocols being put in place. One of the latest proposed measures being considered by the Australian airline Qantas is that it will be mandatory to have proof of a COVID-19 vaccination before being allowed to board their flights.

COVID-19 Vaccination Before Flying

Many countries in the world are currently reopening to international visitors, while requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test on arrival or imposing quarantines. Qantas is looking further ahead than this.
In an interview with Channel Nine’s “A Current Affair” in Australia on Monday, Qantas boss Alan Joyce says he believes international air passengers heading to Australia will have to have proof of a COVID-19 vaccination before being allowed to board their flight. Joyce outlined a potential vaccination policy for international travel that could, potentially, end Australia’s travel ban.

“We are looking at changing our terms and conditions to say for international travelers, that we will ask people to have a vaccination before they can get on the aircraft,” he said. “Certainly for international visitors coming out, and people leaving the country. We think that’s a necessity.”
Joyce continued, saying after talking to his colleagues in other airlines around the world, he thinks it will be a common practice.

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Vaccinations Are Not Yet A Requirement

While many countries are coming up with what they believe to be viable COVID-19 vaccinations, none are currently being given out extensively by medical staff. Qantas has yet to confirm that proof of a vaccination will be required for their flights in the future.

However, this suggestion comes at a time when the International Air Transport Association (IATA) states it is in the final stages of developing the IATA Travel Pass. This will, in effect, be a digital health pass that is currently being trialed in an effort to support the safe reopening of borders without the need for mandatory quarantine.

According to IATA, the Travel Pass would effectively “manage and verify the secure flow of necessary testing or vaccine information among governments, airlines, laboratories and travelers.”The Travel Pass digital health app would enable passengers to find information on travel, COVID-19 testing and eventually any vaccine requirements for their trip.

The App Will Connect International Travelers With Authorized Labs And Testing Centers

The app will connect international travelers with authorized labs and testing centers. This will enable them to create a “digital passport” with which to receive test results and vaccination certificates to share with airlines and other authorities who facilitate travel.

Alexandre de Juniac, Director General and CEO of IATA, said in a statement that “Today borders are double locked.” He said testing is the first key to enable international travel without the need for quarantine measures. The second key is the global information infrastructure required for the secure management, sharing and verification of test data, matched with the travelers’ identities in compliance with border control requirements. De Juniac added, “That’s the job of IATA Travel Pass.”

Current news about the success of COVID-19 vaccinations has recently caused a spike in travel searches. It certainly does sound like this is the way to go for international travelers in the future.

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