Can the IATA Travel Pass Revive International Tourism?
IATA’s new Travel Pass app promises digital health passes for flights—but how soon will it ease tourism’s pandemic challenges?
A new travel tool for the international set is on the horizon: the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the upcoming launch of a digital travel pass by the end of March. IATA has also confirmed ongoing talks with Indian authorities and carriers to roll out the pass with airlines Air India, Vistara, IndiGo and SpiceJet.
The IATA Travel Pass is a mobile application developed by IATA to help passengers travel safely in line with government Covid-19 testing or vaccination requirements. Vinoop Goel, IATA’s Regional Director for Airports and External Relations, noted, “There will be paper alternatives for those without smartphones. IATA already manages health requirements through its Timatic system, so the Travel Pass is a natural evolution to support the industry amid the pandemic.”
The IATA Travel Pass joins rivals such as CommonPass and VeriFLY. Airlines use these apps to verify the validity of passengers’ health credentials—vaccination, recent test, proof of recovery or a combination—though travelers should confirm which one their airline accepts. Airlines can also be found in the vendor’s system, as it is widely available for all airlines.
Strict personal-data safeguards protect the information held in the app. Travelers can use it to check real-time requirements for testing, vaccination and entry rules, plus store a digital passport on their phones.