door ReseTourism redaction
•
24 feb., 2021
It is currently the object of all controversy. The vaccine passport could be set up to allow, in the context of the coronavirus epidemic, vaccinated people to travel abroad without restriction and to enter certain cultural or tourist places. Strongly criticized for the inequalities it risks generating, it is also not recommended by the World Health Organization which considers that currently, the vaccine does not constitute a guarantee of sufficient protection against Covid-19. Some also see the establishment of a vaccination certificate as a roundabout way of making the vaccine compulsory. What is a vaccination passport? This is an official document in paper or digital format certifying that its holder has received the injections of the vaccine against the coronavirus. Also called an immune or health passport or vaccination certificate, it should offer the possibility of traveling abroad and in public places freely, provided that the host country recognizes the validity of the document. This passport could be similar to the international vaccination record, necessary to enter certain countries which require vaccination against yellow fever, for example. The vaccination passport in Europe Considered in some countries, it should make it possible to avoid PCR tests during a trip abroad, quarantine and certificates. Europe is currently working on a vaccination certificate via a standardized digital platform for collecting and exchanging data. But if Hungary, Spain, Portugal or Greece are in favor of this project, France, the Netherlands, Belgium or even Germany consider that it is still too early to consider this process. Thanks to this measure, the head of the Greek government hopes to revive the sector's economy. "For countries like Greece, which depend on tourism, it is imperative that this problem be resolved before the summer season." Vaccination passport: where is it currently implemented? Iceland is one of the first countries to have a vaccination passport in place, on January 21, 2021. "The aim is to facilitate the movement of people between countries, so that individuals can present a certificate of vaccination during border controls and thus be exempted from border restriction measures in accordance with the rules of the country concerned ", explained the Icelandic Ministry of Health. In Denmark, the vaccination passport is called "corona passport". Issued to people who have received two injections of the Covid-19 vaccine, it will not take effect until summer approaches. The document will be necessary to travel abroad, but also to attend sporting and cultural events. "It is absolutely crucial for us to be able to restart Danish society and for companies to get back on track," said Morten Bødskov, Minister of Taxation in Denmark. Like Denmark, Sweden plans to launch its vaccination passport in 3 to 4 months. "When Sweden and neighboring countries start to reopen their companies, it is likely that vaccination certificates will be required for travel and possibly to participate in other activities," Minister Anders Ygeman told a press conference. Swedish Digital Development Agency. Greece was one of the first European countries to issue the request for a standardized vaccination passport. "Even though we are not going to make vaccination compulsory or make it a prerequisite when traveling, those vaccinated should be free to travel," Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greek Prime Minister, said in his letter to the European Commission . In the meantime, Greece has entered into a tourism agreement with Israel allowing residents to travel freely between the two countries. In Israel, the plan for a health passport was also announced by the authorities. The holders of the document will be able to circulate freely - provided that the document is recognized by the host country - without risking a quarantine. The vaccination passport will also allow access to tourist, cultural and sporting places. In Seychelles, the vaccination passport has been effective since January 15. It must be accompanied by a negative PCR test to be able to enter the territory. The country plans to vaccinate more than 70% of its population. "From there, we can declare the Seychelles safe in terms of Covid", assured the President of the Republic, Wavel Ramkalawan. The country can then be opened again to all travelers. In Morocco, the Minister of Health, Khalid Aït Taleb explained in December 2020 on the 2M television channel, that a registration system on electronic lists of vaccinated people should be put in place in the coming months. Estonia, in favor of the establishment of a global vaccination passport, is currently working with the WHO to develop a reliable digital passport, recognized worldwide and making it possible to counter all forms of falsification. In Cyprus, Minister of Transport Yiannis Karousos announced in early December that from March 1, 2021, passengers who can show proof of vaccination will be exempt from quarantine restrictions. Georgia does not apply any restrictions to travelers from around the world, provided they have received both injections of the Covid-19 vaccine. In Madeira and Porto Santo, entry conditions are relaxed for travelers able to present proof that they have already had Covid-19 or a vaccination certificate stipulating receipt of the two doses. For other tourists, a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours will be necessary to enter the territory.