The World Health Organization is Looking into Electronic Vaccination Certificates

Coronavirus vaccinations are now well on their way throughout the world. While taking the vaccine is voluntary, experts are predicting that those who may refuse to take the vaccine may be prevented from traveling, mainly internationally. Hawaii for instance, already has a pre-travel testing program where travelers must provide a negative COVID-19 test result or have done a 14-day mandatory self-quarantine. While it may be unlikely right now due to the availability of the vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) is already looking into a plan for electronic vaccination certificates for travelers.

In October 2020, WHO and Estonia started collaborating on a pilot project for forming e-vaccination certificates with eventual use during international travel. The WHO cautions that they are not recommending “immunity passports” as the only means of preventing the spread of COVID-19 across borders and also expressed concerns over fraud.

Airlines are completely within their rights to impose conditions on the passengers on their flights. Travelers to Saudi Arabia, for example, already have to show proof of vaccination of meningitis before their pilgrimage to Mecca.