The digital COVID-19 vaccine passports may shape the future of travel, but for now, there is no universal system. While we await the progress of vaccine passports, expats should keep their COVID-19 vaccine cards secure as proof of immunisation. This document could be essential for travel, relocation, and daily life.
What is the COVID-19 vaccine card and how does it differ from a vaccine passport?
The COVID-19 vaccine card is the document you receive after immunisation against the virus. This is a record of your immunisation, that will include your personal information and the vaccine-related details. The vaccine card may also be considered a vaccine passport.
Some countries are implementing vaccine passports that will carry more information than the vaccine card. The European Union (EU), for example, is implementing a digital COVID certificate, also to be available in physical form, to facilitate citizens' travel within the EU from 1 July 2021. This vaccine passport will include information on whether the holder has been vaccinated against COVID-19, tested negative, and recovered from the virus.
However, not every country has adopted digital vaccine passports for travel or other purposes. The United States, for example, does not have a uniform vaccine passport system, and the different states have rules about state-based vaccine passports. The U.S. News reported on 1 June 2021 that states such as Florida, Georgia, and others, have banned vaccine passports and states such as Kentucky, Illinois, and others, don't require them. On the other hand, the states of New York and Hawaii have introduced vaccine passports.
On the international travel front, countries such as Singapore and Panama, and many airlines, are accepting the International Air Transport Association (IATA)'s travel pass, a mobile app that travellers can use to store their immunisation and test results.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine card be accepted for travel?
Some countries accept the proof of immunisation, that is, the vaccine card, from travellers. The Bahamas, for example, accepts government-issued vaccine cards at present, and such travellers would be exempt from COVID-19 tests. Travellers can upload their vaccine cards when applying for the Travel Health Visa. Several other countries also have less stringent requirements around quarantine and testing for travellers with vaccination proof.
Unfortunately, not all vaccines are recognized by countries, and the recognition of vaccine cards may depend on mutual agreements. Therefore, ahead of travelling, you should check if your destination country recognizes the vaccine you received and your vaccine card and if you should get a digital vaccine passport. Remember to also check the rules of your airline or cruise line, and the re-entry requirements of your resident country or home country.
COVID-19 vaccine card in daily life
In addition to travel, there are other times when your vaccine card will be required. For example, you may need to show proof of immunisation to enter events such as concerts or sporting events, depending on your local rules.
You may also need the record of immunisation to receive the second dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine, if applicable. Whether you will need the same card for possible future booster dosages is to be seen.
Furthermore, you may be required to show the vaccine card to health professionals you consult, including your regular General Practitioner. If you are an expat who intends to return home or relocate countries again, it's especially important to keep your immunisation record secure for future health-related purposes.
How to safeguard your vaccine card?
- Make a few physical copies and a digital copy of your card.
- If you lose the card, contact the centre you got vaccinated at and obtain another without delay.
- You can purchase a vaccine cardholder or a plastic cover to secure your card. Consider avoiding lamination so that the card can be updated with future dosages if required.
- The vaccine card has your personal information, and hence, treat it as you would any other official identification or legal document.
What's next for expats with vaccine cards?
As an expat, if you are immunised in your resident country, check if you can obtain a digital vaccine passport. Rules can change rapidly amid the ongoing global uncertainty, and hence, stay up to date on the requirements in your resident country and other countries you wish to travel to.
Don't forget to keep your vaccine card secure while we await the progress of digital vaccine passports.
