Already fed up of rainy, gloomy days and dampened by the thought of a second lockdown preventing any future travel? Well, you’re in luck because the world’s first coronavirus passport is launching on Wednesday allowing travellers to go abroad without facing an imposed quarantine on return.
The new passport launched by the World Economic Forum and The Commons Project will be trialled at London Heathrow this week on flights between London, New York, Hong Kong and Singapore. The digital software allows users to upload their COVID-19 test from a certified lab to prove they are safe to travel and meet government guidelines. This will then generate a QR code that is scanned by border officials on arrival.
“As we come to grips with living with COVID-19, testing is the safest scientific method to reopen countries and borders. However, as each country looks to find the right solution to protect their citizens, we know that the ability to demonstrate the validity of testing done upon arrival or before departure is key to reopening borders. The Collinson and Swissport dedicated COVID-19 testing facility at Heathrow will support CommonPass’ trial by testing United Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways volunteers,” revealed David Evans, Joint CEO of Collinson.
Heathrow’s Process Improvement Director Mark Burgess added: “For some time now, Heathrow has been calling for the creation of a Common International Standard and cross-border pilots such as these could help governments across the world and the industry to unlock the benefits of testing in aviation. We’re looking forward to reviewing the findings of these trials and using the learnings to support the recovery of an industry that provides so many jobs and economic opportunities globally.”
Whether you’re seeking a week of Winter sun, or dreaming of Christmas in the Alps, nothing is off the cards just yet.