PHOENIX – Do you hope to travel this year? With more COVID-19 tests and vaccines, some are already making travel plans for the next few months.
But what will the trip look like in the future?
Scott Keyes with Scott’s Cheap Flights says it could involve on-site testing.
“In the airport parking lot, there are quick test sites, so you can show up, test yourself. You could get results in 15 minutes,” Keyes said.
At this time, different countries have different testing and quarantine requirements.
A negative COVID test is required to enter the United States.
While the negative tests required for domestic travel have been discussed, it has so far been ruled out.
Keyes believes that for many countries, the game changer is the vaccine.
“Yes, we will allow people who have been vaccinated to bypass normal testing or quarantine requirements,” he said, “could be an option.”
While American tourists are still barred from traveling to most European Union countries, Iceland, Cyprus and Poland now allow visitors from some countries with proof of vaccination.
And how would you look at this proof?
Keyes said it could be a vaccine passport. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is developing a so-called “travel pass”.
It is a phone application that allows you to see the COVID requirements of a country and store and share test results and vaccine information.
IBM’s “health pass” goes on. Its website says the permit could also be used for “large-scale events, such as a game, a concert or an amusement park.”
Bahrain has already developed a vaccine passport. Denmark, Sweden and other countries are talking about it.
Vaccine passports would also be available on paper.
There are some setbacks, some considering unfair passports in countries that have to wait for vaccines.