We all wish for a bit more normality in our lives again - this includes travelling. Through the Corona vaccination passport, a first step in this direction could be made - despite pandemic. Heads of state and government of the EU member states are already pushing for the rapid introduction of such a vaccination card.

Will we soon be able to travel without worries?

All 27 European member states of the government agree: they want to significantly intensify the fight against the Corona pandemic. This includes, among other things, the introduction of a vaccination kit that should enable carefree travel. Especially the southern EU member states such as Greece, Portugal and Spain, but also Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia and Slovakia had pushed for a quick introduction of such a "green vaccination card". The European vaccination card mainly benefits tourism, which is an important element for the economy.

How does the passport work?

It will take up to three months to clarify the technical requirements for the passport. The idea is to use software that can be stored on a smartphone and accessed at any time from anywhere using a QR code. The passport will show whether and with which vaccine a carrier has been immunized or whether he has had a Covid 19 infection and therefore has antibodies or when he took the last PCR test. Those who can thus prove that they are not at risk of infection should also be able to move more freely in Europe.

Many questions still open

Detailed questions are to be discussed at the next EU summit in mid-March. On the one hand, the scientific community is still not clear whether immunised persons could nevertheless continue to be virus carriers or what the situation would be with mutated viruses. On the other hand, how the exact border controls or quarantine measures for vaccinated persons will look in general. It is also unclear whether the majority of the population will actually have been vaccinated by then.

China first country to have a digital Corona vaccination passport

Asia is already one step ahead of us. Since 08 March 2021, China already has a digital vaccination certificate for travellers. The online service WeChat displays the certification of vaccinations and test results of the users. Using a QR code, this also allows other countries to read users' data when they enter the country. Currently, however, this document, which is also available in paper form, is only valid for Chinese citizens.