Starting next month, Singapore will accept visitors using a mobile travel pass containing digital certificates (tests and vaccines) for COVID-19, the Aviation Regulation Authority said on Monday, making it one of the first countries to adopt the initiative.
Singapore will accept the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) mobile travel pass for pre-departure checks, where travelers can obtain permission to travel and enter Singapore by showing a smartphone app containing their data from accredited laboratories.
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The pass was successfully tested by Singapore Airlines. More than 20 carriers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines, are testing the pass.
Singapore, which has had relatively few COVID-19 cases this year, has been a leader in the development and use of technology during the pandemic and wants to be among the first countries to reopen to host international events.
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Airlines hope that more countries will adopt digital cards in apps to allow travel soon and avoid complications and delays at airports where multiple document checks are required.
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Currently, travelers from most countries are required to take a COVID-19 test before departing their flights (within 72 hours) to travel to Singapore, with results presented upon check-in at the airport.
Source of information: reuters.com
