International Travel Without Quarantine On The Horizon With COVID-19 Passport

If traveling internationally from the U.S., there’s usually a mandatory two-week quarantine visitors have to go through, but that might change with an app that’ll be used as a COVID-19 passport.

The International Air Travel Association (IATA) is launching a new app for Android and iPhone users that passengers can upload their COVID-19 information to so they can surpass quarantining and share their information with airlines and government officials, its website explains.

IATA is hoping for a March 2021 launch date, but it’s currently still under development.

Along with passengers being able to upload information, the app will be equipped with global testing sites, entering qualifications and even vaccine requirements for each country.

The website also explains that the company is working with a group to come up with a process when those with families might not have multiple smartphones. Individuals without a smartphone will have paper-based alternatives as well.

This app will start rolling out with Singapore Airlines, followed by IAG, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Copa Airlines and 15 other airlines.

This won't be the only "passport" available around the world because Denmark and Sweden have plans to launch their versions in the near future and the U.K. has talked about creating its own, too.

"Testing is the first key to enable international travel without quarantine measures," IATA CEO Alexandre de Juniac stated about the idea in November. "The second key is the global information infrastructure needed to securely manage, share and verify test data matched with traveler identities in compliance with border control requirements. We are bringing this to market in the coming months to also meet the needs of the various travel bubbles and public health corridors that are starting operation."

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) outlines all precautions to take when traveling domestically or internationally on its website.