Explained: the “ vaccine passport ” that Denmark will launch

In an effort to reduce restrictions on travel and public life, Denmark said on Wednesday it was rolling out a digital passport that would show whether holders have been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Morten Boedskov, Danish Finance Minister, said at a press conference: “It is about us as a country exploiting the technical advantages that we have. We can be among the first in the world to have it and show it to the rest of the world ”.

How will Denmark’s “vaccination passport” work?

The first step will be completed at the end of February, when Danish citizens who have been vaccinated will be able to see a file on a government health website. After three or four more months, the digital passport and an app will be launched. Boedskov said it will work as an “extra passport” for people to take on their mobile devices.

Currently, Denmark is on lockdown. Non-essential shops are closed and bars and restaurants are only allowed for take out orders.

The Danish government presented the plan with representatives of major industry groups and professional associations, who called for the adoption of readily available proof of vaccination. Boedskov said: “It is absolutely crucial for us to be able to restart the Danish company so that companies can get back on track. Many Danish companies are global companies with the whole world as a market ”.

Denmark, like the countries of northern Europe, has pushed for paperless communications in the public and private sectors in recent years. The corona passport is seen as part of his efforts to cut red tape by using electronic verification.

The government said it will decide at a later date whether the digital passport will be used for purposes other than travel, such as access to restaurants, music festivals and sporting events.

What are European countries doing to open up travel?

Last summer, the tourism sector in Europe was severely affected by the pandemic. Thus, the EU has been under pressure this year to develop mechanisms to allow safe resumption of travel.

The EU has considered using vaccination certificates, but has so far said these certificates will only be used for medical reasons.

EU member Estonia said on Tuesday it would allow those traveling to the country to skip quarantine requirements if they are able to show proof of vaccination against Covid-19. Estonia requires such a certificate to contain details such as the vaccine that was administered, who issued it and its batch number, according to an Associated Press report.

Last year, the World Health Organization also said it was working on an electronic vaccination certificate. His “yellow smart card” is said to be a digitized version of the yellow vaccination cards used in many countries, according to a Reuters report.

Australian airline Qantas has also said that in the future it will insist that passengers be vaccinated against Covid-19 before flying.