The UK government is to look into 'Covid-status certification' – informally known as vaccination passports – despite this being ruled out earlier this month by the vaccines minister.
In its detailed outline of the roadmap out of the current national lockdown, the government wrote, "Vaccinations could offer a route to that safe and sustainable return. Once more is known about the evidence of vaccines on transmission and their efficacy against new variants, the Government can look to introduce a system to allow vaccinated individuals to travel more freely internationally."
The government said it was working with other countries who have started similar programmes, to lead global efforts to adopt a clear international framework with standards that provide consistency for passengers and industry alike.
It added, “Any such system will take time to implement. It will be heavily dependent on improved scientific understanding about the role vaccination plays in reducing transmission. Introducing such a system also needs to be fair and not unduly disadvantage people who have yet to be offered - or gain access to - a vaccine. That being the case, the Government does not expect this solution to be available quickly, and restrictions like those in place across the world are likely to continue for the near future.”
Listen to our latest podcast episode on whether digital health passports could help unlock business travel.
The government said today it was launching a review into restarting international travel, which would happen by 17 May at the earliest.