The idea of a COVID-19 vaccine passport has been in the making since the second half of 2020 in a bid to resume travel and economic activities in an unprecedented time of lockdowns and border closures. This is beginning to take shape and becoming a reality. 

Several countries have pushed ahead with their own vaccine passports. Israel is one of the first countries to introduce a green passport to allow vaccinated people into restricted places like bars, hotels and swimming pools. The UK is proposing a vaccine passport with a similar aim to reopen the economy but is facing resistance due to privacy, inequality and ethical concerns. 

Other countries are considering similar documents for purposes of re-opening cross-border travels. The European Commission has announced plans to roll out the EU-wide Digital Green Pass to provide proof that a person has been vaccinated, tested negative for COVID-19 or recovered fully. ASEAN, China, Japan, Singapore and Thailand are amongst the countries and regional trade blocs in Asia Pacific that are planning to do the same. 

The debate over the feasibility and concerns of having a health passport continues even as countries put their plans into action. While many believe this will shape the future of travel, tech developers like Netcompany view it only as a short-term solution. Nevertheless, vaccine passports look set as a solution to resume quarantine-free travel and to restart the global economy.