Vaccine passport detailed

An industry briefing yesterday has unveiled key information about Federal Government plans to roll out new vaccination certificates which will be mandatory for international travel out of Australia.

As previously reported, the system will involve QR codes based on Visible Digital Seal technology, (TD 04 Aug), which will be electronically readable at airport e-passport gates.

Officials described Australia as a “first mover” with the technology, but more than 125 nations across the globe have also committed to using the system and Australia is currently assisting other countries with implementation.

Personal QR codes will be accessed via a traveller’s MyGov account, where their vaccination status will be authenticated in real time and linked to their passport before the encrypted code is provided to the user.

The code can be printed as a paper back-up and also saved to smartphones for use in transit.

The update noted individuals who hold dual citizenship would be able to apply for a QR code for multiple passports, while other issues under active discussion internationally include the global acceptance of specific vaccines.

The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO), which is a member of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Consular Consultative Group, was part of the briefing and detailed the update to its members, with officials also noting that travel to specific destinations will also require close attention to DFAT travel advisories.

“We understand travel insurers are actively preparing for a surge in demand,” CATO MD Brett Jardine said in the update.