As of 2024, there is still no centralized set of standards for a universally readable, verifiable, updateable, and unforgeable vaccine passport. However, several countries, regions, and organizations have developed their own digital travel passes that are being recognized. These include the UK's National Health Service COVID Pass, the EU Digital COVID Certificate, France's travel pass, and the International Air Transport Association Pass, which is being implemented by several major airlines. In addition, some countries and territories, such as New Zealand, require travellers to complete a travel declaration and receive a pass prior to departure. While American citizens do not currently need a passport to fly domestically, starting on May 7th, 2025, any person travelling within the United States must possess a REAL ID-compliant form of identification.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Is a travel pass required for domestic flights in the US? | No, but from May 7, 2025, every air traveller aged 18 or over will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, valid passport, or US military ID. |
Is a travel pass required for international flights? | Yes, a passport is always required for international flights. |
Is a travel pass required for travel to New Zealand? | Yes, the New Zealand Traveller Pass is required for all travellers to New Zealand by air. |
Is a travel pass required for travel within India? | Yes, an e-pass is required for intrastate/interstate travel. |
Is a travel pass required for travel within the UK? | Yes, the National Health Service COVID Pass is required for travel and to enter certain concerts and museums. |
Is a travel pass required for travel within the EU? | Yes, the EU Digital COVID Certificate is required for travel within the EU and to enter certain countries outside the EU, such as Israel and Morocco. |
What You'll Learn
COVID-19 travel passes
As of 2024, COVID-19 travel restrictions are no longer in place. However, it is still important to be aware of the latest travel advisories and requirements when travelling internationally.
A COVID-19 vaccine passport or proof of vaccination is a credential issued by governments or health authorities to verify an individual's vaccination status. These vaccine passports are typically coordinated with policies enforced by businesses or public health orders, requiring individuals to present proof of vaccination as a condition of entry to certain venues or events. While some countries have mandated the use of vaccine passports, others have raised concerns about potential discrimination and privacy issues.
- New Zealand: Introduced the My Vaccine Pass in November 2021, required for entry to hospitality venues and gatherings. This pass was discontinued in April 2022.
- China: Implemented a digital health code system on platforms like WeChat and Alipay, using scannable QR codes to facilitate entry to public transport, shops, and malls.
- Israel: Introduced the Green Pass in February 2021, required for accessing gyms, hotels, bars, and restaurants. The pass was later voided and reinstated multiple times based on infection rates.
- European Union: Offers the EU Digital COVID Certificate, also known as the Green Pass, for travel within the Schengen area with fewer restrictions.
- United States: There is no federal vaccine passport, but some states have implemented mechanisms for residents to obtain proof of vaccination in the form of scannable QR codes.
- Canada: Implemented a vaccine passport system in September 2021, required for domestic and international air travel.
- United Kingdom: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have each introduced proof of vaccination programs, with varying rules and requirements.
It is important to note that the acceptance and requirements of vaccine passports vary across countries and jurisdictions. Therefore, it is essential to review the specific entry requirements and guidelines for your destination before travelling internationally.
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International travel
Passports and Visas
Passports are always required for international flights. Some countries also require visas, which can be obtained in advance or on arrival. Visas may be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry, and may be valid for a set number of days. It is important to check the specific requirements for your destination country.
Vaccination and Testing Requirements
Previously, many countries required proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry. As of June 2024, most countries have lifted these requirements, including Albania, Australia, Austria, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, the British Virgin Islands, Cambodia, Canada, the Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Curaçao, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Martinique, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, the Turks and Caicos, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay, Vietnam, Zimbabwe, and more.
However, some countries still have testing requirements in place, including Belarus, Bolivia, China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, and Sint Maarten. China, Hong Kong, and Sint Maarten also require travellers to quarantine upon arrival.
Other Considerations
In addition to the above, travellers should be aware of other potential requirements and considerations. Some countries may require travel insurance, such as Fiji and Bonaire. Some may require health declarations or other forms, such as Bolivia and Nicaragua. Temperature checks may be required in certain countries, such as Indonesia. Finally, some countries may have specific requirements regarding the validity of passports, vaccination status, or criminal records.
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Domestic travel
As of 2024, you do not need a passport for domestic travel in the US. However, you will need a REAL ID-compliant identification card, such as a driver's license, to travel within the US from May 7, 2025, onwards. This is due to the REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 attacks. The Act created new security standards for state driver's licenses and IDs.
The REAL ID Act was initially slated to become law on October 1, 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted states' abilities to issue compliant IDs, leading to several delays. The current deadline for full enforcement is May 7, 2025, as announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
To identify a REAL ID, look for a star in the top right corner of the card. All 50 states are now compliant and issuing these IDs. If your driver's license or ID was renewed before your state was compliant, you can receive a REAL ID-compliant version when you next renew your card.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant card, a valid passport, a U.S. military ID, or a federal government PIV card can also be used for domestic travel within the US. It is important to note that the REAL ID is not a substitute for a passport when travelling internationally.
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Travel within the US
If you're planning to travel within the United States, it's important to know which type of identification is required for domestic flights. While you don't need a passport to fly within the US, you will need some form of identification.
Identification for Domestic US Travel
US citizens are not required to present a passport when travelling within the country. However, all adult passengers (18 and above) must show valid identification at the airport. This can include a state-issued driver's license, DHS trusted traveller card, state-issued enhanced driver's license, US Merchant Mariner Credential, border crossing card, permanent resident card, US Department of Defense ID, or a tribal-issued photo ID.
From May 7, 2025, every air traveller aged 18 or over will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel. The REAL ID Act was initially slated to become law on October 1, 2020, but the date has been pushed back several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors.
Identification for Foreign Nationals
If you're a foreign national travelling within the US, you will need to carry your passport. Green-carded residents must have their regular photo ID and green card. Additionally, depending on the US state you're visiting, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as well as a driver's license from your country.
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Travel within the EU
If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you can travel to the UK for holidays or short trips without needing a visa. You can cross the UK border using a valid passport, which should be valid for the whole time you are in the UK. Irish citizens can continue to enter and live in the UK.
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can continue to use the automatic ePassport gates to pass through the border on arrival. You cannot use an EU, EEA, or Swiss national ID card to enter the UK unless you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man's settlement schemes.
If you are a non-EEA family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you need a valid national passport and one of the following: an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, a UK-issued EEA family permit, or a UK-issued biometric residence card.
If you are from a non-EEA country, your passport (and visa, if you have one) will be checked at border control. You will usually be asked why you are coming to the UK. You can use the UK/EEA immigration lanes and the automatic ePassport gates if you are travelling from within the Common Travel Area (CTA), which is made up of the UK, Ireland, and the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man).
For business travel to the UK, EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can visit the UK for a short business trip without needing a visa. Under the UK's new points-based immigration system, you can stay in the UK for up to 6 months without a visa. During this time, you may enter the UK multiple times, but you may not live in the UK by means of frequent or successive visits. As a business visitor, you cannot do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, do a work placement or internship, or sell directly to the public or provide goods and services.
If you are planning to work in the UK for longer than 6 months, you will need to apply for a visa.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a passport is always required for international travel.
It depends on where you are. In the US, a passport is not required for domestic flights. However, from May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, valid passport, or US military ID will be mandatory for domestic air travel.
Yes, all travellers to New Zealand by air are required to complete and submit a New Zealand traveller declaration (NZTD) and receive a Traveller Pass prior to departure.
Yes, the National Health Service COVID Pass is used for both travel and to enter certain concerts and museums.
Yes, the EU Digital COVID Certificate is used in all EU member states and some nearby countries such as Israel and Morocco.