The International Air Transport Association or IATA Travel Pass is a digital health application that contains a passenger’s information related to COVID-19 travels. By having the application, it would be easier for immigration authorities and relevant officials to verify one’s health status, while also giving access to resources needed to travel safely and efficiently in the new normal.
Singapore Airlines was the first carrier to successfully try the IATA Travel Pass for a flight from Singapore Changi Airport to London’s Heathrow Airport in March 2021. Several other airlines followed suit, with trials taking place between May and June 2021. Among them is the Philippine Airlines (PAL), the first carrier in the Philippines to do so.
Also read: Why Philippine Tourists Need a COVID-19 Passport
How does the IATA Travel Pass work?
The IATA Travel Pass initiative mainly aims to help in the reopening of countries for travel by increasing their confidence towards mitigating COVID-19 and related risks. In order to do this, the application provides the following information according to IATA:
- National governments: the means to verify the authenticity of tests or vaccinations and the identity of those presenting their certificates.
- Aviation industry: the ability to provide accurate information to their passengers on test requirements and verify that a passenger meets the requirements for travel.
- Health sector: the means to issue certificates to passengers that will be recognised by governments.
- Essential and non-essential travellers: accurate information on test requirements; where they can get tested or vaccinated; and the means to securely convey the results/certificates to airlines and border authorities.
That being said, here’s what the IATA Travel Pass consists of:
- Global registry of health requirements
- Global registry of testing and vaccination centers
- Lab App (for laboratories and testing centers to securely share health certificates)
- Travel ASS App (where passengers can make a digital passport, receive necessary certificates, share their information to authorities, review travel eligibility, and manage their travel documentation)
Also read: 12 Adulting Apps Every Pinoy Millennial Should Have
The PAL IATA Travel Pass trial
As of writing, PAL is the sole carrier in the Philippines to try out the initiative. From May to June 2021, passengers who are flying from Manila to Los Angeles or Manila to Singapore on the following dates may join the trial. Know more about PAL flights during the pandemic here.
Note that the list can still change for various reasons.
To join the PAL IATA Travel Pass trial, simply download the application to your mobile phone. Then, register your passport, add in your flight details, get a COVID-19 test, and complete the travel requirements. The latter depends on your eligibility and destination. Finally, present the IATA Travel Pass application upon check-in at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.
Read more about PAL’s qualifications here.
Featured image credit: zhudifeng via Canva Pro
