Australia to have digital vaccine certificates "in the coming weeks"

September 9th 2021

Print Friendly

Australia's minister for trade, tourism and investment, Dan Tehan, said yesterday a vaccination certification scheme using QR codes will be rolled out within weeks. Read More » "We are in the process of planning that so that in coming weeks we will have a system up and ready for when we hit the 70% vaccination mark and we hit that 80% vaccination mark that will enable Australians to travel overseas again and also for Australians to return home in greater numbers," Tehan told Australian media. "We also will be able to start welcoming international students, those who want to come here to work and, ultimately, tourists again." Tehan said the vaccine certificate will employ a QR code and be recognised "across the globe". The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said it looked forward to the launch of Australia's digital vaccine certificate, describing it as a "key enabler" to reopen borders and restart international travel to and from the country. "Having a digital version also makes it easier for the vaccine certificate to be uploaded to the IATA Travel Pass," IATA said. "It is important Australia recognises the vaccine certificates issued by other countries to allow travellers to enter Australia with minimal restrictions." IATA said the risk averse zero-COVID approach adopted by many Asia-Pacific states was not sustainable and also was detrimental to their economies and their populations. "We have seen moves around the world to reopen borders, allow international travel and restart aviation and tourism sectors. The Asia-Pacific risks being left behind," the airline lobby group said. Currently, 39% of Australian residents aged 16 years and over are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.