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A couple of days ago, when discussing the Government’s ‘road map’ for lifting the current lockdown, the Prime Minister made some very interesting comments about vaccine passports.
As regards domestic use for accessing venues like theatres, there is deep reticence in Government and beyond. Prime Minister Johnson had this to say to Sky News,
“This is an area where we’re looking at a novelty for our country. We haven’t had stuff like this before, we’ve never thought in terms of having something that you have to show to go to a pub or theatre.
So there are deep and complex issues that we need to explore, ethical issues about what the role is for government in mandating people to have such a thing or, indeed, banning people from doing such a thing.
There are complex issues we need to work out.
We can’t be discriminatory against people who, for whatever reason, can’t have the vaccine – there might be medical reasons why people can’t have the vaccine, or some people may genuinely refuse to have one.
Now I think that’s a mistake, I think everybody should have a vaccine but we need to thrash all this out.”
A review is being conducted, but I doubt it will lead to anything substantial.
When it comes to international travel though, it seems likely that the opposite is true. The Prime Minister’s comments were unambiguous:
“When you look at the international side of things, international travel, there’s no question that’s where a lot of people, a lot of countries will be going.
They will be insisting on vaccine passports in the way that people used to insist on evidence that you’ve been inoculated against Yellow Fever or whatever.
So it’s going to come on the international stage whatever.”
Bottom line
There is a very high probability that in the months and years ahead, international travel will (usually) require some form of Covid vaccine certification. I will get my jab as soon as one is offered, so have no concerns about that at all from a personal perspective, but I wondered what readers thought.
In lockdown, it’s very difficult to ‘take the national temperature’ on these sort of issues. The last time I spoke to someone in a pub, or overheard a conversation on a train or bus, was about a year ago! So, please let me know what you think in the comments below…
Are you relaxed about the idea of a vaccine passport being required for foreign travel, or do you have concerns?
I see no issue with carrying a Vaccination Certificate Record Book, I have been doing it since I lived in Singapore as a small boy in the mid-1950’s. After that, I went to sea in 1969, have worked offshore since 1978 and have travelled extensively worldwide since 1980. All throughout I have maintained my Vaccination Record Book, and today it is still up to date.
After all, it is for our own wellbeing and security in Foreign Countries.
Cheers Mike – If you don’t mind me asking, what was Singapore like back then? I was born there in the late 80s when my family lived there for a few years, but they moved back to the UK shortly afterwards. I’ve been back quite frequently ever since though and heard lots of stories of what it was like in the 80s, but seeing the development in Singapore since the 50s must be extraordinary!
I am absolutely in favour of this. I travel (used to) extensively and have been totally grounded for a year and am definitely champing at the bit. If I were to have to be tested (which I would have to pay for) before, after and possibly during a trip it would be nightmare. I accept that everyone’s safety is paramount, however the fact that I could prove I had been vaccinated could stop the need for all that. Of course the whole world would need to move in tandem.
I’ve had my 1st shot and my 2nd is at the beginning of May. Then I am good to go just as soon as I am allowed……..
Yes, I certainly know the feeling. Great to hear you’ve had the first dose! – It’ll still be a little time for me, but the roll out has been genuinely impressive so far and there should be quite a lot more supply in April, so hopefully it won’t be too long!
As long as they come up with some way of handling people that can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons, I’m 100% fine with this.
Yes, I think that might be one of the sticking points internationally though. I assume different countries will have different policies on it.
Go for it I would have one if it helps people to travel again.I want to get out and travel a vaccine passport does it and opens the gates i want it
Am dubious how many countries will be letting people in even if carrying a passport in the next 12 months.
Absolutely the right way to go, in fact it should be introduced as quickly as possible – those who can’t have it need to have an exemption certificate.
However it will need to be coupled with a rapid covid test on departure for International travel.
Think there will be massive support for a system that is inclusive of those unable to be vaccinated.
More than happy if used for ease of access to other countries, who may insist on it anyway, as may GB for entry. I went on a school cruise in 1974 around the Mediterranean, and to this day l’ve still the certificate (paper of course) showing l was covered by Yellow Fever, and other disease vaccinations
I would have absolutely no problem having a Covid vaccine passport – either for domestic travel and / or events / venues or more understandably for international travel.
I have always carried my vaccination ‘booklet’ inside my passport holder when travelling on business / holidays anyway – it has everything from the yellow fever page plus cholera, rabies etc etc.
Indeed, I fully intend to take my vaccination booklet to get stamped / batch stickered when I go and get my vaccine – I’m not convinced that the UK government will come with any coherent vaccine passport plan any time soon.
Joe,
From what little I remember and what my father told me years ago, here goes.
We flew outbound from Black Bush Airport on an Air Works Hermes in 1953, and the journey lasted well over three days with numerous stops on the way. I seem to remember Calcutta was one of the stops. We finally arrived in Singapore landing at Paya Lebar Airport.
When we flew home three years later it was on board a QANTAS Constellation, taking under three days to complete the journey. An improvement on the outbound flight. I seem to remember the meals served were three-course and were served on proper China Plates, with white linen table cloths and napkins.
In those days the RAF was based at Changi, with another Air Base at Tengah, and a third was RAF Seletar. (Later on, during the 1960s when I was at Boarding School here in England, I had friends whose fathers were Air Force personnel based at Changi, flying Shackleton’s’.) Now back to the 1950s.
Married quarters in those days were quite good given the time period. However, there was no such luxury like air conditioning and each room had a ceiling fan, windows comprised of wooden shutters on the outside with steel rod caging on the inside. No such thing as glass I’m afraid.
The western wives being pale and frail in those days, (not being used to the Tropical Heat), were assisted by an Amah who lived in her own room within our apartment. Although I can not remember her name, I do remember her being a kindly Lady, who was always there when I needed her.
The school I attended was at Pasir Panjang and was built on the site of a POW Camp. My memories of that place, although some were good, were not perfect. At the age of five, we were being taught to write with a pen and ink, the inkpots being set into the frame of the desk. I remember having my knuckles rapped severely with the cane a few times, just for smudging the ink.
On the lighter side of life, the weekends spent in the swimming pool at the Britannia Club were wonderful.
Over the years I have been back to Singapore many, many times, and simply just love the place. My favorite hotel is the Intercontinental Hotel on Middle Road, which has one of the finest Club Lounges on the Planet, and in my opinion, is probably only second to the Club Lounge at the Intercontinental Grand Stanford in Hong Kong.
Many thanks for sharing Mike!!!- what a great insight. I remember flying from Seletar Airport (by then commercial) to Tioman in a tiny plane a few times when I was a boy – extremely exciting, particularly in a lightening storm!
I’m also a big fan of the IC (and its Club Lounge!). In fact, last time I was in Singapore, I was kindly guested in by Ian, who sometimes writes for InsideFlyer, and his lovely family. The year before that, I’m pretty sure I met up with another IF contributor staying there, just round the corner at Atlas, so it seems to be a popular spot.
The IC HK is also excellent.
I finally managed a bit of a travel dream last time I was heading to Singapore – enough KrisFlyer Miles to fly there SQ Suites. It’s a truly great way to travel, but I’d very happily take the 3-day Hermes trip, given the option right now.
Thanks again for sharing!
I’ve no real issue with this. Slightly unfair on those sent to the back of the queue by virtue of age, but they’ll get there eventually. Clearly, as others have mentioned, there also needs to be provision for those who can’t be vaccinated for genuine medical reasons.
Absolutely fine with it, no difference to having a yellow fever certificate which is required in a lot of countries.
I will not be having this experimental vaccine, I do not have the Flu jab . I am a very healthy Vegan 65 year young Lady, with an immune system that works. To be forced, coerced and blackmailed into having it is inhuman, medical rape. Vaccine passports Should not be allowed. This is taking away people’s freedom to live. I am in agreement with Covid testing before taking a flight . Please BA do not do this. I am a silver Executive Club member and loyal to BA.
I have no problem with a “Vaccination Passport” or whatever for Covid! I have a Vaccination Record Card which is used for visiting some countries where other vaccinations are required!
I will get my first jab sat,I will get a card showing when date and type.Also the second jab next line when due.So I suppose that may be a Vaccine passport unless they issue another type to travel
easiest way would be to have a stamp in a section of your passport as you have to show this when you leave or arrive at your destination.
I am absolutely in favour of the passports. I travel extensively and I’m really struggling with being grounded. I have had my first shot and will have my second shot in early May. I will travel as soon as it is permissible without the need to have tests before and after travelling. This may be a little harsh, but if people choose not to have the vaccine then that is their call therefore if they can’t travel, so be it