'Covid passports' could be introduced for foreign travel by 17th May

Government sources have confirmed that 'Covid passports' are being developed and could be ready for when the ban on foreign travel is lifted - the earliest date for which has been set as the 17th May for people in England.

The document could be presented at foreign borders to prove that a traveller has had the vaccination. Depending on the country, this could allow travellers entry without the need to provide a recent negative test as well as possibly allowing them to sidestep any quarantine requirements.

Greece, for example, has signalled this would be the case for Brits when entering the country. Cyprus and Seychelles have released similar statements, while Spain's tourism minister has said the Iberian country is “desperate to welcome” visitors from the UK this summer and has signalled this could begin within six weeks.

It remains unclear what form this document will take, however, a Department for Transport insider confirmed to the Guardian that time pressure could result in a more traditional physical certificate rather than an “all-singing, all-dancing electronic one”.

A domestic 'Covid passport' will likely take longer

Plans for a domestic 'Covid passport' that could allow access to hospitality settings like, cinemas, sports events, exhibitions and gyms will likely take longer to develop.

The i has reported that senior minister Michael Gove is currently in Israel with England's deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam to research the country 'green pass scheme', which was introduced in February.

A YouGov Poll from March showed that almost 6 in 10 Britons would favour the introduction of a vaccine passport while the vaccination rollout is still underway. Perhaps unsurprisingly based on the age priority schedule of the rollout, older people are more in favour of introduction of the vaccine passport as soon as possible. Let us know what you think in the comments below or on social media.