Japan joins EU, China in issuing digital vaccine passport

TOKYO: Japan is set to issue digital health certificates to citizens who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, joining China, European Union and other countries that have adopted similar measures aimed at opening up overseas travel.

The certificate can be managed on a mobile app in line with international standards,, allowing the carrier to present the proof of vaccination when boarding a plane or checking in to a hotel. The app is also focused on foreigners staying in Japan and returning to their respective home countries.

International travel has been affected by the pandemic, with air traffic down two-thirds last year and the tourism industry fairing even worse. The vaccine passports is seen as a panacea to bring the industry back.

According to a report, the Japanese government is considering adding the certificate to an app that is set to be introduced next month that holds a digital certificate for a negative test result. The information will also be linked with a new system that tracks the progress of the government’s vaccination program.

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The government is cautious about using vaccine passports for domestic travel. Norihisa Tamura, Japan’s health minister, said the documents can lead to discrimination and prejudice. The government does not plan to use the vaccine passports for the “Go To Travel” campaign to stimulate tourism demand, even if the program is resumed.

The EU is planning to launch vaccine certificates by summer. Visitors to the EU from Japan may be required to show their certificate when boarding an airplane.

China launched its own version of a vaccine passport this month, although it still requires vaccinated travellers to quarantine after arriving in the mainland.

In determining the standards for its certification, the Japanese government will refer to the EU certificates as well as the universal digital certificate “CommonPass” advocated by the World Economic Forum.

Japan already issues a certificate in paper format. Those who have received a vaccine will be able to attach a vaccination certificate to a coupon issued by the local government for proof of inoculation.