While countries around the world are still struggling to control Covid-19 and its variants, Iceland became the first European country to issue and recognize covid passports.
This new measure could allow vaccinated individuals to travel in and out of Iceland without restriction. Those that supply approved documentation may now be able to skip quarantine periods. The current requirement of the island nation is one of the more lax, with a 5 day quarantine period.
Sweden
During a press conference on February 4th, Sweden’s minister for energy and digital development, Anders Ygeman announced Sweden’s plan to create their own digital passports. A representative for Sweden’s live music association stated [this] “would be a piece of the puzzle in the work of being able to reopen concerts and festivals this summer.”
Denmark
The Danish government also announced its plans to create a similar covid passport in a bid to open their borders. This move will hopefully reinvigorate the live music scene across Europe, and spur other nations to follow suit. A move that could see the return of tourism.
Denmark expects to begin trialling their digital passport in 3-4 months. EU leaders have yet to find agreement on these covid digital passports, despite countries being hungry for an answer.
To the Future
While much of the world still remains under extreme lockdown, the announcement of these new covid passports are providing some hope to the industries hardest hit. Perhaps by summer we could be seeing a limited return to normalcy, with live music events making a reappearance.
Whether these countries’ certificates will be recognized by others outside of the EU is yet to be seen.