Filenews 9 March 2021
China has introduced a digital passport for its citizens, which allows them to demonstrate their state of health on trips to or from abroad and may contribute to the wider opening of Chinese borders.
The "health certificate for international travel" is a smartphone app that displays and certifies passenger health data, such as their COVID-19 (PCR or antibody) tests or their vaccination status against the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
At present the use of this application is not mandatory, and it concerns only the Chinese.
This will "give them greater ease" in their travels "to the extent that mutual recognition agreements on health certificates will be concluded between China and other countries," according to Chinese news agency New China.
The implementation aims "to promote global economic recovery and facilitate border crossings," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement, in which it did not specify what the specific benefits it would offer, nor whether other countries intend to recognise it.
The US and Britain are considering establishing similar systems. In the EU, the idea of a "green passport" will be presented by the European Commission on 17 March.
With the exception of local outbreaks, China has largely been exempt from COVID-19 since spring 2020 thanks to lockdowns, massive diagnostic tests, the widespread use of a protective mask and the quarantines it imposes upon entry into the country.
The new Chinese health passport, launched yesterday Monday through a mini-program built into the popular WeChat app, can also be printed on paper.
From the end of March 2020, China allows Chinese and a limited number of foreigners to enter its territory. It has also significantly reduced international flights.
Among foreigners, only diplomats, business world agents or even people who have a valid residence and work permit can enter the country under conditions.
All travellers, Chinese and foreign, must also be quarantined at least 14 days in a hotel upon arrival at their own expense.
The introduction of the digital health passport makes it possible to see the possibility of a generalisation in the medium term for foreigners of this system, or even a partial lifting of travel restrictions on entry or exit from Chinese territory.
ΠΗΓΗ: ΑΠΕ - ΜΠΕ
