GENEVA — Following successful trials by Singapore Airlines, IATA has welcomed the airline’s acceptance of pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test results on the IATA Travel Pass.

From May 1, 2021, passengers travelling to Singapore will be able to use the Pass to share their pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test results upon check-in with their airline, as well as on arrival at immigration checkpoints at Changi Airport. 

The digital health pass, first announced in late 2020, was designed to manage and verify the flow of testing or vaccine information among governments, airlines, laboratories and travellers. In addition to Singapore Airlines, early adopters that were the first to trial the pass include Emirates, Etihad, Copa and Air New Zealand. To date, more than 20 airlines have announced trials of the IATA Travel Pass.

With Singapore Airlines’ trials now completed, the Singapore health and border control authorities will accept the IATA Travel Pass as a valid form of presentation of COVID-19 pre-departure test results for entry into Singapore. The information presented on the Pass will be in a format that satisfied Singapore’s prevailing COVID-19 pre-departure test requirements for entry into Singapore. 

“Having the confidence of an aviation leader like Singapore accept IATA Travel Pass is hugely significant,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “Ongoing trials put us on track for IATA Travel Pass to be a critical tool for the industry’s restart by delivering verified travel health credentials to governments. And travellers can have complete confidence that their personal data is secure and under their own control.

“The success of our joint efforts will make IATA’s partnership with the government of Singapore a model for others to follow.”

According to IATA, digital health certificates will be a key feature in air travel moving forward. Establishing trusted, secure solutions to verify the health credentials of travellers will be critical in facilitating smooth air travel and safeguarding public health.

Travellers to Singapore intending to use the IATA Travel Pass should check with the airline they are travelling with for eligibility to use the Pass.