‘Freedom passport’ app could allow pubs, restaurants and sports venues to reopen with minimal social distancing Users will instantly be able to show evidence of their latest negative Covid test A government review is due to conclude before all restrictions lifted on June 21 Experts describe the technology as ‘a massive game-changer for this summer’ … Read more
Many people say the enjoyment went out of flying long ago, but Marilyn Hartman hasn’t let the nightmare of airports and airlines dampen her passion for aviation. She doesn’t worry about having all her documents and passport with her because she doesn’t carry any. And she doesn’t fret about the cost of the ticket because … Read more
The EU has presented plans to issue ‘digital green certificates’ allowing its 450million people to travel freely across the bloc this summer. The scheme, which will be discussed next week during a summit of EU leaders, will facilitate travel across Europe for people who have been vaccinated as well as others who have recently been … Read more
The UK government is using a ‘racially biased’ online passport photo checker – despite an updated version being available for more than a year. HM Passport Office has confirmed an improved version of the facial detection system, developed by its software vendor, has still not rolled out. The facial detection system is part of the … Read more
Vaccine passports have landed in the UK as the International Air Transport Association trials an app with an airline between Singapore and London. The phone software from IATA stores evidence of a negative Covid test as well as the facility to store evidence travellers have had coronavirus vaccinations. It is being trialled over the next few … Read more
Hopes of foreign summer holidays were given a boost last night after the European Union said its ‘vaccine passports’ scheme could be opened up to the UK. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for a so-called ‘Digital Green Pass’ to kick-start travel. It could come into force as early as June and the … Read more
Chaos struck Heathrow Airport last night as passengers queued for six hours to get through passport control with no social distancing, food or water – with arrivals saying just two members of staff manned 10 desks, a claim the Home Office has vehemently denied. Ten flights are believed to have arrived close to each other … Read more
Are vaccine passports imperative if this country is ever going to return to normality? Or do they represent another unacceptable infringement of our liberties, as well as being deeply impractical? The Government until recently has leant towards the second view. Nadhim Zahawi, the vaccines minister, dismissed vaccine passports earlier this month as ‘discriminatory’. Only 10 … Read more
Passport chaos in Backlog Britain: Around 200,000 people are waiting for a new travel document as Covid restrictions cause delays… and driving licences are held up too Families have been waiting months for important documents and appointments Many new parents have yet to record their babies’ births at register offices And at least 300,000 learner … Read more
For most of us, working from home is a daily grind spent at the kitchen table or holed up in a box room. But imagine setting up office with a view of tropical plants and the ocean — Barbados, to be precise. Determined to attract visitors while tourism is on its knees, the island’s government … Read more