The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed the decision of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to accept the IATA Travel Pass to confirm pre-departure COVID-19 test results for departing and arriving passengers starting 30 September. Eventually, this will be expanded to also cover vaccine certification.

Travellers to and from Saudi Arabia will have the choice of using either the IATA Travel Pass or the country’s national health app, Tawakkalna, owned and developed by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).

IATA and Saudi Arabia are working together to restore international travel conveniently and safely. Saudi Arabian Airlines has been a trial partner in the development of the IATA Travel Pass. And work is progressing with GACA and Tawakkalna for IATA Travel Pass to be a vehicle for pre-arrival clearance for Saudi Arabia. IATA Travel Pass will simplify and enhance compliance with health requirements for travellers entering the Kingdom and contribute to the safe restart of the travel and tourism industry, which is an important contributor to the country’s economy.

According to IATA Director General Willie Walsh, IATA’s collaboration with Saudi Arabia, GACA, Tawakkalna and Saudi Arabian Airlines demonstrate a shared commitment to restore international air travel safely.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s acceptance of IATA Travel Pass will demonstrate how digital solutions can effectively manage both COVID-19 vaccine and test certificates. The trust that the KSA has placed in IATA Travel Pass is an example for other governments to follow.

GACA President, HE Abdulaziz A Al Duailej, also affirmed their commitment to support all stakeholders to ease and facilitate air travel in an efficient and effective way, by adopting best international practices.

IATA Travel Pass is a personal secure digital wallet solution that helps travellers understand travel requirements and present their verified travel health credentials (vaccine or test certificates) to meet COVID-19 entry restrictions.

More than 80 airlines have announced trials of the IATA Travel Pass and the app is accepted for entry by a number of governments, including Singapore and Panama. Travellers to Saudi Arabia intending to use the IATA Travel Pass should check with the airline they are travelling with for eligibility to use the IATA Travel Pass.

For more COVID-19-related updates in Qatar, visit covid19.moph.gov.qa.


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