Many European countries have announced they will soon open up to tourists but anyone travelling will likely need proof they are protected from Covid-19.
At the moment, travelling abroad for a holiday is subject to a traffic light system with only a few countries such as Portugal on the ‘green’ list.
At theatres, nightclubs and festivals meanwhile — some of which began to welcome small crowds from May 17 — entry may only be permitted with proof of vaccination.
Different plans for ‘Covid passport’ in England and Scotland
So, will we all need a ‘Covid passport’?
The answer, frustratingly, is not yet clear.
The UK and Scottish governments are developing a digital health certificate scheme but this has not yet been finalised and will differ between UK nations.
Even with a UK-wide system in place, each destination such as Spain will have different rules on who can enter and what proof is required.
UK transport secretary Grant Shapps recently said the existing NHS app will soon be repurposed for use as a Covid passport in England.
In the interim in England, residents should be able to obtain paper “proof”.
This details the type of vaccine they’ve received alongside dates and times.
In Scotland this is not the case with national clinical director Professor Jason Leitch saying they are “not a satisfactory solution”.
It’s not clear how a Scottish resident would prove they are vaccinated if travelling down south for an event.
One such event of concern is the upcoming delayed Euro 2020 Scotland versus England football match on June 14 in London.
Tens of thousands of Scots are planning to travel to the UK capital for the game.
What is the solution then?
On May 19, the Scottish Government launched its version of the vaccine passport.
It can be downloaded or posted out and used to prove vaccination for travel abroad if needed.
There still appear to be ethical and equality issues to assess before they can be used for anything else, however.
Prof Leitch says data proving who has natural immunity from Covid-19, who has been vaccinated and who has recently tested negative exists but the challenge is putting this into a usable format.
Those vaccinated in the UK should be given a vaccination card and these details will also be added to their medical records.
Eventually, a digital system will be in place allowing Scottish residents to download an app displaying relevant medical records such as vaccination or natural immunity.
It would mean Scotland is ready to join an international vaccination passport programme.