The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said in a press release that it welcomed the decision of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to accept IATA Travel Pass to confirm pre-departure COVID-19 test results for departing and arriving passengers starting 30th of September 2021.
IATA Travel Pass is a personal secure digital wallet solution that helps travelers understand travel requirements and present their verified travel health credentials (vaccine or test certificates) to meet COVID-19 entry restrictions.
Passengers arriving to or departing from Saudi Arabia can start using IATA’s Travel Pass to confirm pre-departure COVID-19 test results, making it easy for those to convey their status as vaccinated and proceed to their destination. The Kingdom is among the first globally to embrace the IATA platform for verification.
Additionally, travelers to and from KSA will have a choice. Tawakkalna, the country’s national health app, owned and developed by Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), can also be used to certify health status.
The IATA said the organization is working comprehensively to restore international travel conveniently and safely. Saudi Arabian Airlines has been a trial partner in the development of the IATA Travel Pass.
“Our collaboration with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, GACA, Tawakkalna and Saudi Arabian Airlines demonstrates 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,” Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, said.
“GACA is committed to supporting all stakeholders to ease and facilitate air travel in an efficient and effective way by adopting best international practices while taking full consideration of ICAO’s CART guidance by our wider country’s authorities in the decision-making processes on national recovery planning. We are committed to drive the adoption of digital health certificates and restore international air travel. GACA and SDAIA have facilitated to work alongside IATA and Tawakkalna, in building a robust framework to help facilitate the journey of citizens, visitors and guests of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Further, GACA appreciates the efforts of all stakeholders in the integration with IATA Travel Pass including Timatic, health travel requirements, and Saudi’s digital platform “Health Pass” by Tawakkalna, which will help to create a common vision for the future of air travel and technologies,” said H.E Abdulaziz A. Al Duailej, GACA’s President.
