Recent research from IATA highlighted that of 50 countries surveyed, 38 countries had some form of Covid-19 restriction on who could enter. Inefficiencies and a lack of common standards around managing health documentation remain the single biggest obstacle to rebuilding the industry and supporting economic growth.

David Lavorel, CEO of SITA at Airports and Borders, says in many cases, onerous health requirements are discouraging travellers from flying or leading to long lines at airports.

‘As an industry-owned organisation working at the crossroads of airlines, airports, and governments, we are able to connect the dots and streamline processes around health documentation,’ he says.

SITA has worked with governments, leveraging its Electronic Travel Authorization solution to deliver a health-oriented travel declaration that informs governments on passenger health status in advance of travel and optionally issues authority to travel. Digital Travel Declaration has been operational and used by governments around the world since October 2020, making it easy for travellers to complete health declarations in a few quick steps. A response is shared as proof of approval to travel, so the passenger can demonstrate to airlines and airports that they have all the correct documentation. 

While SITA’s Digital Travel Declaration addresses the current health documentation, it can be used to streamline the introduction of other travel requirements, such as future pandemics, local health concerns, or more traditional security and immigration travel authorisations.