A new 'Covid passport' is being tested which could help make it easier for passengers to navigate the various rules when travelling, including requirements for Covid-19 tests.

Since the pandemic, countries have introduced new entry requirements which often include needing to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within a certain time window (usually 72 hours before departure).

Airline Emirates has partnered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to trial the IATA Travel Pass, an app that allows you to store key information such as proof of a negative Covid test and any vaccine information.

The idea is that holidaymakers can take a Covid-19 test at a certified lab, and the results will be sent to the mobile app which they can then share with the authorities and their airline while travelling. The app is also set to offer the same feature for those who have proof of having received a Covid-19 vaccine.

Emirates is one of the first airlines to trial the IATA Travel Pass (
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Emirates)

The app will also offer features such as information on travel and entry requirements for a chosen destination, as well as a registry of testing centres and, eventually, vaccination centres.

The platform also allows authorised labs and test centres to securely send test results and vaccination certificates to passengers.

Currently the IATA travel pass is due to be trialled by Emirates on flights from Dubai from April.

The idea is that Emirates passengers will be able to share their Covid-19 test results directly with the airline before they've even reached the airport, which can then be auto-populated into the check-in system.

An Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft (
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GC Images)

Of course, passengers will still need to travel with necessary documents such as their actual passport and any relevant visas etc.

Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vice President for Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security said that the new pass is "the first step in making international travel during the pandemic as convenient as possible giving people the confidence that they are meeting all COVID-19 entry requirements by governments".

It's not the first time an app of this nature has been trialled. Last year, a similar digital pass was trialled on flights operated by United Airlines and Cathay Pacific, with passengers volunteering for the scheme.

Adel Al Redha Emirates' Chief Operating Officer said: "While international travel remains as safe as ever, there are new protocols and travel requirements with the current global pandemic.

"We have worked with IATA on this innovative solution to simplify and digitally transmit the information that is required by countries and governments into our airline systems, in a secure and efficient manner. We are proud to be one of the first airlines in the world to pilot this initiative, which will provide an enhanced customer experience and conveniently facilitate our customers' travel needs."