Majority of Brits happy to carry vaccination cards if it means they could travel abroad study finds

Three out of four Britons would be willing to carry proof they have been vaccinated if it meant they could travel, a new survey suggests. 

Acceptance is highest among people aged over 65 who have been offered Covid-19 jabs ahead of most younger people, with 89 per cent happy to carry some sort of vaccination passport, the poll found.

This figure falls to 67 per cent for 18 to 24-year-olds, but London City Airport, which commissioned the research, believes it will rise as vaccines are rolled out further.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged that all UK adults will be offered their first dose by the end of July.

Under his road map, international holidays could be permitted for people in England from May 17.

Currently, anyone who gets a jab is given a vaccination card and has their medical records updated.

But the Government is considering the introduction of vaccine passports as a specific way for people to prove their status, potentially through the existing NHS app – similarly to Israel’s ‘green passports’.

There are concerns about ethical and legal issues, but Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told MPs ‘it is clear’ that individuals will need a way of showing that they have had a jab.

The European Union has confirmed plans for a ‘digital green pass’ to allow people to travel into the bloc by showing they have been vaccinated or had a negative Covid test.

People queue to enter terminal 2, at Heathrow Airport, amid the spread of the coronavirus disease, January 18, 2021

The London City survey of 2,014 adults also indicated that 72 per cent of frequent flyers want to return to travel as soon as restrictions are lifted.

Some 71 per cent of those polled believe travel should be allowed between countries that have the virus ‘under control’.

Civil Aviation Authority data shows just 6,474 passengers travelled through London City in January, down 98 per cent on the same month last year.

The airport’s chief executive Robert Sinclair said: ‘After the weakest first quarter that anyone in the industry can remember, the survey results show that the Prime Minister’s road map has given British people hope again and it is very pleasing to see that so many see travel as a priority as restrictions are eased.

A holder of the ‘green pass’ (proof of being fully vaccinated against the coronavirus), trains at a gym in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv, on February 21

‘It has also given our airline partners confidence to schedule services throughout the summer and I am delighted that we will be able to connect travellers to so many destinations across the UK and Europe for the most well-deserved summer holiday they will ever have.

‘The challenge now for industry and Government is to make sure that May 17 is not another false dawn and to agree travel standards with our key international partners as soon as possible which will allow everyone to fly safely from early summer.

‘And when this is achieved, I would anticipate another surge in bookings that will not only be a huge shot in the arm for the industry but demonstrate that we can finally begin our recovery.’

Israelis shows their ‘green pass’ (proof of being fully vaccinated against the coronavirus) before entering the Green Pass concert for vaccinated seniors, Tel Aviv, Israel, February 24

In Israel only those with a ‘green passport’ are permitted to enter certain locations as the country tries to reopen following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Israelis are being asked for evidence of vaccinations status before being allowed into busy locations such as bars, shopping centres and theatres. 

People who have received the required two vaccinations receive the green passport which allows them greater freedom.