Those who think that you need the Al Hosn app just to access facilities and places in the UAE need to think again. UAE residents can use Al Hosn’s Travel Pass to travel conveniently to countries in the European Union (EU) and those that accept the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Pass.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Al Hosn Travel Pass, including where it is accepted and how to access it on the Al Hosn app if you’re traveling internationally and have to present your COVID-19 vaccination certificate or PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test result.
What is the Al Hosn Travel Pass used for?
In addition to being accepted by all EU DCC (European Union Digital COVID Certificate Regulation) member countries and IATA (International Air Transport Association) travel passes, the Al Hosn Travel Pass is also accepted by most airlines.
The Digital COVID Certificate is accepted in all EU member countries for travel and health purposes as digital proof that a person is immunized, has a negative result, or has recently recovered from COVID-19.
The certificate has a QR code as one of its key features. Upgrades to the Al Hosn system in December 2021 allowed the Al Hosn Travel Pass to be recognized as equivalent to the EU DCC certificates.
Residents of the UAE may also travel with a PCR or a vaccine obtained in the UAE as valid documentation.
IATA Travel Pass: What is it?
The Al Hosn system was also upgraded to link vaccine and test records with the IATA Travel Pass, a smartphone app that helps travelers store and manage their verified COVID-19 certifications. Emirates and Etihad are currently the two airlines in the UAE that use the IATA Travel Pass system.
With the collaboration of the Al Hosn National Health System, Emirates has enabled the readability and recognition of customers’ health credentials using EU-verified QR codes, including COVID-19 vaccine status and PCR test results, on the IATA Travel Pass.
If you are traveling to the EU, here is what you need to do to have your vaccine and PCR test results recognized:
- Emirates customers must download the IATA Travel Pass.
- Then, scan the QR code and load the results back into the Al Hosn App.
What is the Al Hosn Travel Pass used for?
By using the app, you can enter public places, hospitality and entertainment venues, and events that require proof of vaccination or negative test results in the EU.
It eliminates the need to go to specific COVID-19 testing labs, download multiple apps to prove your vaccination status and negative result, and fill out additional paperwork.
How to add the Travel Pass on the Al Hosn app
- The app is available for free on the App Store, Google Play, Huawei App Gallery, and Galaxy Store. Currently, the app is available in Arabic, English, and Hindi.
- Authenticate yourself as a user by entering your Emirates ID, mobile number and the OTP sent to your phone.
- You will then be presented with two categories: visitor and resident of the UAE.
- Select UAE National/Resident.
- The next screen will show you your current status, your unique QR code, your vaccine dose, and booster shot, and your previous COVID-19 test results.
- Swipe right and click ‘Add Pass’.
- Four categories will be presented to you:
- Expo 2020 Pass
- Green Pass (which is needed to enter the Abu Dhabi border and public places)
- Travel Pass – Test Result
- Travel Pass – Vaccination
- Click on the ‘Travel Pass – Vaccination’ category if that is your preferred option. The Al Hosn app will automatically add the ‘Travel Pass – Vaccination’ since your vaccination status is already stored on the app.
The ‘Travel Pass – Test Result’ is only issued if you have had a negative PCR test result within the last 72 hours.
How can a ‘Green Status’ on the Al Hosn Travel Pass be maintained?
Like the Al Hosn app, which requires a Green Status to access certain public places and facilities in the UAE, the Travel Pass has a color-coding system as well – Green and Grey.
You can use your Travel Pass if it has a Green Status. Having a ‘Grey Status’ means that the Travel Pass is not valid for travel.
How to get a Green Status
You should have been vaccinated and:
- At least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the UAE,
- For Emirati citizens, receive a booster dose and be fully vaccinated
When does the status turn Grey
If your vaccination status has expired, your Al Hosn Pass will show a Grey Status, which means that your last COVID-19 shot was taken 365 days ago.
