Denmark to launch vaccine passport; ‘special privileges’ attached for passport holders

Denmark will launch a vaccine passport by the end of the month, and those who hold it will obtain special privileges, the Danish government announced on Wednesday.

Morten Bodskov, Denmark’s acting finance minister, told the press that a coronavirus passport would be launched in simple form by the end of this month, showing whether somebody had been vaccinated, while it would take another two to three months to develop a full digital passport.

It would be something travellers could have on their mobiles to show they have been vaccinated, Bodskov added. Other details, such as whether a person has tested positive for antibodies, are to be added later.

The Danish government did not give full details of how the passport would work but said it would be developed in conjunction with business and cultural organisations, as well as in line with demands from the EU.

The document, developed in conjunction with businesses, would show whether citizens have been vaccinated for the coronavirus or not, potentially affording them special privileges. Passport holders will be eligible for a range of travel options and activities that are closed to others. Even restaurants are expected to make the vaccine passport a requirement for entering. Other activities like sports events  and conferences will also be  accessible only to passport holders.

“It is absolutely crucial for us to be able to restart Danish society and that companies can get back on track. Many Danish companies are global companies,” Bodskov insisted.

“This is light at the end of the tunnel for very many companies,” said Brian Mikkelsen, the head of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, commented.

Denmark is currently under a lockdown, with nonessential retail closed, and bars and restaurants limited to takeaway.