But access to some of these events and destinations are expected to be limited to people who can show that they’ve been vaccinated, had a recent negative test, or are recovering from a recent bout of COVID. Enter the vaccine passport. Whether you choose to tote along your vaccine record or opt to upload your information to one (or more) of the vaccine apps that make it fast and easy to show that you have been vaccinated, you’ll need to have this info handy. Here’s what you need to know about vaccine passports. “Although the Biden administration has said it will not implement a federal vaccine passport or mandate, major cities like New York are requiring vaccine passports to enter large sporting events, concerts, and other gatherings that have been very limited until now,” Fergus says. If you’re in (or traveling to) New York, Excelsior will be necessary, while Clear remains a popular option for many venues. And you may still need your actual CDC record, too. “I would recommend bringing your vaccination record with you abroad, just in case any regulations change or local authorities don’t recognize the app you have downloaded,” Fergus says. While you can choose not to share that information, a private business is also allowed to refuse you service (and a country can refuse you entry) if you don’t show you’ve been vaccinated. “Traveling is a privilege, and we’re lucky to have opportunities to see different cultures and communities,” Fergus says. “Consider getting your vaccine an act of protection for the places you want to visit. The vaccine passport is simply proof that you’ve prepared appropriately, just as showing a visa or an actual passport is documentation that you are qualified to enter another country.”
