Beijing (AFP)

China has launched a digital passport for its citizens that will allow them to prove their health status when traveling to or from abroad and could help open up China's borders further.

This "health certificate for international travel" is a smartphone application that displays and authenticates passenger health data, such as their Covid tests (PCR and antibodies) or their vaccination status.

For the moment, the application is not compulsory and is reserved for Chinese people.

It will "provide them with more convenience" in their travels "as mutual recognition agreements for health certificates are concluded between China and other countries," according to the New China news agency.

The application aims to "promote global economic recovery and facilitate border crossings," said the Foreign Ministry, without specifying what concrete benefits it gives right - or whether other countries intend to recognize it.

The United States and the United Kingdom are considering launching similar systems.

In the European Union, the idea of ​​a "green passport" will be presented by the Commission in Brussels on March 17th.

With the exception of localized outbreaks, China has been largely cleared of Covid-19 since the spring of 2020 thanks to confinements, massive screenings, the widespread wearing of masks and the quarantines imposed on entry into the country.

Launched on Monday via a mini-program integrated into the popular WeChat application, the new Chinese health passport can also be printed in paper version.

Since the end of March 2020, China has only allowed entry into its territory to Chinese people, as well as to a limited number of foreigners.

It has also considerably reduced its international flights.

Among foreigners, only diplomats, actors of the business world or people holding valid residence and work permits can enter the country under certain conditions.

All travelers, Chinese and foreign, must also complete a quarantine of at least 14 days in a hotel upon arrival, at their own expense.

The launch of this digital health passport suggests the possibility in the medium term of generalization of this system to foreigners, or even of a partial lifting of travel restrictions on entering or leaving the country.

© 2021 AFP