QR Codes for Travel: What You Need to Know in 2024

Update:  January 21, 2024
QR Codes for Travel: What You Need to Know in 2024

Traveling post-pandemic can be a stressful and overwhelming experience with all the different rules and guidelines for each country.

But implementing travel QR codes makes it easier for tourists to keep up and follow these rules. 

With one quick scan, you can access all your travel information in one place, from boarding passes to tourist attractions. 

QR codes provide convenience for both travelers and governments worldwide as they’re used to streamline their travel and tourism initiatives. 

From electronic health certificates to digital visas, QR codes are revolutionizing how we travel. And, as with any technology, it’s essential to use a secure QR code generator to protect your data. 

New Regulations for QR codes as a travel pass

QR code pass

Governments and travel authorities worldwide are embracing  QR codes for safe travel passes, with many countries implementing their standards and regulations. 

Today, even the world’s best airports use QR codes for various operations to provide information. 

These new standards and regulations aim to create a seamless, standardized experience for travelers while ensuring the security of their data.

 Here are some of the latest travel regulations and standards of how QR codes work for travel:

Universal Standards

The universal standards set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulate QR codes as travel passes. 

These standards ensure that the codes are readable across different devices and platforms and contain the necessary information, such as the traveler’s name, flight information, and health status.

Security Measures

QR codes as travel passes should also have proper security measures to prevent fraud and tampering. 

For instance, the codes may be encrypted or have unique digital signatures to verify authenticity.

Data Privacy

Another critical regulation for a travel pass QR code is data privacy.

Travelers’ personal information and health status should be protected and used only for the intended purpose of travel monitoring. 

Accessibility

QR codes in travel passes should be accessible to all travelers, including those with disabilities or those who do not have access to smartphones.

Airports even have computers and printer booths, so people without access to smartphones or the internet can print their travel QR codes right away.

One example is Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport which provides a long booth for people to sign up online and print their Digital Custom Form.

Compatibility

QR code travel passes should also be compatible with the different systems used by airlines, airports, and border control agencies. 

It ensures the codes can be read and processed seamlessly across different systems and locations.

Which countries use QR codes for safe travel and tourism in 2024?

In 2024, QR codes are becoming increasingly common for managing travel and tourism in countries worldwide. 

These codes offer a convenient and secure way to store and access important information, such as travel documents and health certificates. 

Let’s take a closer look at some countries that use a travel QR code in their initiatives:

Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s second-largest city, is bringing QR codes to its streets to inform visitors about its history, culture, and attractions. 

The QR codes will be at various locations throughout the city, including landmarks, museums, and other points of interest. 

The first QR code was at Arpoador, the big rock at the end of Ipanema Beach, on January 25, 2023.

The Associated Press says Brazil plans to put about 30 QR codes on beaches, vistas, and historic sites all over Rio. 

It will allow the 2 million foreign tourists who visit Rio each year to learn about the city as they walk around. 

To use the QR codes, visitors will need to scan them using their smartphones.

After scanning, the codes will direct visitors to a webpage that provides information about the location and its significance.

The webpage may include historical facts, photos, videos, and other multimedia content to enhance visitors’ experience.

Thailand

Thailand QR code

The Amazing Thailand NFT Experience uses QR codes to connect visitors with digital content that offers a glimpse into the country’s rich history and cultural significance. 

Tourists can scan QR codes at various attractions and landmarks to access NFTs featuring digital artwork, video, and audio content. 

These NFTs are unique and cannot be replicated, making them a valuable souvenir of the traveler’s trip to Thailand.

The NFTs offer a range of experiences, from exploring the traditional markets of Bangkok to learning about the history of the ancient city of Sukhothai.

Visitors can collect and trade NFTs nationwide, creating a unique and personalized travel experience.  

Indonesia

Indonesia has launched a QR code-based system for its “PeduliLindungi” (Protect and Care) app. 

It contains a digital health certificate to verify a traveler’s vaccination and COVID-19 status for domestic and international travel. 

Travelers can generate a QR code by submitting their personal and health information, including their vaccination certificate, PCR test results, and health declaration. 

The system aims to enhance the safety and security of travel by enabling authorities to verify a traveler’s health status easily.

Spain

Spain’s Ministry of Health has since stopped using their Spain Travel Health (SpTH) portal QR code starting September 20, 2022.

Travelers from all countries will no longer be required to fill in the online health form and show their QR code upon arrival at any of Spain’s airports.

But tourist spots in Spain are still making full use of the flexibility and convenience of QR codes to serve visitors better.

For one, The Royal Palace of Madrid, one of Spain’s most popular tourist attractions, has implemented QR codes to enhance the visitor experience.

QR codes provide visitors with a more immersive and interactive palace tour.

By scanning the QR codes throughout the palace with their smartphones, visitors can access a wealth of information about the various rooms, artifacts, and artworks on display.

The information provided includes the following:

  • Historical context
  • Background information about the artists and artisans who created the pieces
  • Even audio and video content

In addition to providing a more in-depth understanding of the palace’s history and significance, the QR code allows visitors to customize their tour experience. 

They can focus on specific areas of the palace or items of interest or follow a pre-designed tour route.

Hawaii

You don’t need to worry about how to get a QR code for Hawaii travel since there are no more Covid-19 requirements in Hawaii airports. 

There are more uses for QR codes than just safety entry travel passes.

A popular use of QR codes in Hawaii is for attraction ticketing. 

The Honolulu Museum of Art has implemented QR codes for visitors to enhance their experience at the museum.

By scanning these codes with their smartphones, visitors can access additional information about the art on display, the history of the museum, and more. 

QR codes are located throughout the museum, next to the corresponding artwork or exhibit.

Visitors can use their smartphone camera to scan the code, directing them to a webpage with additional information. 

This information may include the artist’s biography, the history of the artwork or artifact, and any relevant cultural context.

Philippines

Philippine QR code

The Philippines’ eTravel card with QR code is an innovative solution that simplifies travel for tourists and locals alike.

This digital travel document is expected to launch in 2023 and will be available to all travelers visiting the Philippines.

The eTravel card with a QR code will streamline the immigration process and reduce airport waiting times.

The card will contain personal information, such as the traveler’s name, passport number, and date of birth.

Furthermore, it will feature a unique QR code that can be scanned at immigration checkpoints, allowing for a faster and more efficient entry process.

To obtain the eTravel card, travelers must complete an online application and submit the necessary documents. 

Once approved, they will receive their eTravel card via email, which they can print or save on their mobile devices.

The eTravel card will be valid for multiple entries and will have a maximum validity of two years.

QR codes vs other forms of travel pass

QR code vs forms

When using travel passes, QR codes are just one of many options available.

Let’s take a look at some of the other popular forms of travel passes and compare them to QR codes:

Physical tickets

Physical tickets have traditionally provided access to travel services, whether for flights, trains, or buses. 

However, physical tickets can be easily lost or damaged, requiring much administrative effort to produce and distribute.

It can result in long queues and delays, which can be frustrating for passengers.

In contrast, establishments can easily create QR codes using a reliable QR code generator and distribute them electronically, which makes them more efficient. 

Passengers can receive their QR codes via email, text message, or mobile app and quickly store and access them on their mobile devices. 

It eliminates the need for physical tickets, reducing the risk of lost or damaged tickets and simplifying the entire process.

Smart cards

Smart cards, such as the Oyster card in London or the Octopus card in Hong Kong, are becoming increasingly popular for public transportation. 

These reloadable cards can be used for multiple trips, making them convenient for commuters.

However, they require the user to swipe it in a card reader, which can lead to long lines and delays during peak hours.

On the other hand, commuters can quickly and easily scan QR codes, which makes them a more convenient option.

Passengers can scan their QR codes at the gate or on the bus and grant access.

They are reducing the need for physical contact and speeding up the boarding process.

Mobile apps

Many transportation services now offer mobile apps that allow customers to purchase and manage their travel passes. 

While they offer the convenience of purchasing and managing passes on the go, they are only sometimes reliable in areas with poor network coverage.

However, QR codes can be accessed without an internet connection and do not require additional storage space. 


Passengers can save the QR code to an image on their phone’s photo gallery or download them as PDFs, making them accessible even without an internet connection.

It makes them a more reliable option, especially for travelers visiting areas with poor network coverage.

Biometric identification

Some travel services are experimenting with biometric identification, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scans. 

While this technology offers high levels of security, it can be expensive to implement and raises privacy concerns.

Additionally, biometric identification may not be feasible for all passengers, such as those with disabilities or facial differences.

QR codes are a more cost-effective and privacy-friendly option. 

They do not require any special hardware or software, and passengers can choose to use a photo of themselves as their QR code, adding an extra layer of security.

Question: How to get a QR code for travel?

You can get a customized QR code or make your own QR code for travel using a QR code software. There are many QR code platform you can use available online.

One of the best one in the market is QR TIGER, an all-in-one QR code software.

How to create a travel QR code using a QR code generator

Making a QR code for travel is easy by using reliable QR code software like QR TIGER.

This platform has an ISO 27001 certification and GDPR compliance, which guarantees the safety and privacy of your data. 

Its user-friendly interface lets users create and manage QR codes in the easy-to-access dashboard easily.

Follow these simple steps on how to get a QR code for travel with QR TIGER QR code generator online: 

1. Go to the QR TIGER homepage

2. Select the type of QR code you want to create and enter the relevant information 

3. Generate a QR code

4. Customize the design and appearance of your QR code if desired

5. Run a test scan

6. Print or display your QR code as needed for travel purposes

Why should tourism and government agencies choose QR TIGER?

QR TIGER is a reliable and user-friendly QR code platform that offers a wide range of features tailored explicitly for travel-related purposes.

When creating QR codes for travel passes, local tourism and government agencies should choose QR TIGER for several reasons:

Customization

Users can make a creative QR code according to their needs with QR TIGER.

Users can choose from various templates and customize their QR codes’ design, size, and color. 

It’s beneficial for creating travel passes that require specific branding or information.

Data management

This software offers a comprehensive system allowing users to store and manage their data efficiently. 

It’s essential for travel passes that require large amounts of information.

With QR TIGER, users can quickly and easily access their data and make any necessary updates or changes.

Security

QR TIGER’s QR codes are highly secure and cannot be easily duplicated or altered.

With its ISO 27001 certification, users can rest assured that their travel passes are safe and protected.

User-friendly

QR TIGER’s platform is easy to use and requires no technical expertise.

It’s an ideal choice for local tourism and government agencies needing extensive technical knowledge. 

They can quickly and easily create QR codes for travel passes without requiring external assistance.

Streamline and secure your travel this year with QR codes

QR codes are revolutionizing how we travel in 2024 and beyond.

With new regulations and travel protocols, QR codes have emerged as a reliable and efficient solution for travel passes. 

Government agencies and tourism boards increasingly turn to QR codes to streamline the travel experience and enhance safety and security measures.


As we move into the future of travel, QR codes will continue to play a crucial role in enhancing the travel experience.

They offer a reliable and efficient solution for managing travel documents and ensuring a safe and hassle-free journey.

QR TIGER is committed to providing the best QR code generator for travel passes.

Its user-friendly platform and customizable features offer a comprehensive solution for government agencies and tourism boards looking to streamline their travel processes. 

Go to QR TIGER and create your customized QR code today.

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