Vaccine QR codes to be available later this week

The final details are still being drawn up, but it is hoped the new codes will be launched on Friday, subject to final agreement and testing.

Some countries require the codes to recognise the certificates, including France, Scotland and Wales, and it has led to some islanders being nervous to travel.

Civil Contingencies Authority chairman Peter Ferbrache said it was working to align local travel rules with the UK and other Crown Dependencies.

‘It will help ensure Bailiwick residents have the same benefits and enjoy the same experience when they travel abroad as those from any other part of the British Isles,’ he said.

The news comes ahead of half term starting on Friday. It is hoped the system will be launched in time.

The codes, also known as 2D codes, allow data to be stored securely.

The local codes will link directly into the NHS Covid Pass system and will be integrated into the States of Guernsey’s own programme – the Travel Tracker – where Bailiwick residents can access online versions of their vaccine certification.

The 2D bar codes will be available in the same place and will automatically provide islanders with an easy way to demonstrate their vaccination status while travelling.

The code will update automatically each time the individual logs onto their Travel Tracker account so it always reflects their up-to-date information.

The States’ strategic lead for operational delivery Jason Moriarty said the team had been working closely with UK colleagues to deliver the solution.

‘We will be working very hard this week to ensure we can go live with this new tool before half-term begins,’ he said.

‘We appreciate that it’s something islanders have been asking for for the past few weeks and I’d like to thank them for their patience.

‘While travellers from the islands have largely managed well when abroad by using the current paper and digital vaccination certificates, the ability to use these new codes will make it even easier for them especially as, more and more, it becomes the norm for travel and attending various events and venues.’

A notice will be issued to confirm the service has gone live.