Tuesday 19 October 2021
From Friday 22 October, 2D bar codes are expected to be available for Bailiwick of Guernsey residents as part of their digital vaccination certification.
2D bar codes, also sometimes described as QR Codes, are similar to traditional bar codes but able to store more data securely. They can be scanned at points of entry where the information is decoded and, in the case of vaccination certification, confirms the individual's vaccination status.
The 2D 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 already 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 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.*
Increasingly jurisdictions are asking those travelling or attending events to produce a 2D bar code, including in France, Scotland and Wales. The States of Guernsey has worked closely with NHSx and UK partner organisations to extend access to the 2D bar codes to the Bailiwick. The aim is that these will be available to Islanders in time for the half-term break next week, but this is subject to final agreements and testing being completed. Once this has happened, we will issue a further notice to confirm the service has gone live and is available to use.
Once it is available, individuals who have been vaccinated in the Bailiwick will not need to do anything other than log into their Travel Tracker accounts as they currently do when travelling (or create an account if they haven't already) and view their vaccination information in the account. This will automatically bring up a digital certificate which includes a 2D bar code.
Deputy Peter Ferbrache, Chair of the Civil Contingencies Authority said:
"Step by step, we have worked to successfully align our overall travel rules with the UK and the other Crown Dependencies, and this is a further step in achieving that. 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."
Jason Moriarty, the States of Guernsey's Strategic Lead for Operational Delivery said:
"Our teams have worked closely with UK colleagues to deliver this solution as international and domestic requirements continue to evolve. We will be working very hard this week to ensure we can 'go live' with this new tool before half-term begins. We appreciate that it's something many 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."
Further updates and detailed guidance on how to access the new 2D bar codes as part of the digital vaccination certification will be issued later this week when the launch date, intended to be Friday 22 October is confirmed.
Image: Example of a 2D bar code digital vaccination certification in Travel Tracker
*Note: 2D bar codes will be valid for up to 30 days if the user does not log out and log back into their Travel Tracker account. Logging back into their account automatically updates the code.
