New Covid-19 certificates app launches for Northern Ireland

Vaccine passports, proof of double-jabbing, are required for some overseas travel. Credit: PA

The Department of Health has launched a new COVIDCertNI app enabling users to show proof of vaccination for international travel.

The app will be available to download from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and includes a secure QR code to enable the authenticity to be verified.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “It will enable those travelling internationally to access their vaccination records and show a digital certificate.

“I urge the public to remain patient as the new process beds in and only apply if you are travelling in the coming days/weeks.

“This has been a complex process with many challenges and I commend everyone involved for getting it to this point.”

According to the department, the new app is likely to be popular and that may cause delays or capacity problems with accessing the service.

A vaccine certificate may be required for entry into some international countries, but is not a requirement for every country.

Earlier, the department warned that the interim system was under extreme pressure and that was causing difficulties for users.