Vaccine passports now being issued without date restrictions

By Q Radio News

The Department of Health's vaccine passports are now being issued without date restrictions. 

The travel restrictions will also auto-renew once they expire, without the need to re-apply. 

In light of the updates, people who want travel in the next 12 months are being urged to apply now to avoid backlog over the busy holiday period. 

The covid-19 certification service issues certificates for people travelling abroad, digitally via the 'COVIDCert NI' app, via pdf and in print. 

Since the service was launched in July, over 220,000 certificates have been issued to citizens in NI, supporting international travel. 

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Dr Eddie O’Neill said: “Given the very strong demand for the certificates in the summer, we had to limit applications to prioritise those who were about to head off for their holidays.

“Such date restrictions no longer apply – anyone who wants a COVIDCert NI certificate is free to apply for one right now.

“If you intend to travel abroad at any point in the next 12 months, you should apply as soon as possible.

“I can also confirm that the certificates in the COVIDCert NI app now auto renew, without users having to take any further action. Renewed pdf certificates can also be accessed via your nidirect account online.”

The COVIDCert NI certificate provides official confirmation that you have been fully vaccinated – having had both doses of a UK approved Covid-19 vaccine.

Applications for the certificate can be made via NI Direct:

www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/coronavirus-covid-19-covid-certificate-ni-residents