The Department of Health in Northern Ireland (NI) has introduced interim arrangements to provide holidaymakers with short-term written confirmation of full vaccination.

These interim arrangements will be available for foreign travel up to and including July 19 for people visiting countries requiring proof of double-dose Covid-19 vaccination.

The interim scheme has been introduced to assist holidaymakers travelling before a full certification system goes live later this month.

The full system will provide certification to an agreed UK-wide format and will be fully operational when the interim arrangements expire. Further details of the full scheme will be published in the coming days.

Details of how to apply for the interim scheme are available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/interim-proof-vaccination-document.

The process of providing the interim documentation may take up to five days – applicants should bear this in mind when planning their holidays, with authorities seeking to prioritise according to date of travel.

Dates will be verified before issue so make sure your application details are accurate.

People should not apply for this interim scheme if they don’t need it – such as if their holiday is for a later datem or if they are travelling to countries that do not require proof of vaccination – as doing so could slow the system for those who do need it/

A full, internationally-recognised vaccine certification system is currently being finalised and is currently undergoing cyber-security checks.

Those travelling should check the latest UK Government travel advice which will give updated information on travel to individual countries, including any Covid-related entry requirements, at: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Be aware that fraudulent messages are being circulated, purporting to offering vaccine certification for a fee – this is a scam, as the official vaccine certification schemes (both interim and full) are free.

Q&A

How will I get this interim documentation?

Individuals requiring confirmation of double dose vaccination for foreign travel up to and including July 19 should apply online at www.nidirect.gov.uk/interim-proof-vaccination-document.

If eligible, you will be provided with an appointment to collect your documentation, after verifying your ID and providing proof of holiday dates, at one of three verification/collection points:

• Foyle Arena 2, Limavady Rd, Londonderry, BT47 6JY

• South Lake Leisure Centre, 1 Lake Rd, Craigavon, BT64 1AS

• SSE Arena, 2 Queens Quay, Belfast BT3 9QQ

Before receiving the printed documentation, you will be asked to present your passport, proof of address and proof of your travel booking.

The application process for the interim documentation will include cross-checking with details given when vaccine appointments were booked.

Do not apply for this scheme if you don’t need it – e.g. if your holiday is for a later date than July 19, or if you are travelling to countries that do not require proof of vaccination.

What will be the official vaccine certification scheme involve?

The official vaccine certificates will in the first instance be in specialised hard copy (eg printed) format, featuring security and counterfeit protection features, to be produced through a specialised printing process.

A digital alternative will be available by early/mid-August.

Why should I wait for the full official vaccine certification scheme?

The short-term interim arrangements are only for people travelling to foreign countries who require proof of double-dose vaccination up to and including July 19, after which they will be replaced by the full scheme.

What will these documents cost?

The interim and full vaccine certification schemes are free to all NI residents.

Be aware of scam messages in circulation, purporting to be from the NHS or NHS Digital, seemingly offering fast-track Covid Travel Certificates – do not respond to these fake messages.