International Covid passports now open to everyone

Covid passports for international travel have now opened for anyone who will need it over the next 12 months or more.

Since the Covid Certification Service began in July, only those with more immediate travel plans have been able to access the service. Over 220,000 certificates have been issued so far.

Travel certificates are now being issued without any date restrictions. In addition, certificates now auto-renew once they reach expiry, without any need to re-apply.

If you are planning to travel overseas at any time over the next 12 months, the advice is to apply now, ahead of any holiday season rush.

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.”

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

To apply for the Covid Cert, visit the NI Direct Webstie, here.