2D bar codes are available for fully vaccinated Bailiwick of Guernsey residents* as part of their digital vaccination certification.
*and anyone who has received their most recent vaccination in Guernsey if they can show valid proof of their previous doses received elsewhere.
As of Thursday 16 December 2021, the 2D bar code digital vaccination certificate, available to Bailiwick residents through the Travel Tracker, will include information on their booster. The 2D bar code will automatically update 14 days after receiving the booster dose.
For more info please go to: COVID Status Certificates (Vaccine Passports) | States of Guernsey - COVID-19 (gov.gg).
What is a 2D barcode (QR code) and what is it for?
- 2D barcodes, sometimes referred to as QR Codes, are similar to traditional barcodes but are able to store more data securely e.g. a secure way of holding an individual's personal Covid-19 vaccine status data.
- The 2D barcodes allow for easy digital validation as they can be scanned and processed using appropriate scanning hardware and software such as a smartphone or barcode scanner. They have already been adopted by other countries to validate an individual's Covid-19 vaccine status for travel or entry to certain public venues or events.
How do I get my 2D barcode (QR code)
- If you have been fully vaccinated in the Bailiwick of Guernsey - or received your most recent vaccination in Guernsey** - you will be able to obtain your 2D barcode through the States of Guernsey's Travel Tracker. If you have already created a Travel Tracker account and uploaded your COVID-19 vaccine information the 2D barcode will come up automatically in the 'Digital COVID-19 Status Certificate' section when you view it. You can create an account in a few minutes if you do not already have one.
- Once you log into your Travel Tracker account and bring up a 2D barcode, it is valid for 180 days. This will automatically refresh for you when you log into your account online. If you print out the 2D code or save the 2D code as a PDF this code will expire 180 days from when it was generated. For this reason it is advised that people travelling who print out their code are mindful of the 180 day expiration.
- **provided you can show valid proof of previous doses received elsewhere
Why is the 2D barcode only valid for 180 days if I print it out?
- Once you log into your Travel Tracker account and bring up a 2D barcode, it is valid for 180 days. This will automatically refresh for you when you log into your account online. If you print out the 2D barcode or save the 2D barcode as a PDF this code will expire 180 days from when it was generated. For this reason it is advised that people travelling who print out their code are mindful of the 180 day expiration. The 180 day validity is directed by the UK who are the issuing authority for Guernsey 2D bar codes and is designed to protect your personal data.
Do I need a 2D barcode (QR code)?
- 2D barcodes (QR codes) are the next step in the digital solution allowing for a more secure and automated vaccination certification process. 2D barcodes can be used for international and domestic use, to make travel and attending day-to-day activities (such as attending venues or events) easier. The data regarding the individual's vaccination status is securely stored within the 2D barcode and can only be read though an approved scanning software that has access to the encryption keys used to secure the data.
- At this time the 2D barcodes can be used to validate your COVID-19 vaccine status in the Bailiwick for travel purposes only.
Will the 2D barcode (QR code) be accepted outside of the Bailiwick?
- The 2D barcodes (QR code) have been developed to align in format, content, digital signature and security features to those being issued in the UK through working closely with NHSx and UK partners. For this reason wherever a UK 2D barcode is accepted then the Guernsey 2D barcode will be accepted.
Will we be getting a new paper certificate?
- No, you will not be receiving a new paper certificate. Your 2D barcode, available through the Travel Tracker will be your digital vaccination certificate.
- Please note a 2D barcode is only valid for 180 days, but will automatically refresh after expiring when you next log into your Travel Tracker account. You will be able to download and print a PDF copy of your 2D barcode (QR Code) from Travel Tracker if required.
- Your paper certificate is still valid, but the digital 2D barcode may be more widely accepted. Both printed certificate and 2D barcode were developed to align in format, content and security features to those being issued in the UK and the other Crown Dependencies, but with clear branding for the Government of Guernsey as the issuing authority. This approach has been taken to ensure that the certificates issued for the Bailiwick of Guernsey are easily recognised and accepted when used for travel outside the Bailiwick and particularly outside the Common Travel Area (CTA).
- Bailiwick of Guernsey residents wanting to travel internationally need to be aware that it cannot be guaranteed that Bailiwick-issued paper certification will be accepted when entering a specific country as it is at the discretion of the border control officer(s), and sometimes transport carriers dependent on the processes in place for checking proof of vaccination. We recommend you use the 2D barcode as this is scannable and will be more widely accepted.
What if I don't use the internet, how can I get the 2D barcode?
- You will only be able to obtain your 2D barcode by using the Travel Tracker system. If you don't have access to the internet, you can ask family or friends to assist you.
- You can download and print a PDF copy of your vaccination status with a 2D barcode which will be valid for 180 days from when the 2D barcode was generated.
- If you need further assistance, please contact: 01481 220001 (option 1) or email travel.tracker@gov.gg
If I have had a booster vaccine will there be a 2D barcode for this?
- As of Thursday 16 December 2021, the 2D bar code digital vaccination certificate, available to Bailiwick residents through the Travel Tracker, will include information on their booster. The 2D bar code will automatically update 14 days after receiving the booster dose.
Who will be able to scan and read this?
- The 2D barcode (QR Code) has a unique pattern and looks like a black and white square image, it is designed to be scanned in order to verify the individual's COVID-19 vaccine status validity, using a smartphone or scanner. Only relevant authorities with access will be able to access the encrypted data.
