26 September 2023

Australians on board with vaccine passport

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Services Australia is to make it easier for Australians to travel overseas with the launch of its new vaccine passport today (19 October).

Announcing the new document, Minister for Government Services, Linda Reynolds said Australians and Australian visa holders who had a valid passport and their COVID-19 vaccination recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) could now obtain an International COVID-19 proof of vaccination.

“The international proof of vaccine will enable fully vaccinated Australians to depart Australia and to travel internationally consistent with the National Plan to transition Australia’s COVID-19 Response,” Senator Reynolds said.

“It can be downloaded digitally or printed and is compatible with COVID-19 travel apps such as the International Air Transport Association Travel Pass,” she said.

“The international proof of vaccination features a secure QR code to prove COVID-19 vaccination status to border authorities around the world and increases a person’s ability to travel safely and with confidence.”

Senator Reynolds said Services Australia’s Visible Digital Seal technology within the new document was world-leading, as secure as an Australian passport and was authenticated in the same way.

The Minister said the international certificate met the new global standard specified by the International Civil Aviation Organization and conformed with World Health Organization guidance.

“Requesting an international certificate is free and easy,” she said.

“The easiest way to get your free international certificate is by using your Medicare account through myGov, or the Medicare Express app.”

Senator Reynolds said Services Australia would share the Visible Digital Seal technology to assist other interested countries develop their own vaccination certificates.

Further information on the vaccine passport can be accessed at this PS News link.

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