Using COVID-19 vaccine certificates to prove that you’re fully vaccinated gives you a lot more freedom in terms of where – and how – you travel.
There are several ways to prove your vaccinations status, such as the Medicare app or through the Australian Immunisation Register. Read on to find out more about vaccine certificates and how to use them.
1. What are COVID vaccine certificates?
A COVID vaccine certificate is physical or digital proof that you have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Having it may exempt you from pandemic-related entry restrictions for many countries. Vaccinated travellers are generally subject to fewer requirements and may not need to test or self-isolate on arrival. Every country is different, so it’s essential to check the latest restrictions on Smart Traveller before you book.
2. How to use COVID vaccine certificates for international travel
The International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC) is a secure method to store and show your vaccine status when you fly. No matter what method you use to get your certificate, you’ll get a QR code that airlines can scan to see your status.
Depending on where you’re travelling, you may also need to show your certificate when you land. It’s recommended that you print off a paper copy to take with you as well.
The name on your certificate must match the name on your passport.
3. How to use COVID vaccine certificates domestically
Proof of a COVID vaccine might be required for a domestic flight in Australia. While you can use the ICVC as you would for international flights, your state’s form of proof also works. For example, linking your vaccination status through the Service NSW app will be accepted for domestic travel. You can keep up to date with domestic travel requirements through the Australian Government website.
4. Where to get your COVID vaccine certificate
Your COVID vaccine certificate is vital if you want to fly internationally at the moment. Luckily, there’s a bunch of easy ways to get this.
Through Medicare
If you’re enrolled in Medicare, there are two ways to get your certificate: through MyGov and via the app.
When you log into MyGov, click through to Medicare (these will have to be linked first). From there, find the ‘Proof of COVID-19 vaccination’ menu item. You can then order certificates for everyone on your Medicare card.
In the Express Plus Medicare app, you’ll see ‘Proof of vaccinations’ in the ‘Services’ section. From there, you can request a copy.
Once you have your certificate, you can save it in your digital wallet and/or save it to your offline files. The second option may be safer for international travel.
Through the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
If you were vaccinated in Australia, your record should automatically go to AIR. If you’re not enrolled in Medicare or you can’t get online to access your accounts, you can call AIR to get your certificate.
Call 1800 653 809 from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. They will post your certificate, generally taking around 14 days to reach you.
If you got your vaccination overseas, it will need to be registered with AIR before you can get a certificate.
Through Services Australia
If you can’t access your certificate online and don’t want to wait a fortnight, visiting a Services Australia centre may be the option for you. You’ll need your passport as proof of identity. Check here for your nearest centre and its opening hours.
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