Covid Vaccine passport NI: how to apply for a Northern Ireland Covid vaccine passport on the app - and what do I need it for?

Stormont ministers have voted to bring in Covid Passports to Northern Ireland.

The decision was made after growing concern surrounding rising case numbers and the Omicron variant, but what is a Covid vaccine passport and how can you access one?

What is a Covid passport?

A Covid passport is a digital certificate that includes a QR code to show you are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

It has been confirmed that instead of a Covid passport people can alternatively use proof of a negative Covid test result.

Domestic Covid certificates were introduced on November 29, 2021 and will be enforceable from Monday, December 13, 2021.

Where will you need to show your Covid passport?

You will need to either show your Covid passport (in app or paper form) or proof of a negative Covid test result to access:

Nightclubs

Hospitality venues which serve food and drink

Cinemas, theatres, concert halls and conference centres

Indoor events with 500 or more attendees with some or all of the audience not normally seated

Outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees with some or all of the audience not normally seated

Events where more than 10,000 people will be present, regardless of whether they are seated

How to get Covid passport Northern Ireland?

Covid vaccine passports have been used for travelling abroad since July, but have recently been updated so you can also add a domestic certificate.

If you are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, you can apply for a Covid certificate by COVIDCert NI app.

If you have already got a certificate for international travel you will be able to add an additional one for domestic use.

The Covid certificate displays as a QR code, which can then be scanned to confirm you are fully vaccinated.

The COVIDCert NI app can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

You can learn more about the process on NI Direct's website here.

How long do Covid passports last?

Your Covid passport is valid for three months after date of application, with digital certificates renewing a week before they are due to expire.

Do other countries have Covid Passports?

The Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales currently also require proof of vaccination or a negative test result to enter venues like nightclubs, bars and restaurants.

More from the News Letter:

Covid Vaccine Passport NI: How they work, what are the rules and how to get a Covid Vaccine Passport

Day 2 lateral flow test: When do I need to take a day 2 test, where can I get one and how much will it cost?

Omicron Variant Covid: What is Omicron Variant, what are the symptoms, travel restrictions and more