Until July 26 Isle of Man residents requiring proof of their Covid-19 vaccination status for international travel are able to request a letter from Manx Care.
The measure has been put in place as a temporary solution whilst the UK NHS continues its work to make the NHS Covid Pass available to Isle of Man residents via the NHS app.
Health Minister David Ashford MHK said: ’With Covid-19 vaccinations progressing around the globe, many countries are now putting in place measures to waive testing and isolation for fully vaccinated travellers.
’There is, however, no agreed international system for proof of vaccination status and the rules around how this will work are still emerging and vary from country to country.
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’I know this uncertainty can be frustrating, especially as we adjust to live with the virus and return to some sense of normality, including international travel.
The Minister continued: ’Work to enable access to the UK’s NHS Covid Pass scheme for Isle of Man residents is progressing.
’This will enable island residents to use the NHS app to show proof of their vaccination status when travelling internationally in the same way as UK residents.
’Issuing letters as proof of a person’s vaccination status is a short term, interim solution whilst we await full access to the NHS app.
’This is a manual process and so letters are only available to those who are travelling outside of the UK in the next two weeks.
’There is no requirement for Isle of Man residents travelling to the UK to prove their vaccination status, so a letter is not required.
’Fully vaccinated Isle of Man residents returning to the island can prove their vaccination status using a screenshot from the Patient Access app or a photo of the vaccination card they were issued with when they had their first jab.’
’There is a risk that some travel providers might not accept these letters, but other options may be available, such as testing, meaning that travel can still go ahead.
’Anyone fully vaccinated travelling outside of the UK should check in advance with their travel that the letter will be accepted as proof of vaccination status.
’I am sure the public will understand that the Isle of Man Government cannot be responsible for any disruption where a travel provider will not accept the letter.
Anyone who urgently requires a letter for international travel can, until July 26, contact Manx Care on 650800, Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm.
Anyone seeking information in relation to the United Kingdom NHS app and vaccination status when travelling can visit covid19.gov.im/vaccination/vaccination-certificate-for-travel-faqs/.