It’s up to Isle of Man residents to check whether proof of vaccination letters from Manx Care will be accepted by their travel provider and country of entry.

The letters have been introduced as a temporary measure until island residents can be added to the UK NHS app to prove vaccination status.

The government has warned it can’t be responsible for any disruption where a travel provider will not accept the Manx Care letter.

Health Minister David Ashford said: ’I understand how frustrating this situation will be for residents who need to travel abroad.

’We are working closely with the UK NHS so that everyone on the island can use the NHS app to prove their vaccination status. But this is taking time, and whilst progress is being made, we are not there yet.’

Because there is no agreed international system, the rules of entry vary from country to country.

Mr Ashford said: ’That’s why it is important that travellers check in advance whether the letter from Manx Care will be sufficient and why they must fully understand the entry requirements of the country they will be visiting.

’We are aware that, at present, the vaccination letters are not being accepted in Malta, and people may find that this is the case elsewhere.’

There’s no requirement for residents travelling to the UK to prove their vaccination status, and fully vaccinated 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.

Anyone who urgently requires a letter for international travel can contact Manx Care on 650800 Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm.