2D barcode (QR code) Frequently Asked Questions

2D barcodes, sometimes referred to as QR Codes, are similar to traditional barcodes but are able to store more data securely e.g. a secure way of holding an individual's personal Covid-19 vaccine status data.

 The 2D barcodes allow for easy digital validation as they can be scanned and processed using appropriate scanning hardware and software such as a smartphone or barcode scanner. They have already been adopted by other countries to validate an individual's Covid-19 vaccine status for travel or entry to certain public venues or events.

If you have been fully vaccinated in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, you will be able to obtain your 2D barcode through the States of Guernsey’s Travel Tracker. If you have already created a Travel Tracker account and uploaded your COVID-19 vaccine information the 2D barcode will come up automatically in the ‘Digital COVID-19 Status Certificate’ section when you view it. You can create an account in a few minutes if you do not already have one.

Once you log into your Travel Tracker account and bring up a 2D barcode, it is valid for 30 days. This will automatically refresh for you when you log into your account online. If you print out the 2D code or save the 2D code as a PDF this code will expire 30 days from when it was generated. For this reason it is advised that people travelling who print out their code are mindful of the 30 day expiration.

Once you log into your Travel Tracker account and bring up a 2D barcode, it is valid for 30 days. This will automatically refresh for you when you log into your account online. If you print out the 2D barcode or save the 2D barcode as a PDF this code will expire 30 days from when it was generated. For this reason it is advised that people travelling who print out their code are mindful of the 30 day expiration. The 30 day validity is directed by the UK who are the issuing authority for Guernsey 2D bar codes and is designed to protect your personal data.

2D barcodes (QR codes) are the next step in the digital solution allowing for a more secure and automated vaccination certification process. 2D barcodes can be used for international and domestic use, to make travel and attending day-to-day activities (such as attending venues or events) easier.  The data regarding the individual’s vaccination status is securely stored within the 2D barcode and can only be read though an approved scanning software that has access to the encryption keys used to secure the data.

At this time the 2D barcodes can be used to validate your COVID-19 vaccine status in the Bailiwick for travel purposes only. There are currently no plans to require 2D barcodes for entry to venues or events in the Bailiwick, but this will be kept under review.

The 2D barcodes (QR code) have been developed to align in format, content, digital signature and security features to those being issued in the UK through working closely with NHSx and UK partners. For this reason wherever a UK 2D barcode is accepted then the Guernsey 2D barcode will be accepted.

No, you will not be receiving a new paper certificate. Your 2D barcode, available through the Travel Tracker will be your digital vaccination certificate. You will be able to export your 2D barcodes to a PDF format by the 1st November 2021 but this will not replace your States of Guernsey issued vaccination certificate.
 
Please note a 2D barcode is only valid for 30 days, but you can refresh it by logging into your Travel Tracker account to get a new one. You will be able to download and print a PDF copy of your 2D barcode (QR Code) from 1st November 2021.

Your paper certificate is still valid, but the digital 2D barcode may be more widely accepted. Both printed certificate and 2D barcode were developed to align in format, content and security features to those being issued in the UK and the other Crown Dependencies, but with clear branding for the Government of Guernsey as the issuing authority. This approach has been taken to ensure that the certificates issued for the Bailiwick of Guernsey are easily recognised and accepted when used for travel outside the Bailiwick and particularly outside the Common Travel Area (CTA).

Bailiwick of Guernsey residents wanting to travel internationally need to be aware that it cannot be guaranteed that Bailiwick-issued paper certification will be accepted when entering a specific country as it is at the discretion of the border control officer(s), and sometimes transport carriers dependent on the processes in place for checking proof of vaccination. We recommend you use the 2D barcode as this is scannable and will be more widely accepted.

You will only be able to obtain your 2D barcode by using the Travel Tracker system. If you don’t have access to the internet, you can ask family or friends to assist you.

You will be able to download and print a PDF copy of your vaccination status with a 2D barcode from the 1st November 2021. This paper-based copy will only be valid for 30 days from when the 2D barcode was generated.

If you need further assistance, please contact: 01481 717118 or email travel.tracker@gov.gg

Not at this time as it is not required for demonstrating full vaccination status which is still defined as 2 doses (1 for Janssen) and 14 days has passed since the last dose. This will be kept under review.
 

The 2D barcode (QR Code) has a unique pattern and looks like a black and white square image, it is designed to be scanned in order to verify the individual’s COVID-19 vaccine status validity, using a smartphone or scanner. Only relevant authorities with access will be able to access the encrypted data.