Sarah Bennett
The use of QR codes as proof of vaccination has been widely adopted since the COVID-19 pandemic. While some countries and airlines require QR codes as proof of vaccination, others do not. For example, in the United States, US Customs does not require proof of vaccination, while in Egypt, a QR code is mandatory. Additionally, the technology used to scan QR codes may vary, with some airports using iPad scanners, scanner guns, or apps on smartphones. It is recommended to check the requirements of the specific country or airline before assuming that a QR code will be accepted as valid proof of vaccination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| QR code verification | Requires activation from the relevant authority, e.g., Ministry, to be verified |
| QR code scanning | Scanned by specific entities, e.g., immigration, health, or customs officials |
| QR code functionality | May not be scannable by a standard camera and may require a specialized QR scanner or app |
| QR code usage | Used to prove vaccination status and facilitate travel or entry to certain venues |
| QR code accessibility | Available through various apps, such as Clear, CommonPass, VeriFly, Apple Wallet, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay |
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What You'll Learn
Scanning vaccine QR codes at airports: flexible policies
The implementation of vaccine QR code scanning at airports varies across different countries and airlines. While some airports and airlines strictly enforce QR code scanning for vaccine verification, others exhibit flexibility in their policies.
In certain countries, such as Egypt, a QR code is mandatory as proof of vaccination for travellers. However, the specific requirements may vary based on the airline and destination. For instance, a traveller's account on a forum mentioned that EgyptAir accepted the New York State Excelsior Pass app with a live QR code for boarding without requiring a PCR test. In contrast, another traveller stated that their QR code was only readable with a Smart Health reader.
Additionally, some countries' vaccination records or 'vaccine passports' may be sufficient without the need for a QR code. For example, travellers from states with verified vaccination records, such as New York, California, and a few others, may not need a separate QR code.
On the other hand, some countries and airlines may exhibit flexibility if a passenger's QR code fails to scan. An example of this is an account of a traveller at Pearson Airport, where their Ontario QR code would not scan, but they were still allowed to proceed.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended to check the specific requirements of your destination country and airline. Additionally, it is advisable to have multiple forms of proof of vaccination, such as a physical vaccine card and a digital copy, to accommodate varying verification methods at different airports.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that some countries may have specific apps or systems for vaccine verification. For instance, South Africa has stated that their QR code is meant to be read by specific organisations, such as immigration and health authorities, rather than being for general public use.
In summary, the scanning of vaccine QR codes at airports is not standardised, and policies can vary depending on the country, airline, and even individual airport procedures. Travellers should be prepared to provide alternative forms of proof of vaccination if their QR code is non-functional or not accepted at their destination.
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Digital identity apps for storing vaccination records
While some sources suggest that the QR codes on COVID-19 vaccination cards are useless, digital identity apps for storing vaccination records have been gaining traction. These apps provide a convenient and secure way to manage vaccine records, including those for children, pregnant women, and adults requiring vaccines for various diseases.
The Vaccine App, for instance, offers a digital vaccine passport that replaces all paper counterparts. It provides a lifelong, accurate, and secure digital vaccine history accessible globally. Similarly, in the US, states like New York, Arizona, Louisiana, and California have introduced digital ID apps or online portals that allow residents to store their vaccine records. For instance, New Yorkers can use the Excelsior Pass app or the NYS Excelsior Pass Wallet app, while Arizonians can use the MyIR Mobile service.
Additionally, vaccine providers like Walmart and CVS offer access to electronic immunization records through their websites and apps. Third-party apps like VaxYes from GoGetVax also enable individuals to generate verifiable certificates that can be stored in Apple Wallet or Google Pay. These digital solutions provide a convenient and accessible way to manage and present vaccination records, especially when travelling or crossing borders.
It is important to note that the availability and functionality of these digital identity apps may vary based on location and the user's specific needs. While some countries or states may have their own official apps, others may rely on third-party solutions or vaccine provider-specific digital records. It is recommended to check the latest information and guidelines provided by local authorities or health organizations to ensure the proper use and acceptance of digital vaccine records.
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Turning paper vaccination records into QR codes
While some countries and states are turning to digital vaccine records with QR codes, others are still relying on paper vaccination records. Here are some steps and considerations for turning paper vaccination records into QR codes:
Firstly, it's important to note that not all countries or states have implemented QR code systems for vaccine verification, and some may still rely on paper records or other forms of digital verification. Before converting your paper record into a QR code, check whether the destination you're travelling to or the organization requiring proof of vaccination has specified a preferred or required format. Some countries, like South Africa, have stated that their QR codes are meant to be read by specific organizations, such as immigration authorities, and may not be widely accepted or recognized by other entities.
Secondly, there are different ways to obtain a QR code for your vaccination record. Some countries and states provide official channels to request or generate a QR code. For example, in Alberta, Canada, residents can access their proof of vaccination with a QR code through the website alberta.ca/CovidRecords and then download the document or request a printed copy from a local registry agent's office. Similarly, in the United States, residents can access their SMART Health Card, which includes a QR code, through the CT WiZ Public Portal or request a copy by mail or fax.
When generating or requesting a QR code, ensure that the information is accurate and up to date. This includes verifying that your name, date of birth, vaccine type, date of vaccination, and other relevant details are correct. If you notice any discrepancies, contact the relevant health authorities or vaccine providers to have the information updated before obtaining your QR code.
Once you have obtained your QR code, whether digitally or on paper, it is important to take care of it to ensure its longevity and readability. For digital QR codes, consider saving it in multiple secure locations, such as in your phone's digital wallet or a cloud storage service. If you have a paper QR code, avoid folding it or exposing it to conditions that may damage the code, such as moisture or excessive handling.
Finally, when presenting your QR code, whether at an airport or other venue, ensure that it is easily accessible and readable by the verifier. For digital QR codes, this may involve unlocking your device and zooming in on the code if necessary. For paper QR codes, hold the document steady and ensure that the lighting conditions are adequate for scanning. Remember that a damaged or illegible QR code may be rejected, and you may be required to provide alternative proof of vaccination.
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Scanning vaccine QR codes: issues and workarounds
As countries relax their remaining COVID-19 restrictions, many vaccinated travellers will need to prove their vaccination status at the border. In the UK, the NHS app is the most convenient way to do this. However, a bug in the Android version of the app has been discovered, which crops the rightmost element of the QR code, rendering it unreadable. This could cause issues for British travellers at the border, even if they have been fully vaccinated.
Phones affected by the bug include some of the most common recent models, such as the Samsung Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy A72, OnePlus 8T, OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro. The Google Pixel 5, Pixel 4a 5G, ASUS Zenfone 8, Oppo Discover X2 Pro and Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra are not affected by the glitch and display the QR code correctly.
The bug is caused by an incompatibility between the HTML structure used to display the QR code and the default "display sizing" setting on certain Samsung and OnePlus phones. A workaround for this issue involves changing the phone's 'display size' setting to something other than the default level, which causes the QR code to display correctly. Another workaround is to generate a PDF version of the Covid Pass, which contains a working QR code even on devices affected by the bug. However, it is unclear whether this would be accepted if shown on-screen rather than as a print-out, especially outside of the UK.
To avoid queues forming at the border due to QR code scanning, airports can use mobile terminals equipped with industrial-grade 2D barcode scanners. These scanners provide the highest level of security in a mobile solution, allowing staff to quickly verify hundreds of vaccine certificates within a few minutes.
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Using a phone camera to scan and save a QR code
I could not find specific information on whether or not vaccine QR codes are scanned at airports. However, I did find information on how to scan a QR code using your phone camera and save it.
Most modern smartphones have a built-in QR code scanner in their cameras. For iPhones, open your camera and keep it in photo mode. Point the camera towards the QR code and wait for a few seconds. The encoded information will pop up, which you can then save. For Android phones, the process is similar: open your camera and point it at the QR code.
Alternatively, you can use a QR scanning app. For iOS devices, you can use the Photos app to long-press on the QR code image and select the option to open it on Safari. On Android phones, you can use Google Lens to scan the QR code stored in your Gallery.
It is important to note that some countries may require additional verification for vaccine QR codes. For example, in Zimbabwe, the QR code on COVID-19 vaccination cards needs to be activated by the Ministry for it to be verified. Similarly, in South Africa, the QR code on vaccine certificates is meant to be read by specific organizations, such as immigration or health authorities, using specialized QR scanners. Therefore, it is recommended to check the requirements of the country you are traveling to and ensure that your QR code is properly verified and activated if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it depends on the airport and the country. For example, some airports in the US and Egypt scan vaccine QR codes, but others do not.
It seems that, in some cases, you may be allowed to board without a working QR code. However, it's important to check the requirements of your specific airline and destination, as some countries, like Egypt, require a QR code as proof of vaccination.
There are several apps that can be used to generate a QR code, including the Clear app, CommonPass, VeriFly, and the New York State Excelsior Pass app. You can also try scanning your physical vaccine card and saving it as an image on your phone.
