Younger generations in Ireland who are yet to be vaccinated against Covid-19 could still be jetting off on holiday later this month.
Minister Ossian Smyth confirmed on Thursday that although the EU Digital Covid Certificate will be rolled out in time for July 19 in order to speed up the return of international travel, it won’t be necessary for everyone.
As most of those below the age of 30 continue to await their vaccinations, Mr Smyth confirmed that PCR tests will still be accepted, with airport staff simply comparing details with your passport.
Speaking to RTE’s Morning Ireland, the minister said: “This will speed up the system, but if for any reason you don’t have a cert, if you’re not vaccinated, you can still travel on your existing documentation.
“That hasn’t changed. If you were vaccinated in another country - if you can show evidence that you’ve been vaccinated you can still travel.
“It’s not a prerequisite for travel. You don’t have to have a digital cert to travel on Monday week. But it does make it faster.”
Mr Smyth went on to explain that if you receive your Digital Cert in time for your trip, it will be scanned in the airport, but if you don’t have yours before departure, as long as you have proof of your dose in some form or a negative PCR test, you will be able to travel.
He added: “If you have a Digital Covid Cert they will scan it, if you don’t have that, but you have some proof that you’ve been vaccinated or tested and it can’t be scanned, it’s just compared against your passport.”
Meanwhile, the government confirmed that the certs will begin to be circulated to all those who are vaccinated in Ireland from Monday, July 12.
If you received your dose in a vaccination centre or pharmacy, the HSE will send your cert via email, and you can choose to save it on your phone or print off your QR code ahead of travel.
Those who got their jab with their GP will be sent their cert by post, so the public is warned this may take slightly longer.
The government is due to reveal plans for the digital certs to be used in the reopening of indoor dining on July 19.
It's understood that indoor services will be confined to those who are fully vaccinated.
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