Islanders visiting France this month are now being issued temporary QR codes to get them into restaurants, shopping centres and on public transport.

More than 2,000 people had applied for the interim certificate, which is being issued by email.

The codes were expected to be distributed last Friday (13 August) but were delayed because of issues setting up the system.

It is proof of being fully-vaccinated, until Jersey develops a digital passport system.

The paper certificate issued by Jersey's government does not include a QR code.  France required one as evidence of being double-jabbed to be able to enter certain venues.

Those wanting to request a code can still do so via the helpline on 0800 735 5566.

"Anyone fully vaccinated in Jersey can apply for the QR code certificate but should allow for 2-3 days after their second dose, for confirmation of their vaccination status to be processed. Islanders who have received either of their doses elsewhere cannot currently apply for a QR code, but work remains ongoing to rectify this as soon as possible to allow people vaccinated outside of Jersey to receive a QR code." - Government of Jersey

The QR codes can be scanned into the French app ‘TousAntiCovid’ which can be downloaded on an Android or Apple smartphones, or printed out.

The French authorities require a period of 7 days after a second dose has been administered for the QR codes to be valid.

All QR codes will expire 30 days.

“This will be welcome news for many Islanders who are planning to travel to France in the coming weeks. I am pleased that we are now in a position to collaborate with French authorities and with the NHS on this interim solution while we continue to develop a more permanent digital solution to COVID-19 Status Certification.

Islanders should retain their paper COVID Status Certificates as this remains Jersey’s formal recognition of vaccination status. The QR code certificate is only a temporary interim solution for travel within France.” - Senator Ian Gorst, External Relations Minister

Under 18s are exempt from the French scheme until the 30 September.