Reply from my local member to my question on where we are going with compatibility.
"Thank you for your email to Alex Hawke MP regarding international vaccination certificates. Alex has asked me to reply on his behalf and our office has been investigating this issue on your behalf with the Foreign Minister.
Australia has adopted the international standard for the COVID-19 vaccination certificates developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which leverages global ePassport technology used by more than 140 countries. These certificates are widely accepted at borders around the world, including in Europe.
Most countries, including major travel destinations for Australians in North America and Asia, are not using the EU’s format. The EU’s software for checking vaccination certificates can’t scan QR codes in other formats. We are working with other countries to encourage the European Commission to address this problem.
This is a European problem; its systems are currently incompatible with vaccination certificates used by the majority of the world’s travellers. The Australian Government has been engaging intensely over the past year with the European Commission, both directly and in coordination with other countries also affected; and, individual EU governments on a country-by-country basis to encourage them to implement interim options for travellers without DCC certificates until a global interoperable system is in place.
Applications for ‘equivalence’ are only successful if countries agree to issue vaccination certificates in the EU’s format. No other formats, including the international standard, can be accepted. Most countries outside Europe already have their own systems, are not seeking to adopt the EU format and have arrangements in place to accept other types of foreign vaccination certificates. Examples include the United States, Canada, China, India, Brazil and Japan.
We will continue to work with EU countries on taking a flexible approach to the acceptance of foreign vaccination certificates. Some European countries have systems for vaccinated travellers to get EU certificates if they show foreign proof of vaccination. In France, this involves going to a pharmac_. Belgium and Switzerland offer an online service. Others, such as Denmark and Iceland, accept Australian certificates to enter venues without any need to scan the QR code.
Our embassies in Europe are encouraging other European countries to streamline arrangements in similar ways to make things easier for travelling Australians.
Given COVID-19 restrictions in other countries change frequently, travellers should always research what they will need when travelling into and within different countries. The latest guidance for each country is available on Smartraveller: Homepage | Smartraveller. We would strongly encourge you to check out the Smartraveller website.
If we can be of any further assistance on this or any other matter, please do not hesitate to get in touch."
Kind regards
William Olive
Office of the Hon Alex Hawke MP | Federal Member for Mitchell
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs