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COVID-19 Kerala To Note Passport Numbers On Vaccination Certificates—Here's Why
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Kerala To Note Passport Numbers On Vaccination Certificates—Here's Why

Kerala Government is paying heed to citizens travelling abroad by issuing vaccination certificates with passport numbers. Details inside.

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By: Presha Mahajan Published: May 31, 2021 03:42 PM IST

Kerala To Note Passport Numbers On Vaccination Certificates—Here's Why

Kerala Government is paying heed to citizens who require valid vaccination proofs to travel abroad. The state government has decided to issue vaccination certificates which will now also feature one’s passport number. By Presha Mahajan

Kerala state government recently decided to issue either final or provisional COVID-19 vaccination certificates, specifically for those travelling abroad for work, studies or other personal purposes. The certificate will include one’s passport number, name of the vaccine, and vaccination status. The certificate thus issued will act as travel clearance for countries where it is imperative to furnish proof of vaccination before entering.

 

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This resolution comes after people were unable to obtain clearance as the Cowin portal currently only documents details of the registered ID proof on the certificate. Most beneficiaries stuck to Aadhaar or Pan Cards and therefore weren’t permitted to travel abroad without their passport numbers on the certificate.

One can register for the same on the official website. The District Medical Officer will then verify and approve these applications. Once approved, beneficiaries will receive a digital certificate and a confirmation through SMS, which one can then download through the same portal. A circular issued by the government on Twitter clarified that those who received Covaxin shots could also apply for the certificate with their passport numbers.

Substantial proof denoting the need for immediate travel, a valid visa, and a work permit or an admission letter for students will have to be submitted and approved as well. It is only after this process is completed will people be eligible to travel abroad.

Additionally, the mandatory gap between both doses of the vaccine is reduced from the earlier 12 to 16 weeks, to four to six weeks. Beneficiaries who are only partially vaccinated can apply for priority vaccination through the e-health portal. Covidshield, having been cleared by WHO for emergency use, will be administered to emergency travellers.

Since the second dose will be administered before completing the minimum 84-day interval prescribed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Cowin portal will not record the data. Instead, the data will be collected and documented separately at the vaccination centres.

Editor’s Note: Keeping the current situation of the pandemic in mind, T+L India recommends every reader to stay safe and take all government-regulated precautions in case of travel at this time is necessary. Please follow our stories on COVID-19 for all the latest travel guidelines.

Related: #IndiaFightsCorona: This Is India’s 1st Religious Place To Turn Into A Vaccination Centre

Written By

Presha Mahajan

Presha Mahajan

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