Electronic vaccination certificate becomes available

In Finland, residents can now download or print their national COVID-19 certificate free of charge directly from the online health record system Omakanta, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM) said in a press release issued on Tuesday.

The STM has issued a decree stipulating that residents may do so if they have received a COVID-19 vaccine; have a recent negative COVID-19 test; or have immunity based on recovery, reported Xinhua.

The decree that took effect on Tuesday does not specify where the certificates can be used. The new measure is widely seen as aimed at facilitating tourist travel.

The Omakanta service can be accessed by using either a digital ID issued by the Finnish banking industry or by a national ID card.

The new service will be introduced in stages. As of May 26, a national COVID-19 vaccination certificate will be made available, which will include information about the vaccines administered. From July, the system would also issue the European Union's (EU) digital COVID-19 certificate, which will include vaccination details, negative test results and proof of recovery, the STM said.

The STM reiterated on Tuesday that Finns should continue to refrain from non-essential travel as the pandemic is still far from over. Travelers should check their destination countries' official websites for information, it said.

Meanwhile, the authorities in Finland have yet to decide on the adjustment of entry regulations for foreign nationals. According to a draft government bill, people arriving in Finland would have to provide reliable proof of COVID-19 vaccination, a negative test result or proof of recovery. Otherwise they should get tested upon arrival and again three to five days later.