As of January 4, 2022, all businesses required to check proof of vaccination of their guests are mandated to use the Verify Ontario App in order to scan the QR code of the enhanced vaccine certificate.
A number of questions have been brought to ORHMA by members in regards to checking vaccination certificates from guests out of province and out of country whose vaccine certificate may not be compatible with the Verify Ontario App.
ORHMA has received confirmation from government that updated guidance is being developed and will be released to sectors in advance of re-opening.
In the meantime, the latest public guidance from November 2021 is the following in regards to checking proof of vaccination:
Will international and out of province visitors travelling to Ontario be able to download the QR code after October 22, 2021?
It is anticipated that out of province visitors to Ontario will not be able to download a version of the receipt. They must present paper copies of their proof of vaccination and one additional piece of identification to gain access to designated businesses and organizations. All QR codes issued to guests in other Canadian provinces are compatible with the Verify Ontario App.
What do businesses need to see when presented with out of province vaccination receipts?
If the person is not an Ontario resident, it is uncertain what format their proof of vaccination will take. Regardless of the origin of the vaccine receipt, the business will need to go through the process described in the guidance to verify that the person is fully vaccinated and that the name and date of birth on the vaccine receipt is the same as the name and date of birth on their identification. In discussions with other provinces, many are working to redesign their existing credentials to present a common standard layout. In addition, Canada’s provinces are exploring inter-operability of QR codes.
How does someone prove they are fully vaccinated if documents are from out of province or out of country?
Patrons from outside the province or the country will be required to show they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and identification to enter specified settings. Proof of vaccination from outside of Ontario will be accepted if the person’s name and date of birth on their identification document matches their vaccination receipt and they meet the definition of fully vaccinated as outlined in the guidance document. This may require showing one or more pieces of information.
If the vaccination receipt or proof of identity from out of country is in a language that the business or organization cannot use to verify the documents, the business or organization may request a translated copy in addition to the original receipt.
