COVID Certificates: frequent problems and solutions

You need to use the DigiD app or DigiD SMS verification to create proof of vaccination in the CoronaCheck app and on CoronaCheck.nl. Applying for a new DigiD takes a few working days. If you need help applying for or using your DigiD, ask a family member, friend or neighbour to help you. A lot of libraries also have staff who can help.

If that is not possible, you can contact the 24/7 Contact Centre at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or call 0800 1351. You will be referred to a special helpdesk. There you can apply for a paper COVID Certificate using your citizen service number (BSN) and your postcode.

If you don’t have a DigiD, you can get a COVID Certificate for travel by getting tested for coronavirus. Make an appointment to get tested on Testenvoorjereis.nl. You do not need a DigiD. First check the travel advice for the country in question to see what the testing requirements are. The travel advice will tell you:

• whether you need a test at all;
• what test you need;
• how old the results can be when you enter the country; and
• from what age people must be tested.

You can also create a COVID Certificate on the CoronaCheck.nl website.

If you need help to do this, ask a family member, friend or neighbour to help. A lot of libraries also have staff who can help you. If you still require assistance, call 0800 1351.

If you don’t have a computer and and you want to generate a COVID Certificate online, or if you want to print out a COVID Certificate but don’t have a printer, ask a family member, friend or neighbour to help. A lot of libraries also have staff who can help you.

If this is not possible, contact the following places:

• If your vaccination data has been shared with RIVM or you were vaccinated by the GGD
  Contact the 24/7 Contact Centre at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or call 0800 1351. You will be referred to a special helpdesk. There you can apply for a paper COVID Certificate using your citizen service number (BSN) and your postcode. This will be sent by post. Please note: it can take 5 days for you to receive your certificate. 
• If your vaccination data has not been shared or you were not vaccinated by the GGD
  Contact the organisation that vaccinated you. They can print out a paper COVID Certificate for you.

Were you vaccinated by the municipal health service (GGD)?

If you were vaccinated by the municipal health service (GGD), it is not yet possible to generate proof of vaccination without a BSN. Steps are currently being taken to make this possible. More information will be provided in due course on this website.

If you were vaccinated by another organisation, such as your GP or healthcare institution, ask them to provide you with printed proof of vaccination.

If you wish to travel abroad, you can get a COVID Certificate for travel in the EU by getting tested for coronavirus. Make an appointment on Testenvoorjereis.nl.

You can find information on generating a digital COVID Certificate on CoronaCheck.nl. You can also ask a family member, friend or neighbour to help. A lot of libraries also have staff who can help you. Alternatively, you can download and print out a paper COVID Certificate. If you still require assistance, call 0800 1351.

Yes, COVID Certificates are free of charge.

This depends on the type of certificate:

• proof of vaccination: valid indefinitely via the app. The paper copy is valid for 1 year. After that you must create a new one.
• negative test result: this depends on the type of test.

You need an internet connection to retrieve your data in the app in order to create a COVID Certificate. In addition, the app must connect to the internet every three days to retrieve settings. You do not need an internet connection to display your QR code.