# VDS-NC Checker

> Verifies ICAO VDS-NC digital health certificates using public key infrastructure. (iPhone/iPad app by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vds-nc-checker/id1582587862 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade](https://appshunter.io/developer/562136818)
- Category: Travel, Health & Fitness
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 2 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2021-09-15
- Data updated: 2026-06-13
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vds-nc-checker/id1582587862/reviews.md

## What is VDS?

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has specified VDS‑NC as its standard for cross-border digital health certificates, including COVID-19 vaccination and testing certificates.

VDS-NC stands for Visible Digital Seal for Non-Constrained Environments. VDS-NC certificates:

- leverage the ePassport public key infrastructure (PKI) that ICAO member states around the world have been using since 2004
- are like a passport chip in QR format, with the same high level of security against forgery
- can be authenticated offline, using keys available from the ICAO Public Key Directory and other published Master Lists
- are a new application of ICAO Visible Digital Seal specifications that have been proved in EU Schengen visa labels
- were developed in conformity with World Health Organization guidance on digital secure vaccination certificates
- are compatible with digital wallets and with COVID-19 travel apps such as the IATA TravelPass.

Authorities can authenticate a VDS-NC using the PKI in normal passport readers. But not all countries issue ePassports, have such readers, or have had the opportunity to modify their readers to consume health data as well as ePassports. Moreover, a need to authenticate VDS-NC certificates will not be limited to borders – health departments and other entities will also wish to process them.

To fill any possible gaps in authorities’ capacity to use VDS-NC, the Australian Passport Office has developed this app. It uses ICAO PKI to determine whether a 2D barcode under inspection:

- is a VDS-NC
- was written by the purported issuing authority
- has not since been altered.

If the QR code is authentic, the app displays the most important information from the certificate, including the holder’s biodata and COVID-19 immunisations. There is an option to view the complete dataset on the certificate.

The app displays information to indicate if the QR code is not a VDS-NC, or if it is not authentic.

This release authenticates VDS-NC vaccination certificates issued by Australia, Japan, Nauru, Tuvalu and Samoa. Future updates will authenticate VDS-NCs issued by other countries.

## Key features

- Authenticates VDS-NC digital health certificates
- Verifies issuing authority
- Detects certificate alterations
- Displays biodata and immunizations
- Supports offline authentication
- Compatible with digital wallets


## Frequently asked questions about VDS

### What is VDS-NC Checker?

VDS-NC Checker is an application developed by the Australian Passport Office to authenticate Visible Digital Seal for Non-Constrained Environments (VDS-NC) certificates. These are digital health certificates, like vaccination records, that use ICAO standards for security.

### How does VDS-NC Checker work?

The app uses the ICAO Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to scan a 2D barcode. It determines if the code is a VDS-NC, if it was issued by the claimed authority, and if it has been altered, providing a verification status.

### What information does VDS-NC Checker display?

If a QR code is authenticated as a VDS-NC, the app displays the most important information from the certificate, including the holder’s biodata and COVID-19 immunizations. Users can also opt to view the complete dataset.

### Which countries' VDS-NC certificates can VDS-NC Checker authenticate?

Currently, VDS-NC Checker authenticates VDS-NC vaccination certificates issued by Australia, Japan, Nauru, Tuvalu, and Samoa. Future updates will expand support for certificates from other countries.

### Can VDS-NC Checker authenticate certificates offline?

Yes, VDS-NC certificates leverage the ePassport public key infrastructure (PKI) and can be authenticated offline using keys available from the ICAO Public Key Directory and other published Master Lists.

### Is VDS-NC Checker available on all devices?

VDS-NC Checker is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It requires iOS and is designed for mobile use.

### How often is VDS-NC Checker updated?

The app was last updated on April 17, 2024, with version 1.3.8. Updates typically include expanded country support and improvements to authentication capabilities.

### Does VDS-NC Checker have ads?

No, VDS-NC Checker does not contain advertisements. It is a free application focused solely on providing a secure and reliable verification service.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.3.8 — 2024-04-17

- Added support for new certificates

### 1.3.7 — 2023-02-01

- Fixed an issue with signature verification for certain VDS types

### 1.3.6 — 2022-06-01

Updated About text to include support for Samoa

### 1.3.5 — 2022-05-31

This release authenticates VDS-NC vaccination certificates issued by Samoa.

### 1.3.4 — 2022-05-23

Added support for VDS-NC vaccination certificates issued by Nauru and Tuvalu.

## Apps similar to VDS

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Wotif Hotels & Flights](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wotif-hotels-and-flights/id531549799) | 4.7 (85,994) | Free | Travel |
| [Jetstar](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jetstar/id821234247) | 4.7 (727) | Free | Travel |
| [WikiCamps Australia](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wikicamps-australia/id505365608) | 4.5 (49) | $6.59 | Travel |
| [Perth Airport](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/perth-airport/id1125893894) | — | Free | Travel |
| [Linkt](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/linkt/id1166823295) | 4.5 (289) | Free | Travel |
| [Silver Service: Chauffeur Taxi](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/silver-service-chauffeur-taxi/id353470074) | 4.9 (69) | Free | Travel |

## More apps by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

- [KangaZoo](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kangazoo/id1527200786)

All apps by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: https://appshunter.io/developer/562136818

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-13.*