Send the record and the rule
Share the full certificate and the checklist from the airline, school, employer, visa office or health body. They may ask for a digital vaccine record, an international certificate or a clinic record.
These records are not automatic substitutes. A certified translation explains the record you have; it does not change its medical or travel status.
Check the vaccine details
The vaccine or product name, dose number, date, batch number, clinic, issuer and person’s details must stay exact. Show the passport spelling before certified translation starts.
Do not translate a brand into a different vaccine. Keep codes and QR details as printed. If the medical record is wrong, ask the issuer to correct it.
Verify a digital Indian record
For a Co-WIN certificate, use the official verification page where applicable. A valid QR result helps check the digital record, but the foreign office still decides its travel or filing rule.
Do not publish or send a public screenshot that shows a person’s QR code or health details. Use a private copy for the quoted translation work.
Certified translation and MEA apostille
Certified Translation is the language step. MEA apostille is a separate check of an eligible public signature or seal. Not every vaccination certificate can or should be apostilled.
Ask the receiving office whether it needs translation only, MEA apostille, normal attestation or another health form. Use MEA guidance only after the accepted issuer and record are clear.
Gulf and other visa files
Do not assume every Gulf country asks for the same certificate, vaccine or Arabic translation. Use the sponsor, visa centre or embassy list for the actual visa type.
A vaccination record is also separate from a medical fitness test, Wafid appointment or health screening. Translation Services cannot replace an exam or medical result.
Format and timing
A scan is enough for the first certified translation review. Ask whether the office accepts a signed PDF or wants paper. If it needs an apostille or embassy stamp translated, use the completed set for the final copy.
Health and travel rules can change. Check the official list again near the appointment. Do not rely on a certificate requirement copied from an old case.
Privacy and role
We handle the record as sensitive health data. We use only the pages needed for translation and do not show customer certificates as public samples.
SiZA provides Certified Translation, MEA Apostille support and document help. We do not vaccinate people, issue health records or decide travel, visa or medical fitness.
Frequently asked questions
What information must the translation keep?
It must keep the person’s name, vaccine, dose, date, batch, issuer and any notes true to the source.
Codes and QR details must not be altered.
Can you fix a wrong date in translation?
No.
Ask the clinic or official record issuer to correct the source.
Certified Translation must match it.
Does every vaccination record need MEA apostille?
No.
Ask the office using it.
MEA apostille is separate from Translation Services and applies only to an eligible record with the accepted prior check.
Does every Gulf visa need Arabic translation?
No.
Use the current visa or sponsor list.
Saudi, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman do not all use one rule.
Is a vaccine record the same as a medical fitness result?
No.
They show different health facts.
Translation of one cannot replace the other.
Can certified translation start from a PDF?
Yes, if it is clear and complete.
A stamp process may later need an accepted original or official digital record.
How long does it take?
Page count, language, review, paper needs and any MEA apostille or courier work affect timing.
We give a schedule after checking the record.
Related desks
Reviewed by the SiZA Global Documentation Desk on 1 September 2026.