Vaccine passports for England - how to get one and when you have to start using it

Covid-19 vaccination passports are required in every part of the United Kingdom except England.

However, this will change when Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his government announce the move to the so called ‘Plan B’ which is designed to slow the spread of Covid-19 in the community.

How do I apply for a vaccine passport in England?

People living in England who travel to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, wher?e vaccine passports are required, can download their own personal NHS COVID Pass via the NHS App or the online NHS COVID Pass service.

You can visit ‘Getting a digital NHS COVID Pass’ and start your application now.

When do I have to start presenting my NHS COVID Pass under these new restrictions?

Covid-19 vaccination passports will become mandatory for all venues where there is a sizeable gathering of people from Wednesday December 15, 2021 onward.

Who can get a digital NHS COVID Pass?

If you’re aged 16 or over, you can get a digital NHS COVID Pass for travel.

People under 16 may need to show a negative test result.

If you’re 18 or over, you can also use your digital NHS COVID Pass for domestic events and venues.

People under 18 do not have to show proof of their vaccination or test results for domestic events or venues in England.

To show your vaccination status, you must have been vaccinated in England, Wales or the Isle of Man.

If you were vaccinated in Scotland, you need to both be registered with a GP in England and live in England.

How long a digital NHS COVID Pass is valid for:

If you have had:

- A vaccine used in the UK – your NHS COVID Pass lasts for 30 days, but the 30 day period refreshes every time you log in

- A negative PCR test or rapid lateral flow test – your NHS COVID Pass is valid for 48 hours after a negative result.

- A positive PCR test – your NHS COVID Pass lasts 30 days, but the 30 day period refreshes every time you log in (for up to 180 days after you took the test)

If you download your digital NHS COVID Pass as a PDF, always check the expiry date before using it.

If you’re fully vaccinated or had a positive test result, the barcode on a PDF is valid for 30 days.

The NHS App may ask you to confirm your phone number when you log in.

If you do not confirm it, your NHS COVID Pass will be valid for 72 hours.

What is Plan B and how will it be used to battle Covid?

Plan B is an array of restrictions the government said are required to battle against the spread of the Omicron variant of concern.

Plan B could allows for the reintroduction of vaccine passports, face mask mandates and will see a return to working from home.