Why does my Covid pass expire? How to renew the barcode on your NHS pass to prove your vaccination status

The NHS Covid pass allows people to display their coronavirus vaccination status in order to allow them to enter certain venues or travel abroad.

But why do some passes have an expiry date and what does this mean?

Here’s what you need to know.

What is a Covid pass?

An NHS Covid Pass shows your coronavirus vaccination details. This is your Covid-19 status.

You may be asked to show your pass to travel abroad, or at events and venues in England which ask for proof of your Covid status.

You need to check the entry requirements for the country or the venue you’re visiting.

If you’re planning to travel abroad, or want to know more about your Covid-19 status you can read about travel abroad from England during or find out how to demonstrate your Covid status on Gov.uk.

Why do Covid passes expire?

You may have noticed when you go to download your Covid pass on the NHS app that there’s an expiry date on it.

However, although your vaccination status does not expire, the digital pass itself can.

A digital NHS Covid Pass is valid for 30 days. The 30-day period refreshes and starts again each time you log in.

If you have an NHS Covid Pass for travel based on a positive PCR test, the 30-day period will refresh for up to 180 days after you took the test.

If you use the NHS App for your NHS Covid Pass, it 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 only 72 hours.

If you download your digital NHS Covid Pass as a PDF it will be valid for 30 days. You should always check the expiry date before using it.

How do I renew my Covid pass?

To renew the barcode on your Covid vaccination pass you need to log into the NHS app and view it again, or choose to download it again on your device.

If you download your Covid pass as a PDF then you should also check the expiry date before using it.

You can access a digital version of your Covid pass by using the NHS app or NHS website.

You can then choose to download the pass as a PDF or get it sent to you in an email, but you must be registered with a GP surgery in England in order to use the app.

To be able to use these services, you will also need an NHS login, and will be asked to create one if you do not have one already.

Alternatively, you can get a physical letter by either requesting a Covid Pass letter online or  calling 119.