How do I get a Covid passport? UK guidance on getting NHS Covid pass or vaccination status for travel

Covid passports may be required to gain entry into some events in the UK and for travel abroad.

But how do you get a Covid Pass and does this vary depending on where in the UK you live?

Here’s what you need to know.

How do I get a Covid Pass?

In England, an NHS Covid Pass shows your coronavirus vaccination details or test results. This is your Covid-19 status.

You may be asked to show your pass to get into some events, where the Covid Pass is being trialled, or to travel abroad.

If you're aged 16 or over, you can get an NHS Covid Pass depending on your vaccination status or Covid-19 test results.

The NHS COVID Pass is not available for children aged 15 or younger.

If you're travelling abroad, your child may still need to show a negative test result so you will need to check the entry requirements for the country you're visiting.

Children do not need to show a COVID Pass to get into UK venues.

There are different ways to get a Covid Pass in England.

You can get a digital version using the NHS App or NHS website. You can download this as a PDF or get it sent to you in an email.

You can get a digital version by:

- downloading the NHS App – you must be registered with a GP surgery in England to use the app

- using the online NHS COVID Pass service

You will need an NHS login to use these services. You'll be asked to create one if you do not have an NHS login already.

You can also ask for a letter two weeks after having your second dose of the vaccine, or two weeks after a single-dose Janssen vaccine. You should get the letter within 5 working days.

You do not need to be registered with a GP surgery or have an NHS login for this.

You can get a letter by:

- requesting a Covid Pass letter online

- calling 119 – do not call 119 if you're travelling in more than 4 weeks' time

It is also known as a Covid-19 post vaccination letter. The paper version does not have an expiry date.

How do I show my vaccination status in Scotland?

If you live in Scotland, your vaccination status is a record of the coronavirus vaccinations you have received. It includes your name, date of birth, and any coronavirus vaccinations you have received in Scotland.

Your vaccination status can be used to confirm that you have received a dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

Covid vaccination status can be accessed by anyone who has had a dose of the coronavirus vaccine. This includes those aged 16 and 17 who have had the vaccine.

You can request a printed copy of your vaccination status online or by phoning the Covid-19 Status Helpline.

Letters will be sent by first class post and should arrive within 14 days.

If you have previously downloaded your coronavirus vaccination status letter, you will need to request a new printed copy.

You can also view and request to print your vaccination status online by logging in using your unique username and password.

Your username and password can be found in your coronavirus vaccination appointment letter.

Once you have signed in, you should select 'vaccination status' which will allow you to view and request to print your coronavirus vaccination record letter.

You can also get a copy of your vaccine status by phoning the COVID-19 Status Helpline on 0808 196 8565. The helpline is open every day from 10am to 6pm.

What about Wales?

In Wales, the NHS Covid Pass allows you to show others that you’ve received a Covid-19 vaccine when travelling abroad.

You can get a digital NHS Covid Pass if:

- you were vaccinated in Wales

- you are aged 16 or over

It is recommended that you get the digital Covid Pass rather than the paper version. You will be able to show this on your phone, tablet or laptop.

You can access your NHS Covid Pass for international travel online and download or print the Pass as a PDF document.

To access the service, you’ll need to register for an NHS login if you do not have one already.

To register for an NHS login you will need to upload a photo of your ID (passport, full UK driving licence, full European driving licence).

People in Wales cannot currently use the NHS app to access their NHS Covid Pass and vaccination status.

You can also get your vaccination status in paper format if two weeks have passed since you completed a full course of the Covid vaccine.

What are the rules in Northern Ireland?

In Northern Ireland, interim arrangements have been introduced to allow people to travel before official Covid-19 vaccine certification comes into place later in July.

Written confirmation of proof of vaccination is only available to people who have received two doses of the Covid vaccine in Northern Ireland and who can provide proof of holiday or flight bookings (up to and including 19 July 2021) to only countries abroad that require verification

This document will only be valid until 11.59pm on 31 July 2021. If you meet this criteria you can apply for your document.