The NHS Covid Pass has been accepted as an equivalent to the European Union Digital Covid Certificate in a bid to make international travel easier for UK citizens.
An agreement between the EU and the UK means travellers can now have their vaccination status digitally verified with each other’s Covid vaccination certificate schemes.
Although most EU countries accept the NHS Covid Pass, only a few were actually able to scan their barcodes. The new agreement, made on the October 29, means that UK citizens can confirm their Covid vaccine status using the EU Digital Covid Certificate (EU DCC) gateway. It also opens up secure and safe access to non-EU countries that are also linked to the EU DCC gateway, including Norway, Switzerland, Israel and Iceland.
Residents of Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Crown Dependencies who have vaccine certificates other than the NHS Covid Pass can also use the gateway.
What is the Covid Pass?
The NHS Covid Pass is one element of the NHS App. It was integrated into the NHS App on May 17 this year and allowed people to prove their vaccination status if needed for international travel or if it was a requirement of attending live events.
Before the Covid Pass was added, the NHS App had around four millions users. The number has now risen to 12 million, with many downloading the App in order to access their Covid Passport. As well as being able to prove their vaccination status, the pass also allows users to check how many doses they’ve received and of which jab.
Matthew Gould, CEO of NHSX, which is leading the NHS Covid Pass Programme, said: “The UK was one of the first countries to launch a digital pass solution, and the NHS COVID Pass is already recognised by over 80 countries and territories across the world. This news will add yet more countries to that list, simplifying international travel for Covid Pass users and enabling digital verification across Europe and beyond.”
NHS Covid Pass users can ensure their own Covid passports are up-to-date by refreshing their downloaded digital passes.
9 November 2021 @ 10:07
On another note, I am travelling to Italy to visit family in a couple of weeks, and I am having trouble locating any meaningful App we can access for this ‘Green Pass’ or indeed any form of EU Covid Certificate we can use. However, I checked my NHS Covid QR code on an Italian Verification C19 code checker [stumbled across this when downloading other Green Pass apps] and it registered as ‘valid for Italy’. I now have my sister checking the same QR code with a friendly cafe in Italy before I travel – I will let you know if it scans fine on their systems…………..
9 November 2021 @ 09:21
Goodness I would wholly recommend you remove this personal data from a public forum…..
9 November 2021 @ 09:56
Me too!! I don’t fancy getting my house stolen from me….
8 November 2021 @ 11:24
Can you confirm where this can be used? Just been in touch with one of the major Amsterdam museums who say they will not accept it
7 November 2021 @ 17:29
We travel with a 14 year old sibling to Austria in December. She has had covid19 recently and we want a proof of recovery certificate as this will also allow access to Austria and also facilities (restaurants attractions) without testing. The NHS and UK gov will not issue a proof of recovery for under 16’s is this likely to be amended to be fair to all age groups?
7 November 2021 @ 17:11
As of 06 November 2021 I can assure you that the UK NHS Certificate may be accepted to enter Romania but it is not recognised locally when trying to enter buildings etc.
have reported this twice to NHSX website but not even an acknowledgment.
The UK Government need to sort this or at least warn travellers that this problem will exist, its as if everyone things it is working 100% when it is not.
8 November 2021 @ 12:32
thats interesting, our NHS England QR codes were scanned in many places in Romania between 28th Oct and 1st Nov without any issues?
6 November 2021 @ 17:30
How do i get a digital cert,i have been fully vaccinated