In Wales you require a Covid pass to enter many venues and businesses in Wales.
The requirement to show an NHS Covid Pass first came into force on October 11, 2021, and applies to everyone aged 16 and over.
You will need to have an NHS pass to enter:
- Nightclubs
- Cinemas, theatres or concert halls
- Indoor, non-seated events for more than 500 people, such as concerts or conventions
- Outdoor non-seated events for more than 4,000 people
- Any setting or event with more than 10,000 people in attendance
On Friday, the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford announced plans to ease restrictions on outdoor activities and sports in the next two weeks.
From Saturday, January 15, up to 500 people will now be allowed to attend outdoor events, which means popular parkrun events in Wales can return as long as no more than 500 people attend.
Read more: See our latest coronavirus headlines here.
Full crowds will be allowed to attend outdoor events from next Friday, January 21, meaning professional sports teams can welcome back capacity stadiums from then.
When asked if we could now say with certainty that Wales' Six Nations matches will be played in front of full crowds, Mr Drakeford said: "Provided the numbers continue to fall, that is what we are announcing today. I have to put that 'if' in there as we follow the data and we follow the science. We are confident, from what we are told, that we are past the peak, and we are coming rapidly down the other side.
"We have seen many surprises with coronavirus. We need to see that pattern sustained for another week, and then next Friday, I hope to confirm, finally, that that is what can happen. We are briefing on it today because we think that is the path we are on."
With restrictions potentially being lifted therefore, people who wish to attend a Six Nations' rugby match at Cardiff's Principality Stadium or other similar events taking place in Wales, will have to obtain a NHS Covid pass.
Here's everything you need to know about the passes - how to get them and what you'll need.
I need to get a Covid pass, what do I do?
The fastest way to get an NHS Covid Pass is to apply online. The NHS COVID Pass can be downloaded and printed.
The pass lets you securely share your Covid-19:
- vaccination records
- test results
You must:
- be aged 16 or over
- be registered with a GP in Wales or England
You will need to upload a photo of one of the following:
- passport
- full UK driving licence
- full European driving licence
You may also be asked to record a short video of yourself.
For further information on how to get your Covid pass and you live in Wales, click here.
If you are unable to access the digital version or do not have photographic ID, you can request a paper certificate.
This paper certificate has been designed for international travel but will be a valid evidence for entering a domestic venue or event. The paper NHS COVID certificate only provides evidence of full vaccination.
Call 0300 303 5667 to request a Covid Pass, but only request this if you are unable to use the digital version.
I got a Covid pass in November, do I need to do anything else?
Once you've downloaded your NHS Covid Pass, the barcode will be valid for 30 days, which is noted on the pass. In order to update, you must log into the service and it will update automatically. There is no need to provide the same information as you did to require the Covid pass in the first place.
A paper copy of your NHS Covid Pass is also only valid for 30 days and will renew every time you log on. Then, you can print a new copy.
What if I am coming from outside of Wales? Will I still need a Welsh Covid pass?
If you are attending a concert, nightclub or a football match at Cardiff City, Swansea City or Wrexham, for example, you will need to show a pass. However the Welsh Government has said that English and Scottish passes are accepted.
Who has to show a Covid pass?
Anyone aged 16 or over will have to show a Covid pass when entering these venues and events. The reason the Welsh Government has not applied the rules to people younger than that is because they haven't had as long to get double vaccinated.
What does my Covid pass need to show?
For your pass to be approved it needs to show you have either had two vaccinations or have done a lateral flow test within the last 48 hours. The Welsh Government have said that the reason they have added the lateral flow option is because some people are not able to be vaccinated for medical reasons.
How do I download a Covid pass?
You can access the NHS Covid Pass via the NHS website here. This will allow you to produce a COVID pass using a smart phone, a computer or laptop.
To access the service, you’ll need 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).
If you live in Wales, you cannot get it via the NHS app as this is only valid in England. That means it is only available via the website and you will be given a code you scan or download as a pdf.
If you do not have photographic ID you will need to request a paper NHS Covid certificate.
Your NHS Covid Pass includes a barcode. The expiry date refers to the barcode and will update automatically. It does not apply to your vaccination status.
You can find the full explanation here.
Are there checks that people are correctly registering the lateral flow tests?
One of the criticisms of the scheme has been that there is very little oversight. In order to register a lateral flow test, people simply scan a QR code. They do not even actually have to conduct the test.
The Welsh Government introduced rules at the beginning October 2021, where anyone who is found faking the result of their lateral flow test in Wales could receive a fixed penalty notice.
Why do we need Covid passes?
The Welsh Government is concerned that mass gatherings will continue to drive infection and hope this will add an extra safeguard against the virus. There is also a secondary hope that this will drive people to be vaccinated though how effective this will be is uncertain given that you don't need to be vaccinated to receive a Covid pass.
Are these a vaccine passport?
When asked about this at a previous press conference, the First Minister Mark Drakeford said that these were not vaccine passports as you didn't need to be vaccinated to use one.
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