Under Covid Plan B, which reintroduced work from home measures and face coverings in most public spaces in an effort to control the spread of the Omicron Covid variant, NHS Covid passes have become necessary for some venues, events or for travelling purposes.
The purpose of the pass is to indicate that you have either had two doses of a coronavirus vaccine or to prove you have recorded a negative lateral flow /PCR test on the government website within 48 hours.
Here’s everything you need to know about the NHS Covid pass including how to install it on your phone and where in England you’ll need a pass.
How to install the NHS Covid pass on your phone?
To get an NHS Covid Pass for travel you need to be 16 or over, and those 18 and older can use a digital pass for events and venues. If you’re opting for the vaccination status on the pass, you’ll need to have been vaccinated in England, Wales or Isle of Man.
To get your Covid pass, you can either use the main NHS app or the health service’s website. For both options you need an NHS login, which you can set up at the time you’re trying to get your pass, though it's recommended you do it at least two weeks before you need the pass.
In order to create an NHS login, you need your NHS number and enter some details about yourself. If it's for the app, you’ll also need to make a video to prove who you are.
Once the login is created and certified, you can use an username and password to access both the app and website. Note that in order to use either you’ll need to live in England and be registered with a GP.
The steps to get a NHS pass, download a PDF or get it through email:
1. Access the NHS app or website
2. Login with the NHS login you created
3. Tap the Get NHS Covid Pass option
4. Select Travel or Domestic and swipe up to see options
5. Select either download PDF copy or receive offline copy by email.
If you’re double vaccinated, your NHS Covid Pass will be valid for 30 days, after which you’ll need to refresh it and re-download the PDF.
For negative Covid tests, the pass is valid for 48 hours after the negative result. If it's for a positive result, the pass will be valid for 30 days, which will then refresh every time you log in for up to 180 days after testing positive.
The NHS App might ask you to confirm your phone number when you log in. If you don't confirm this, then your NHS Covid Pass will be valid for 72 hours.
Where you'll need your Covid pass in England?
Some events and venues where you are legally required to show a NHS Covid pass for entry are:
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nightclubs
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indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people
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unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people
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any venue with more than 10,000 people
Certain larger events like communal worship, wedding ceremonies, funerals, protests and mass participation sporting events do not require a NHS Covid pass yet.
If you don’t have the NHS Covid pass app to prove being fully vaccinated or having a negative test from the past 48 hours, then alternative ways include showing a text/email from the NHS.
