NHS app ready as vaccine passport next week
Fully vaccinated holidaymakers will be able to prove their vaccination status during travel to other countries, Health Secretary Matt Hancock says.
People in England who travel abroad will be able to use the NHS app from next week during their overseas travels.
"The certification, being able to show that you’ve had a jab, is going to be necessary for people to be able to travel," Hancock said.
"So, we want to make sure people can get access to that proof, not least to show governments of other countries that you’ve had the jab if they require that in order to arrive."
"The focus for the time being on this certification question, is making sure that people can travel internationally and show that they’ve had the jab if that’s what another country requires," Hancock added.
Anyone who does not use a smartphone can get a hard copy document confirming their vaccine status by ringing 119.
The government advises travellers to register with the app before booking international travel.
Consumer watchdog Which? has welcomed the development but there are unanswered questions about which nations will accept the app as proof.
"Steps to simplify the process of proving your vaccine status will remove some of the admin involved before travelling and should reduce test costs, with some destinations removing the need for a pre-departure test if passengers can provide proof of vaccination," said Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel
"Travellers do need urgent and concrete assurances from the government as to whether this form of proof will be accepted by green list countries."
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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