THE NHS app will act as a Covid vaccine passport for foreign holidays from next week, it’s reported.
But only Brits who’ve had two jabs can use the app to travel abroad, The Times reports.
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People who don’t have a smartphone can phone 119 for a paper letter confirming their Covid vaccine status.
The app can be used by travellers jetting abroad when the foreign travel ban ends on May 17.
Vaccine data from NHS medical records that shows up on the app will act as vaccine passport for holidays from Monday.
But people must register to use the app and are advised to do so at least two weeks before going abroad.
The lockdown lifting rules confirmed include:
- Rules for pubs and restaurants will be relaxed so people can meet up to six inside, and 30 outside
- Holidays will be legal again – and the £5,000 fines will be dropped
- Hugging between friends and family will be given the nod, as social distancing rules are expected to be relaxed
- Hotels, cinemas, indoor play areas and other attractions are allowed to reopen finally
- But strict pub rules will remain including table service, social distancing and checking in via the NHS app
- Schoolkids will no longer have to wear masks in class
It comes as Boris Johnson hailed the “biggest step” on the road to Covid freedom last night as indoor drinking and dining — and overnight romps — got the OK.
Paper letters for holidaymakers confirming their vaccine status can be applied for five days after a second dose and will take another five days to arrive.
The government website said: “From May 17, you may be able to show your Covid-19 vaccination status as proof of your status when travelling abroad.
“You can access your Covid-19 vaccination status through the free NHS App from May 17.
“You can access the app through mobile devices such as a smartphone or by tablet.
“Proof of your Covid-19 vaccination status will be shown within the NHS App. We recommend you register with the app before booking international travel.
“Demonstrating your Covid-19 vaccination status allows you to show others that you’ve had a full course of the Covid-19 vaccine when travelling abroad to some countries or territories.
“A full course is currently two doses of any approved vaccine.”
But Brits are urged not to contact GPs as they “cannot provide letters showing your Covid-19 vaccination status.”
Mr Johnson has also mulled using the NHS app to allow mass gatherings and nightclubs to resume in the UK.
Last night, the PM confirmed a major easing of lockdown from next Monday.
The Prime Minister made the announcement as part of the third stage of lockdown easing, with the changes to come into effect next Monday.
Foreign travel will be given the go ahead from May 17, when the ‘Stay in the UK’ restriction will lift and people will be able to travel to green list countries.
That means the £5,000 fines for anyone trying to leave the country to go on holiday will now be dropped.
