Once a common requirement during the pandemic, proving your vaccination status for travel has become rare. Gone are the days of sifting through paperwork or frantically searching for your COVID vaccine certificate at the airport! However, in case you ever need to prove that you’re fully vaccinated for travel again, we have updated this guide for your convenience.
Start planning your next trip with confidence:
Here’s how to demonstrate your COVID 19 vaccination status, whether via the NHS app or other services.
1. What are COVID vaccine certificates?
A COVID vaccine certificate is physical or digital proof that you have been vaccinated against COVID-19. During the pandemic, travellers used COVID vaccine certificates to exempt themselves from specific entry restrictions imposed by various countries. However, every country is different, so it’s important to always check the latest travel advice before you book.
2. What is the definition of “fully vaccinated” in the UK?
England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales consider you fully vaccinated if you:
- are vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme
- are vaccinated under an overseas vaccination programme with an approved proof of vaccination to the UK
- have had a full course of an approved vaccine, i.e. 1 or 2 doses as prescribed by the vaccination programme
- have had a complete course of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before you arrive in the UK
In Scotland, if you would like to avoid self-isolating as a close or household contact, you’ll qualify as fully vaccinated only if you have had a booster. For travel, however, you’ll only need two doses (or just one dose of a single dose vaccine) to be considered fully vaccinated.
Do I need a booster for travel?
As of now, entering the UK is a breeze as there is no requirement to show proof of your booster dose, undergo additional testing, or abide by any quarantine requirements. Whether you are vaccinated or not, you have the freedom to explore the UK’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage without any added burdens.
The same applies to the majority of other countries that previously required travelers who had their final vaccine dose more than 270 days ago to have a booster in order to enter. Under the old rules, if you were fully vaccinated more than 270 days ago, you were required to receive a booster shot at least 14 days before travelling to countries such as Austria, The Netherlands, France, Spain, Denmark, Portugal, and Greece.
However, authorities have now lifted these requirements. For most destinations, there is no need for boosters or any other pandemic-related conditions for travel. You can now travel worldwide with ease, unleashing your wanderlust without the additional burden of booster requirements or other pandemic-related restrictions.
3. How to use COVID vaccine certificates for international travel
During the pandemic, travellers used to present their COVID vaccine certificates at the airport before boarding their international flights. There’s an option to show it on your phone using the NHS app in England, the NHS Scotland COVID Status app in Scotland, the COVIDCert NI in Northern Ireland, and the NHS COVID Pass in Wales. All UK nationals can also order a paper copy from the NHS, either by phone or online. PDF versions and printed copies of the NHS Covid Pass downloaded after November 1, 2021, can be read by the EU Covid Vaccine Certificate scheme.
4. How to use COVID vaccine certificates domestically
Previously, all nations required individuals to show COVID vaccine certificates for entry into nightclubs and similar venues and events, but this is no longer the case. The certificate was the same you used to show when boarding a plane – a digital version on an app, or an official paper copy issued by the NHS.
Familiarise yourself with local regulations if you’re planning a domestic holiday:
- In England, it’s no longer mandatory for venues to require attendees to demonstrate their COVID-19 status.
- In Scotland, vaccine certificates are no longer required to enter late night premises and other venues.
- In Wales, the government scrapped the requirement to show the NHS COVID-19 pass to go to indoor and outdoor events and venues like cinemas, theatres, and nightclubs.
- In Northern Ireland, there are no longer legal requirements for COVID-19 certificates in nightclubs.
5. Where to get your COVID vaccine certificate
The four nations of the UK each have their own approach to delivering COVID vaccine certificates.
🏴 England
- Download the NHS England health app
- Request a letter by calling 119
- Download a copy from the online COVID Pass service
- Request a letter through the NHS online portal
🏴 Scotland
- Use the Scottish COVID pass app
- Download a PDF copy online via the NHS vaccination portal
- Request a letter by calling the COVID Status Helpline on 0345 034 2456
🏴 Wales
- Access your vaccine status through the NHS website
- Request a paper letter by calling 0300 303 5667
🏴 Northern Ireland
- Use the COVIDCert NI app
- Request a letter by calling the helpline on 0300 200 7814
