What is a vaccine passport?

The term ‘vaccine passport’ refers to a system whereby an individual needs to show proof of their Covid-19 vaccination status (or alternatively a recent negative test or recovery from the illness) in order to access certain services: for instance dining in a restaurant or taking a flight.

The UK government considered plans for a vaccine passport but no comprehensive system has so far been introduced. Scotland will introduce vaccine passports for large events in September 2021. In cases where UK residents are required to show their vaccination status prior to international travel, they can use the NHS Covid pass.

The EU launched its ‘Digital Covid Certificate’ scheme on 1 July 2021, which its citizens can use across the EU as proof of Covid-19 vaccination, a recent negative test result, or a recent recovery from Covid-19. It is up to EU member states as to when and where individuals need to show their covid certificate.

An NHS Covid Pass does not entitle someone to an EU Digital Covid Certificate. However, some EU countries do recognise the NHS Covid Pass as proof of vaccination. Non-EU citizens who are tested or vaccinated in an EU country are entitled to a Digital Corvid Certificate.