Holidaymakers can prove vaccine status from Monday using NHS app
The ban on overseas travel for leisure purposes will be lifted on Monday
Last updated 11th May 2021
Matt Hancock has confirmed that English holidaymakers will be able to use the NHS app from Monday to "prove" to other countries that they have been fully vaccinated.
Many overseas countries require proof that travellers have been fully vaccinated or have tested negative before arrival.
From Monday, when the ban on foreign travel for leisure purposes is lifted, people who have received both doses of the jab will be able to use their smartphone to provide proof to the country they are travelling to that they are fully vaccinated.
Meanwhile, those without a smartphone can contact the NHS helpline 119 to request a paper copy be sent via post.
The NHS app is different from the Covid-19 app, and is currently used to book appointments and order repeat prescriptions.
Speaking to Sky News, the Health Secretary said: “The certification, being able to show that you’ve had a jab, is going to be necessary for people to be able to travel.
“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.
“Israel’s a good example. They’ve said that they’ll want proof of you having had two jabs for you to go to Israel as and when they open up. They’re on the green list of course.
“So we will make sure that you can get access to that, to prove that point.”
It comes as the ban on foreign travel for leisure purposes is set to be lifted on 17th May, along with other restrictions as the Government continues with its roadmap out of lockdown.
The Government has introduced a traffic light system for foreign travel by which countries are categorised as green, amber or red.
Travellers returning from green listed countries do not have to isolate, while those returning from amber countries are required to self isolate for 10 days. People returning from red listed countries must pay to quarantine in an hotel.
Here are the other restrictions easing on the 17th May:
17th May: Indoor mixing
From 17th May, two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors. People will be allowed to stay overnight with people out with their household or bubble.
17th May: Indoor hospitality
Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants can reopen from 17th May.
17th May: Cinemas reopen
Cinemas will also reopen from 17th May, along with indoor soft play areas for children.
17th May: Foreign travel
Foreign travel is permitted from 17th May.
17th May: Hugs are allowed
Boris Johnson has confirmed that we can hug our loved ones from 17th May, but experts have urged that the public should remain vigilant and think carefully about who we hug.
17th May: Indoor exercise classes
From 17th May, indoor sport and exercise classes can resume.
17th May: Museums reopen
Indoor entertainment can open from Monday, including museums.
17th May: Larger events
Some larger events including concerts, theatre performances and sporting events will be allowed to resume from Monday, but restrictions on the numbers of attendees will remain in place.
17th May: No masks in secondary schools
Pupils in secondary schools and colleges will not need to wear masks in classrooms or communal spaces from Monday.
17th May: Universities return to in-person teaching
All University students can return to in-person teaching from Monday.
17th May: 30 guests can attend weddings
Up to 30 guests can now attend weddings, receptions and commemorative events like wakes.
17th May: Care home visitors increase
Care home residents can have 5 named visitors from Monday. Two visitors will be able to visit at once provided they have tested negative. Care home residents will also be able to leave care homes without having isolate on return.