NHS app to be used as holiday travel pass
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced the plan this morning
Last updated 28th Apr 2021
The NHS app is going to be the app which is used as a pass to get us on holiday later this year.
The Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced the plan this morning.
IN an interview this morning he said: “In terms of vaccine certification, I can confirm we are working on an NHS application, actually it will be the NHS app that is used for people when they book appointments with the NHS and so on, to be able to show you’ve had a vaccine or you’ve had testing.
He told Sky News “I’m working internationally with partners across the world to make sure that system can be internationally recognised, as that’s the way forward.
“Actually, I’m chairing a meeting of the G7 secretaries of state for transport, my equivalents from America and Canada and all the G7 countries, next week on exactly this subject.”
There has been a lot of speculation about so-called 'vaccine passports' to allow us into venues or travel.
When can we go on holiday again?
International travel is set to return, for England, no earlier than 17th May.
At the moment, Mr. Shapps says the data looks positive for that to still be the case.
Here's what he told our Westminster correspondent Georgie Prodromou:
He added: “I have to say that so far the data does continue to look good from a UK perspective, notwithstanding those concerns about where people might be travelling to and making sure we’re protected from the disease being reimported.
“I will set out towards the beginning of May … which countries fall into the various different categories.”
In a trading update on Tuesday, low cost carrier Jet2 said they were concerned over a lack of details for international travel restarting this summer.
The company said: “Unsurprisingly, given the short-term uncertainty, customers are booking significantly closer to departure for summer 21.”
The airline added it was “disappointed at the lack of clarity contained in the Task Force’s report, in particular the as yet to be populated ‘traffic light’ framework for destinations, and full details and cost of the associated testing regime.”
Jet2 had already cancelled all holidays until June 24 in the hope of gaining more clarity on what travel can take place.
A UK Government spokesperson said: “Ensuring free and open travel with our European partners is vitally important which is why we will be engaging the European Commission on reopening travel routes from the UK shortly.”
Spain looks to re-open
This morning, Spain's tourism minister has said that his country will be ready to welcome back tourists in June.
Vaccine certificates could be rolled out across the EU, if a trial is successful.
UK holidaymakers could make use of that scheme, too.
Here are some potential destinations opening up this year:
Greece
Greece hopes to welcome UK tourists from as early as May. Visitors will have to be vaccinated, have had a recent negative test or have the Covid-19 antibodies.
Turkey
UK travellers heading to Turkey are unlikely to be required to provide proof of a Covid-19 vaccine or a negative test result. Instead, Turkish ministers have said they are working with the UK Government to ensure travelling to and from the country is Covid secure.
Cyprus
Cyprus will also welcome UK tourists this summer as long as they have had both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
P&O ferry cruises
Ferry company P&O has said that holidaymakers will have to provide proof that they have had two doses of the vaccine. If holidaymakers fail to provide evidence they will not be allowed on board the staycation cruises.