How to get an NHS Covid Pass on your phone

This page was translated using AI and machine learning.

(Pocket-lint) – You might need a Covid pass for certain places, events or for travel purposes. The pass either shows you are double vaccinated, or it shows that you have a negative PCR test or that you have recorded negative lateral flow on the government website in the last 48 hours.

If you’re wondering how to get an NHS Covid Pass on your phone and download a PDF of the pass, you’ve come to the right place as we’ll walk you through it. We also have a separate feature on how to add the pass to your Apple Wallet if you are an iPhone user.

How to get an NHS Covid Pass

You must be 16 or over to get an NHS Covid Pass to travel, while people 18 and over can use a digital NHS Covid Pass for events and venues.

As mentioned, you must either be double vaccinated to get an NHS Covid Pass or have tested negative within the past 48 hours. For those opting for the vaccination status route, you must have been vaccinated in England, Wales or the Isle of Man. People vaccinated in Scotland must live in England and be registered with a general practitioner in England.

You can use the main NHS app (different from the Track and Trace app) to get a Covid Pass, or you can use the NHS website. You’ll need an NHS ID for both, which you can set up at that time, but the NHS website recommends doing so two weeks before you need the pass.

To create an NHS ID you will need your NHS number and you will need to enter information about yourself. For the application you will also have to make a video to prove who you are but it is very simple and there is a step by step. Once you have created the NHS connection and it has been certified, you will be able to use a username and password to access the NHS app and website. You will need to live in England and be registered with a general practitioner in England to use it.

To get an NHS Covid Pass, download a PDF copy or get it by email:

1. Open the NHS app or website
2. Log in with your NHS ID
3. Tap on Get the NHS Covid Pass
4. Select Travel or Domestic
5. Swipe up to see more options
6. Select Download PDF Copy and choose where to save or share
7. Select Receive an offline copy by email, press confirm and send

How long is a digital NHS Covid Pass valid for?

If you are doubly vaccinated, the NHS Covid Pass is valid for 30 days. After the 30 days, you will need to refresh the pass and re-download a PDF copy, resend it to your email address, or add it back to your Apple Wallet.

If you have registered a negative PCR test or lateral flow test, the NHS Covid Pass is valid for 48 hours after the negative result.

If you have a positive PCR test, the NHS Covid Pass is valid for 30 days. This 30-day period will be updated each time you log in, up to 180 days after the positive result.

Anything else you should know?

It is worth checking the expiration date on the PDF of your NHS Covid Pass before using it.

If you are fully vaccinated or have had a positive test result, the barcode on the NHS Covid Pass PDF is valid for 30 days.

The NHS app may ask you to confirm your phone number when you log in. If you do not confirm this, your NHS Covid Pass will be valid for 72 hours.

You can visit the NHS website for more information.

Written by Britta O’Boyle. Originally published on December 9, 2021.