EU FINALLY approves NHS Covid app meaning British tourists can use it as a vaccine passport to travel across the continent
- European Commission said NHS pass will be seen as equivalent to the bloc’s
- Many EU states had approved it but now it will now be accepted across Europe
- UK’s pass application took three months, longer than other EU nations
British travellers will finally be able to use the NHS Covid pass to prove they are vaccinated at borders, bars and restaurants in the EU and 18 other countries, it has been announced.
The European Commission said the UK certificates will be recognised as equivalent to the bloc’s own vaccine passport from Friday.
A number of EU member states have already recognised the British certificate but today’s decision means it will be automatically accepted across Europe, The Guardian reported.
British travellers will finally be able to use the NHS Covid pass to prove they are vaccinated at borders, bars and restaurants in the EU and 18 other countries
The new rules mean that holidaymakers in countries such as the Netherlands will not have to take daily tests in order to access hotspots like bars and museums.
Didier Reynders, the EU commissioner for justice, said: ‘Safer travel is a reality thanks to the EU digital Covid certificate, which is now the leading global standard: 45 countries in four continents are connected to the system and more will follow in the coming weeks and months. We are open to other countries to join our system.’
The UK’s application took three months for its approval from the commission, while Switzerland, Ukraine, Turkey and North Macedonia’s passes were secured within five to eight weeks.
The new measures mean other countries will be able to access Britons’ vaccine status and test results at the borders.
Austria has not accepted the NHS app, while Portugal has only recently approved it, making life difficult for British travellers.
The Foreign Office currently advises about travelling to Austria: ‘Although we understand that the UK’s proof of COVID recovery and vaccination status is being accepted in practice, Austria has not yet officially confirmed this.
‘We therefore recommend that you contact your nearest Austrian embassy for advice on entry requirements.
‘Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination.’
Hungary only accepted a locally issued certificate as proof of vaccination, while in Italy, holidaymakers had problems entering bars and restaurants using the NHS app.
Latvia and the Czech Republic also told British tourists they needed to have a paper certificate.
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