Why does my Covid pass expire?

THE NHS Covid pass is an electronic barcode that allows people to show their vaccination status or negative test records, when travelling and visiting certain venues.

As we move into tighter restrictions in the run up to Christmas, people have noticed their Covid passes have expiry dates. Here is everything you should know about why they expire and how to renew them.

1

How long does a digital Covid pass last?

You can get a Covid pass, which features a scannable, QR barcode from 14 days after your second vaccination.

Once you have your pass, it will be valid for 30 days after you access it.

You can either add this to your phone wallet, or download a PDF which will tell you the day that your pass is due to expire.

You can also get a temporary pass if you register a PCR test or rapid lateral flow test, which will be valid for 48 hours after your negative results.

Why does my Covid pass expire?

Although your vaccination status does not expire, your pass will after 30 days.

Your Covid QR code is the only thing that expires and can be renewed at any time for a further 30 days from the day you renew.

Your Covid pass following a negative test result will expire after two days as your negative Covid status will need to be reconfirmed.

In order to get a new temporary Covid pass, you would need to another PCR or lateral flow test and register the results on the NHS app.

How to renew your pass

You can renew your Covid pass at any time if you are fully vaccinated.

You simply log on to the NHS app or website to confirm your vaccination status.

You’ll be asked to create an NHS login if you do not have one already. You must be registered with a GP surgery in England to use the NHS App.

You can download your NHS Covid Pass as a PDF or get it sent you in an email.

How to access your Covid pass

To get your pass, you simply log on to the NHS app and select NHS Covid Pass, with the option of a domestic pass or international travel pass.

Once you have selected which pass you will need, you will be given the option to add it to your smartphone wallet, or you can download it as a PDF.

If you live in Wales you cannot use the NHS App to get an NHS Covid Pass, and you must log in via the NHS website.

If you are in Scotland, you can access your Covid Status through the free NHS Scotland Covid Status app on a mobile device.