How to get an NHS Covid Pass on your phone? How to add an NHS Covid Pass to Apple Wallet?

This week Boris Johnson confirmed that Plan B measures were being brought in to stop the spread of the highly infectious Omicron coronavirus variant. The new measures, announced during a press conference on Wednesday, means mandatory face masks in most indoor venues such as cinemas, theatres and places of worship, which is in addition to face coverings being needed for public transport. Anyone attending venues such as nightclubs or settings where there are a large amount of people will also need to show an NHS Covid Pass in England.

The NHS Covid Pass will need to be shown to attend indoor events with 500 or more attendees, unseated outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees and any event with 10,000 or more attendees.

The NHS Covid Pass shows you have had two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, but proof of a negative lateral flow test can also be shown to get a NHS Covid Pass.

The new face covering measures came into effect on Friday 10 December, while showing a Covid Pass at the aforementioned settings will be mandatory from Wednesday 15 December.

If you’re wondering how to get an NHS Covid Pass, or how to add an NHS Covid Pass to your Apple Wallet, then Express.co.uk is here to help. We’ve rounded up everything you need to know below…

HOW TO GET AN NHS COVID PASS ON YOUR PHONE? HOW TO ADD TO APPLE WALLET?

You can get an NHS Covid Pass either on the official NHS App (the one used for GP appointments, not the Covid track and trace app) for iOS and Android devices, or with the NHS Covid Pass website.

To get an NHS Covid Pass, you will first need to create an NHS login – to do this, you’ll need your NHS number and also will have to enter a few details about yourself.

You can set this up when you head to the NHS App or NHS Covid Pass website for the first time, but the NHS advises this is done two weeks before you need a Covid Pass.

If you are getting an NHS Covid Pass on the smartphone app, then first of all log in and then head to the Your Health tab.

The first option you see at the top should be NHS Covid Pass. Tap the prompt to proceed to the screen where you choose if you need a Covid Pass for domestic use or travelling abroad.

Once you choose which pass you need, you’ll be greeted with a screen with the necessary QR code for the pass.

You will then have the option to download as a PDF, receive a copy by email and – if you’re using the iPhone app – add your Covid Pass to your Apple Wallet.

If you do the latter, you’ll see a screen where your Covid Pass is displayed – and simply tap Add in the top right-hand corner to add it to your Apple Wallet.

If you are trying to get an NHS Covid Pass on the website, then you will need to follow a similar stage. You will have to login on the website with your NHS login, then choose either a domestic or travel pass.

Once you select which Covid Pass you want, you’ll then see a screen where you can download the Covid Pass as a PDF or be sent it via email.

On both of these screens on the NHS App and website you’ll also have the option to view your Covid-19 records.

HOW LONG DOES A COVID PASS LAST FOR?

If you have received at least two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine your Covid Pass will last for 30 days. If you are using the result of a lateral flow or PCR test then the Covid Pass will be valid for 48 hours following a negative test result.

If, alternatively, you’ve had a positive PCR test result in the past six months, and have finished self-isolating then you will also get a Covid Pass that lasts for 30 days. This 30 day period, however, refreshes every time you log in – and will cover a maximum of 180 days.

The NHS advises that if you download your digital NHS COVID Pass as a PDF, always check the expiry date before using it.

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