Vaccinations are not required in most destinations, but will be mandatory for many cruises, some tours, and a handful of flights this summer.
Greece, Spain and Portugal have said UK travelers do not need to be vaccinated to travel this summer. However, if you have not been vaccinated, you will have to have Covid-19 tests and therefore will have to pay a higher cost.
The UK government has announced that it will develop the NHS app to provide proof of vaccination at airports and borders. This is your vaccination record. It is not yet clear exactly how this will work and whether it is interoperable with the EU digital green certificate.
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How do the NHS app and vaccination records work?
The government has not specified exactly how the app will work. We know the main NHS app is being used instead of the test and trace app.
For some people, your vaccination status is automatically uploaded to the app, for others, your GP may need to add your details – this may take some time. This is an issue related to health record permissions.
The app is free but doesn’t work on some older smartphones. The NHS says’Older models from Apple (iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 / 6Plus or earlier) and Android phones that do not support iOS 13.5 or Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and higher cannot use the app.
The government has not yet proposed to develop a solution for those without a smartphone.
We also don’t know when the app will be ready to go. Crucially, the government must make arrangements with other countries to accept the app. The main agreement is with the EU and its passport for digital green certificates.
How do vaccination records work when traveling to Europe?
The European Union has set out how a block-wide vaccination pass should work. It’s called the Digital Green Certificate. It’s for EU citizens, but the EU has said they want to work with and accept interoperable systems – that should include the NHS app.
The EU plan provides for details to be stored on passengers’ mobile phones or for them to be able to request a paper version, but both will include a QR code. This code contains all the essential information (such as test results and vaccine certificates) as well as a digital seal and a secure key.
When scanning, the person checking the code is notified if it is authentic and issued by a valid issuing agency – such as a hospital or testing center. It is important to note that the European Commission says if your code is verified through the purpose-built gateway, no personal data will be passed through it.
In addition, your data cannot be stored in the countries you visit. Disclosure or disclosure of data has been a major reason for people who opposed vaccination records. Read more about the EU’s plans for a digital green certificate.
Other countries or airlines might be happy with a certificate or letter from your doctor, provided it contains all the essential information.
Can I go on vacation if I haven’t had the vaccine?
Probably yes. It depends on where you are going and how – some airlines, vacation companies, and cruise lines have mandated vaccines. However, several European and Caribbean countries have already announced that they will accept negative tests instead of a vaccine.
Greece, Spain and Portugal have all proposed reopening them to travelers from the UK who can show either proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test.
In some other countries, even if you have been vaccinated, you will likely still need to have one or more tests, as vaccination will reduce, but not eliminate, the chance of transmission.
You’ll also need to take two tests if you are returning to the UK from green list countries and three tests for amber list countries whether or not you got the trick.
Do airlines need a vaccination to board a flight?
In most cases no. Ryanair, EasyJet and British Airways do not plan to introduce a mandatory vaccination status. However, you need to enforce the entry requirements of the destination you are traveling to. So if you are traveling to a country that requires vaccination or testing, you will not be able to board the plane unless you can provide evidence.
It’s different outside of Europe. Some airlines have stated that vaccinations are required in order to travel, such as the Australian airline Qantas.
Will cruise ships and vacation companies need a vaccination?
Saga is the first major vacation company to announce that all customers must be vaccinated on holidays and cruises. The decision was made based on a customer survey that showed that customers largely support the policy. Passengers must also take a COVID test at the departure terminal.
Almost all other cruise lines have followed suit. including Cunard, P&O, and Disney. In most cases, only adults will need the vaccine.
What if I can’t have the vaccine and I’ve already booked a vacation?
Under the terms of package travel regulations, tour operators (including cruise lines) are required by law to inform you of the health and safety requirements at your destination. So you have to inform you if you need to provide proof of vaccination with Covid-19. However, they do not have to offer you a refund if you book and then decline the vaccine.
If there is a medical reason to do so, and you have evidence from your doctor, you may still be able to enter the country. For example, general practitioners for yellow fever can issue a medical exception form, which is normally accepted.
However, if, for medical reasons or any other reason, you choose not to receive the vaccine and, for that reason, choose not to go on vacation, it is likely to be considered an “aversion to travel” and apply the terms and conditions if you decide to cancel.
If you cannot be vaccinated against Covid-19, you should withhold booking a vacation for 2021 until the situation is clearer.
Vaccines and travel insurance
No travel insurance covers aversion to travel. If vaccines become mandatory at your destination, you will not be able to claim back the cost of canceling your vacation if you choose not to travel.
Rejecting a vaccine can also affect your emergency medical insurance. Travel insurance sometimes includes vaccination exclusions. That said, if you visit a country without getting the NHS recommended vaccinations, for example, you may not be covered if you end up developing a disease that the vaccine would have protected against.
As far as we know, no similar exclusions regarding the coronavirus vaccine have been added to travel insurance policies. But that’s something we could see in the weeks and months to come as many travel insurers are now offering coverage for coronavirus catching on vacation.
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