UK residents vaccinated abroad now eligible for NHS Covid Pass

New restrictions mean people in England will need the pass to enter large venues

According to US and UK health experts, the Omicron variant is likely to become the dominant variant across Britain. EPA

Live updates: follow the latest news on Covid-19 variant Omicron

UK residents who were vaccinated abroad in countries such as the UAE will now be able to use the National Health Service’s Covid Pass in England.

They will also be eligible for a booster shot in England under the new rules. Previously, only those vaccinated in England, Scotland, Wales or the Isle of Man were able to show their status in the pass.

The eligible vaccines are those from AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Janssen and Moderna, as long as the full course of vaccination was completed at least 14 days ago.

“International Covid-19 certification accepted at the UK border is also accepted at events and venues in England,” the UK government said.

Under new restrictions from Wednesday, people in England will need the NHS Pass to gain entry in large venues amid the spread of the Omicron variant.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gives a press conference at 10 Downing Street. He announced that the government will implement its “Plan B” due to the rapid transmission of the Omicron variant. Getty Images

Empty seats on an early morning commuter train on the District Line, in west London, the morning after Mr Johnson announced that work-from-home guidance will return on Monday. PA

Boris Johnson during the Prime Minister's Questions at the House of Commons. Johnson faced questions amid allegations that Downing Street staff held a Christmas party during the Covid-19 lockdown 2020. EPA

A patient receives the Pfizer vaccine at Swaminarayan School vaccination centre, in London. Britain says it will offer all adults a booster dose of vaccine within two months. AP Photo

People queue up for Covid-19 booster jabs outside a vaccination centre in London. EPA

Staff with a new food delivery outside the Peckham Pantry in London. Food banks are braced for a big rise in demand in the run up to Christmas. EPA

People wearing face masks pass electronic signs telling people they must wear masks on public transport, at Bond Street underground station in London. AP

Allegra Stratton speaks outside her home in north London. Ms Stratton, a senior aide to Mr Johnson, resigned hours after an investigation began into allegations of a Covid-breaking Christmas party at Downing Street last year. AP

Masked travellers get off a bus in London. According to his official spokesperson in Downing Street, Mr Johnson has told his cabinet that the Omicron variant of coronavirus appears to be more transmissible. EPA

Margaret Keenan and Nurse May Parsons at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire, a year after Ms Keenan was the first person in the UK to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. PA

Shoppers, some wearing face-masks, walk along Oxford Street in central London, as compulsory mask wearing in shops is reintroduced in England. AFP

The pass can come in digital form via the NHS app or website, or through a letter sent in the post.

Face masks will also be required in venues such as cinemas and theatres, while people have been advised to work from home if they can.

In announcing the restrictions earlier this week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said they were necessary to protect the NHS and curb the spread of the Omicron variant.