Just returned from Ireland — which is the easiest foreign country to access at the moment. No tests needed so long as one is double-vaccinated. However, the Covid Pass is essential, as it will be for most countries. Start here:
https://covid-status.service.nhsx.nhs.uk/
Beware! Doubtless some people can download theirs without a hitch but it took us more than four days work to access our passes. If there is the least discrepancy between your passport details and your details held by the NHS, the system cannot cope and no-one seems to be able to help on the phone. You will probably need two codes:
- Account Linkage Key
- Practice ODS Code
Be warned — nobody has the faintest idea what these are and where to find them, especially not your GP practice. However, you can find them here:
- Log in to NHS Patient Access
- Click on your name
- Click on the word 'Account' appearing immediately under your name in the drop-down panel.
- Click on 'My GP Practice'
Lurking in the lower part of the practice details you will find both of these codes. Ignorance of the system is the rule on all the help lines and at the GP practice. The most helpful is the covid 119 telephone service. They mean well but know little.
Good luck!