N
Glam Monitor

Do you have to have the Covid booster to travel?

Author

Daniel Foster

Updated on August 29, 2026

Booster and third doses will not be added to the domestic COVID Pass as it is not a current requirement for individuals to receive booster doses to qualify as fully vaccinated. It will also not be necessary to show evidence of a booster for travel into England at this time.

Can I go abroad if I don't have the COVID-19 vaccine?

If you have not been fully vaccinated, you should continue to follow the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to, such as proof of a negative COVID-19 test on arrival. You should carefully research the requirements of your destination country before travelling.

Do I need a negative COVID-19 test to travel?


Pre-departure travel tests ('fit to fly') You may need proof of a negative COVID-19 test before travelling abroad. Providers often call these fit to fly tests. The testing requirements are set by the country you want to travel to, and sometimes the airline you're flying with.

Private providers offering these tests must meet the government's minimum standards for general population testing services in order to legally provide the services. We do not currently host a separate list for 'fit to fly'.

How long after having COVID-19 can I get the spring booster vaccine?


If you are unwell, wait until you have recovered to have your vaccine. If you have had confirmed COVID-19 you should ideally wait 4 weeks before having your spring booster.

Can you still catch COVID-19 after having the booster vaccine?


Can you still catch COVID-19 after having the vaccine? The COVID-19 vaccination will reduce the chance of you suffering from COVID-19. It may take a few days for your body to build up some protection from the booster.

30 related questions found

Can I develop immunity to COVID-19 after testing positive for PCR?

If you have previously tested positive for COVID-19, you will probably have developed some immunity to the disease. However, it cannot be guaranteed that everyone will develop immunity, or how long it will last. It is possible for PCR tests to remain positive for some time after COVID-19 infection.

Can I get COVID-19 or other infections even if I am vaccinated?


Vaccinations are very effective at preventing serious illness from COVID-19, however even if you are vaccinated there is a chance you might catch COVID-19 or another respiratory infection and pass it on to other people.

Who is eligible for the COVID-19 spring booster vaccine in the UK?

Protection from the vaccine may be lower and may decline more quickly in these people. For this reason people aged 75 years and over, those in care homes and those aged 12 years and over with a weakened immune system are being offered the spring booster.

What is the maximum interval for receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine?

The committee supports a 2-dose vaccine schedule for the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines. Given the data available, and evidence from the use of many other vaccines, JCVI advises a maximum interval between the first and second doses of 12 weeks for both vaccines.

What are ECDC’s recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccination?

ECDC strongly encourages those who are eligible for vaccination but have not yet been vaccinated to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in a timely manner according to national recommendations.

How long will it take for me to receive my COVID-19 test result if I'm in managed quarantine?


You will normally receive your test results 48 hours after taking the test. If your NHS Test and Trace test result does not arrive within 48 hours you should call 119. If you receive an inconclusive test result, you will need to take a replacement test.

How to get proof of COVID-19 vaccination for international travel UK?


If you require non-digital proof of your booster vaccination for international travel, you can order an NHS COVID Pass letter via the NHS 119 service or via NHS.UK. Your letter will show a 2D barcode for each vaccination you've received, including your booster vaccination.

What should I do if I don't get my results for COVID-19 at a priority test?


Call 119 if you do not get your results within 48 hours. Tell the operator that you took a priority test and if your result is positive, you may get new treatments.

Is the NHS Covid pass available for overseas COVID-19 vaccinations?


Getting your NHS COVID Pass. Eligible overseas vaccinations will display within your NHS COVID Pass in the same way as vaccines administered under the UK vaccination programme. However, you may see some fields left blank for overseas vaccines. Non-eligible overseas vaccinations will not generate an NHS COVID Pass.

What should I do if I have COVID-19 vaccine side effects?

Most side effects are mild or moderate and go away within a few days of appearing. If side effects such as pain and/or fever are troublesome, they can be treated by medicines for pain and fever such as paracetamol.

Is it mandatory to get a COVID-19 vaccination in a care home?

From 11 November 2021 care homes must only allow individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (or exempt) entry inside of a care home. This requirement will apply to those visiting a care home in a professional capacity unless exempt.

What is the recommended dosing interval for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine?


AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine dosing interval. The recommended interval between 2 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is 12 weeks. The minimum interval between doses is 4 weeks. The duration of protection after a single dose of AstraZeneca has not yet been established.

How far apart should you wait between the doses of the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine?

The MHRA authorisation includes conditions that the AstraZeneca (Oxford) vaccine should be administered in 2 doses, with the second dose given between 4 and 12 weeks after the first.

Are there two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for children?


About the vaccine Children will be offered the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Each vaccine is a third of the dose of vaccine that is given to older children and adults. Children at greater risk of serious illness if they catch COVID-19 will need 2 doses of vaccine, 8 weeks apart.

All other children will be offered 2 doses of vaccine 12 weeks apart. The vaccine has been tested to make sure it is as safe as possible. You can read the Pfizer leaflet for further information. Side effects Common side effects Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild and short-term

Who can get a spring booster for the coronavirus disease?


People aged 75 years and older, residents in care homes for older people, and those with weakened immune systems will be offered a spring booster of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. Appointments will be available from the National Booking Service shortly.

How do I know if Im clinically vulnerable for COVID-19?


You may previously have received a letter or email identifying you as someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable ( CEV ), and you may have been advised to shield during earlier stages of the pandemic.

Who are at higher risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19?

Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

Does BCG vaccine protect you from getting the coronavirus disease?

There is no evidence that the Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine (BCG) protects people against infection with COVID-19 virus. Two clinical trials addressing this question are underway, and WHO will evaluate the evidence when it is available. In the absence of evidence, WHO does not recommend BCG vaccination for the prevention of COVID-19. WHO continues to recommend neonatal BCG vaccination in countries or settings with a high incidence of tuberculosis.

Can you go back to daily activities after having your COVID-19 vaccine?

You should be able to resume activities that are normal for you as long as you feel well. If your arm is particularly sore, you may find heavy lifting difficult. If you feel unwell or very tired you should rest and avoid operating machinery or driving.

What are the common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?


Common side effects

  • having a painful, heavy feeling and tenderness in the arm where you had your injection. This tends to be worst around 1 to 2 days after the vaccination
  • feeling tired
  • headache
  • general aches, or mild flu like symptoms