Where to Ski And Snowboard - NHS Covid Pass for 12-15s saves family ski trips

NHS Covid Pass for 12-15s saves family ski trips

4th February 2022, by Abi Butcher

The NHS Covid Pass for kids aged 12-15s arrives in time for half-term ski holidays

Norway has joined Switzerland in abolishing Covid entry restrictions, and the NHS Covid Pass for teens 12-15 arrives just in time for half term — more great news for British skiing families.

There is no longer any requirement for travellers to test on or after arrival at the border of Norway whether by land, air or sea. In addition, if you test positive while on holiday in Norway, you can now end the isolation period four days after symptoms first appeared, as long as you have been feeling well for 24 hours.

Unvaccinated British skiers must till produce a negative PCR or antigen test taken in the 24 hours before arriving in Norway, but those travellers who are fully vaccinated or hold a valid Covid recovery certificate (less than 180 days old) do not need to do this.

It’s more great news for a ski industry desperate to get back on its feet.

Yesterday, the NHS Covid Pass (an app and website) for children aged 12 to 15 finally went live, allowing parents to download proof of their childrens’ Covid status — particularly those with unvaccinated teenagers who have a valid Covid recovery certificate. Until now, paper or digital NHS recovery certificates have not been recognised in France, for example, but it is now possible to generate a QR code within the Tous Anti Covid app for use in the French Alps during half term.

This morning, Isobel Heppenstall from Brockham, Surrey managed to obtain her 12-year-old daughter’s covid recovery certificate and subsequently the required QR code for French authorities.

The family are heading to Châtel, France next Saturday for a half-term ski holiday. While they have one teenage daughter who is partially vaccinated and will have to test every 24 hours, the QR code for their 12-year-old has significantly reduced their costs.

“It took 12 hours to come online — I wouldn’t suggest families try to do this the night before their trip, but it’s a huge relief,” said Isobel. “My daughter was 12 on 16 December so she can’t have her vaccine until 21 February, which is after half term. We were resigned to daily testing for her, too, but this is a real bonus.”

She added: “The kids need a holiday, they love their skiing.”