What is a Covid passport and what are the plans for the NHS app?

People travelling abroad will be able to use the NHS app to prove they have been vaccinated.

The service will be launched on 17 May when restrictions on international travel - to a limited number of countries - are being eased.

People in England will be allowed to travel to some countries without having to quarantine when they return.

This "green list" covers 12 countries and territories, including Portugal, Australia and Iceland.

Announcing the changes, which come in on 17 May, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said people who have had both vaccine doses would be able to use the NHS app to show proof of their vaccination status.

Government advice says: "Countries will decide whether they require proof of Covid vaccination for entry, and it is the traveller's responsibility to check individual requirements."

It says many countries will continue to follow other rules, such as requiring a negative Covid test before departure.

People who do not have the app can request a letter from the NHS proving their vaccination status by calling 119, from 17 May.

Test results will not be stated in the app and the process for booking and presenting test results for travel remains unchanged.

European officials have announced plans for an EU-wide "Green Digital Certificate". This would allow anyone vaccinated against Covid, or who has tested negative, or recently recovered from the virus, to travel within the region.

Officials hope the certificate will be in place before the summer.

At present, people who have had a Covid jab receive a vaccination card, and the details go on their medical records.

The government is looking at how people could more easily show their Covid status, as "a temporary measure".

This could mean a record of whether people have been vaccinated, recently tested negative or have natural immunity after being ill with Covid.

It is hoped this could make it easier to reduce social distancing.

The UK government said it was working with colleagues in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to agree a "consistent approach".

The government plans to test how they could help crowds return to large events in England, including the theatre, nightclubs and sports events.

The trials will also consider how social distancing, ventilation and Covid tests could be used.

On 11 May, the Brit Awards will take place at London's O2 Arena. The 4,000-strong audience won't need to wear masks or be socially distanced, but will need a negative Covid test result.

Four days later, 21,000 spectators are expected to attend the FA Cup final at Wembley.

There will be no legal requirement for a Covid passport under stage three of lifting lockdown in England - from 17 May at the earliest. Changes include pubs and restaurants being able to seat people indoors.

However, it will be legal for such businesses to ask customers for proof of Covid status if they wish to - as long as they do not break equality laws.

What's less clear is whether the law could change at a later date - with businesses forced to ask for proof of status.

The prime minister has previously suggested pub-goers could be asked to provide a vaccine certificate, after all adults have been offered a first jab by the end of July.

The government says there will be some settings where Covid passports will never be required - including accessing essential shops and public services, and public transport.

It has also said there will be exemptions for some people "for whom vaccination is not advised and repeat testing is difficult".

Nevertheless, proposals for vaccine passports have been criticised as "dangerous, discriminatory and counterproductive" by dozens of MPs. Senior Tory backbencher Mark Harper has called for a vote on the issue.