The NHS app may not be ready for when curbs on international travel are lifted, Downing Street has confirmed. 

Number 10 said government was working on the tech – which can prove whether someone has “vaccine passport” status – “at pace”, but admitted it may not be ready in time for May 17. 

Transport secretary Grant Shapps had previously suggested the app would be needed so Brits can show they’ve had their jab, but the prime minister’s spokesperson rowed back on the claim on Monday. 

“He set out the original approach we’re looking to take,” said the spokesperson. “Obviously, we will be able to confirm ahead of May 17 at the earliest exactly what measures are used for those initial countries available for travel, be it the app or another approach.”

Pressed on whether the app would be needed, he added: “There are obviously other routes to achieving the same end goal. We’re working on the app at the moment at pace to have it ready.

“And we’ll be able to confirm ahead of May 17 at the earliest what approaches we’ll be using.”