ICC Venue Protect
If you have any questions relating to Venue Protect and your visit to the ICC, check out our Venue Protect FAQs below.
Do I need to do anything different before coming to the venue?
Please refer to the Venue Protect section on our website and the organiser’s event web page for the most up to date information. Ahead of your event, you should receive email communications containing everything you need to know.
Why are you no longer requesting COVID certification?
As of the 27th January 2022, the UK Government amended its guidance, so COVID-19 status checks/ COVID passes are no longer mandatory at large venues. To this end, and in collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency, it has been agreed that we will no longer require visitors to pass through COVID status checks at the entry points to our venues.
We will continue to carry out risk assessments for all events and enhance our sanitisation. We also encourage people to continue to use face coverings indoors and on the NEC shuttle buses and take a lateral flow test, if possible, before arrival. However, these are not a condition of entry unless specified on the event’s dedicated website.
Why is the venue not doing checks when some events are requesting it?
The health and safety of everyone who visits our venues remains our top priority and we continue to have a number of Venue Protect measures in place to mitigate the spread of the virus. This includes enhanced sanitation and regular staff testing (please see our Venue Protect page for more details).
Our revised approach has been agreed in line with the recent changes to Government guidance, in collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency.
Some organisers may decide to implement COVID-19 status checks of their own and as the host venue, we will support them in ensuring their specific event requirements are met.
Can I come to an event if I haven’t been vaccinated?
Yes, but we recommend that all visitors - both vaccinated and unvaccinated - take a lateral flow test before arriving at the venue if possible. We are advising customers to check our Venue Protect page that has the latest details on entry requirements.
How do I know if I am healthy enough to come to your venue?
You should not attend an event at our venue if you are concerned about or displaying any symptoms of COVID-19.
Please refer to the advice given by Public Health England via GOV.UK or the NHS website.
Do I require a COVID test to enter your venue?
We encourage people to take a lateral flow test, if possible, before arrival [at any of our venues]. However, this is not a condition of entry.
Will you be providing COVID tests to take on entry to your venue for visitors who have not been vaccinated?
Tests will not be available at our venue. We ask that individuals take personal responsibility for their health and order free tests in advance from the NHS website/ pick them up from their local pharmacy.
I’m travelling from outside of England, what proof should I bring?
As of the 27th January 2022, the UK Government amended its guidance, so COVID-19 status checks/ COVID-19 passes are no longer mandatory at large venues. To this end, and in collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency, it has been agreed that we will no longer require visitors to pass through COVID-19 status checks at entry points to our venues.
What changes will there be to the ticket checks and search operations?
Wherever possible we are operating a contactless search and ticket check. We would ask visitors to follow instructions indicated in your registration confirmation / tickets and upon arrival.
What if I am unable to wear a face covering due to health conditions?
We encourage people to continue to use face coverings indoors but this is not a condition of entry.
Have your staff undertaken extra training relating to the changes in guidance and measures?
Yes, all our staff have undertaken a number of training sessions relating to guidance and measures. These are regularly reviewed subject to government guidelines.
How are you supporting the NHS Test and Trace Programme?
At the point of registration or ticket purchase, the ticket booker may be asked to provide their details for NHS Test and Trace purposes. They will be responsible for contacting all members of their party if required. Visitors will also be able to check-in using QR codes at the venue. Details will be kept for 21 days following the event and not used for any other purpose.
Will hand sanitiser be readily available to me?
Yes, hand sanitising stations have been installed around the arena and we encourage all visitors to wash their hands frequently.
How often do you clean the venue?
The venue is cleaned fully before and after every event. Certain high use areas and touchpoints will also be cleaned/sanitised during event periods in addition to our usual live event cleaning schedule.
Can I bring a bag into the venue?
Yes, but to reduce contact points please only bring essential items with you to our venue.
Can I still buy food and drink and are you accepting cash for payments?
Yes, you can still buy food and drink but to reduce contact points, we are operating a cashless venue.
I/ family member is exempt which means I/they cannot vaccinate or test.
Those with medical exemptions or who have taken part in COVID-19 clinical trials will also need to bring proof of status to gain entry with a valid digital NHS COVID Pass. The domestic NHS COVID Pass will look and work the same for people with medical exemptions as it will for those who are fully vaccinated. The pass will not show that you have a medical exemption. Find out more here.
Proof of natural immunity will not be accepted as an alternative to proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test, and we can no longer permit entry to those who self-declare.