Where Do I Get a Covid Test for Travel

January 14, 2022 Post a Comment

International travel resumed on Monday 17 May 2021, with destinations graded according to their Covid rates by a traffic light system. However, as of Monday 4 October, the UK moved green and amber list countries onto single footing, maintaining only a singular red list of high-risk countries. But even with the UK's successful vaccine rollout, as of Tuesday 7 December every traveller coming to the UK now has to have a negative pre-departure PCR test in order to enter the country. Here's what you need to know about taking a Covid test before, during and after travel.

Do I need a PCR, antigen or lateral flow test for travel?

The standard test is the PCR – standing for Polymerase Chain Reaction – which is a nose or mouth swab test that takes seconds and detects the genetic material in the virus known as RNA. Depending on the rules in your destination, you might need to show results that have been produced within either 48, 72 or 96 hours, which can be arranged at a number of places and ordered by post to take at home – the results are emailed within 48 hours of the test taking place. There is also the more rapid antigen test – also known as the lateral flow test – which involves taking a swab and mixing it with a solution on a paper strip, which can be done at home and gives a result within 30 minutes. Some countries will accept an antigen test completed by a recognised company, while other countries do not need you to take a test if you have proof that you have had both vaccinations or have the relevant Covid-19 antibodies, so it is best to check the government site for the country you are visiting as a first port of call.

Currently, fully-vaccinated travellers still need to have a negative pre-departure Covid test (PCR or lateral flow) in order to enter the UK. As well as the lateral flow or PCR test before departure, travellers must take a PCR test on or before day two of their return, and self-isolate until a negative result is confirmed. For the latest on the UK's entry requirements, read our article about the traffic light system and its recent changes.

On Tuesday 23 November, the government updated advice to suggest people in England take a rapid lateral flow test before going to high-risk settings. This suggests people should test themselves before going to crowded and enclosed spaces or visiting people at higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19. This applies domestically, but NHS tests can be taken overseas if you wish to test yourself while on holiday. Previous guidance urged people to take rapid tests twice a week when regularly travelling within England (ie, into the office) or before visiting the medically vulnerable.

And from Wednesday 15 December, Covid passes are required to get into nightclubs and other large venues of more than 500 people, and outdoor events of more than 4,000. A negative lateral flow test is also be accepted. It's best to check the different UK government websites for the latest information as rules and guidelines tend to slightly differ.

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Can I use NHS Covid PCR and Lateral Flow tests for travel?

It should be noted that free NHS tests can not be used for travel, whether you are double vaccinated or not.

Cost of Covid tests for travel

The price of Covid tests varies greatly depending on where you book with, but it's important to always use a government-approved provider. You may also wish to book your test through the same company you'll be flying with, as this can often work out cheaper. Expect to pay at least £60pp for one PCR test, and between £20 and £30 for a lateral flow test.

Where to get Covid tests for travel

It's best to shop around to find the right price for you – and the right location, if you're taking a test at a clinic. Some branches of Boots offer it, as well as outfits such as Global Nomad and VFS Global. The latter has centres in London, Birmingham and Leicester that can be visited, and also provides home-testing kits for a discount, with results within 36-60 hours from the time the laboratory receives the sample. In central London, Lanserhof at The Arts Club offers a PCR test for £195, with results available within 48 hours – the clinic will call you and explain the results (and also offers an antibody test). For customers requiring a negative result 72 and 96 hours before travelling, kits can be ordered weeks in advance of a flight and kept at home. Customers should order tests at least five days before their flight and then perform and return them via next-day delivery four days before – again, this takes careful planning to ensure you don't stray outside the time frame.

You can find a comprehensive list of locations near you to get Covid tests for travel via the government website.

Lanserhof at The Arts Club

Which countries require Covid tests for entry?

Most countries now require travellers to take a test before entering. Check travel advice for the country you are visiting and for the UK before flying abroad.

What is the Test To Release scheme?

The UK's Test to Release scheme is intended to cut down the 10-day quarantine time for non-vaccinated travellers to England (arriving from countries outside the travel-corridor list) if a PCR test shows negative. The test must be taken five days after you leave the non-exempt country – if it's negative, you can stop self-isolating. The test must be paid for privately and costs around £60. For more information, it's best to check the UK government website. Also, the rules in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland may differ slightly – for example, note that the Test to Release scheme has not been introduced in Northern Ireland.

When do I need to take the test?

This takes careful planning, although any good clinic will ask you the date and time of your flight or journey before arranging a test. Make a note of your departure date and work backwards, and allow for weekends when receiving results may not be possible. It also depends on whether the country asks for a result produced within 48, 72 or 96 hours of the flight – make sure to take the test as early as possible within the time frame. Note that some airport test services, for example, aren't available on the day of your flight, but have to be scheduled 48-96 hours in advance.

This piece is being constantly updated with the latest news.

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