Travel Covid tests made easy
Get your PCR and antigen travel COVID-19 tests with Medicspot. Guaranteed same-day antigen and next-day PCR results or your money back.
by Latisha
Which Covid tests do you need for travel?
Introducing your Covid test travel planner. Enter your flight details to find out which tests you need.
Now, you can get all your tests in one place
Fit to Fly Test
- Guaranteed fast-track results
- Only possible with 100+ test hubs
- Accepted by all airlines
Select your test type
Entering the UK
Departing from
Return Antigen Test
- Take the test before you depart
- Results in 20 minutes
- Doctor-signed certificate included
Day 2 Test
- PCR test on Day 2 of arrival
- Doctor-signed certificate included
- Trusted by British Airways and KAYAK
Test to Release
Government scheme to shorten your quarantine period. This is a PCR test to be performed on the fifth day of your arrival in the UK.
Free doctor certificates included
UK government-listed provider
Same-day antigen results
Fit to Fly Test
What is a fit to fly Covid-19 test for travel?
A fit to fly certificate is a medical certificate signed by a doctor. The certificate will show that you are fit to fly, with no symptoms of Covid-19 and a low risk of spreading coronavirus to other people in the country you intend to fly to.
In order for us to provide you with a fit to fly certificate for travel, you are required to undergo either a Covid-19 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or antigen (lateral flow) test. PCR tests work by detecting the genetic material in the virus called RNA and require a swab sample to be sent to a laboratory for the results to be processed. Antigen tests look for proteins created by the virus and can be taken at home using a pregnancy-style test, giving results in minutes.Most countries require PCR tests for travel, however, the type of test required will depend on the destination or territory you are travelling to. Antigen tests are required for all inbound international travel to the UK.
Where can I get a PCR travel Covid test near me?
Medicspot offers private PCR tests for travel complete with a certified fit to fly certificate. You can order your PCR tests online for same-day collection at a local Covid test hub or you can choose to have a test kit delivered to you. We’ll send a simple swab test for you to perform at home. Drop your sample off at one of 100+ Guaranteed Covid test hubs by 2pm for next-day results by 11:59pm.
If you test negative for Covid-19, we can provide you with a certified Covid-19 fit to fly medical certificate signed by a UK General Medical Council (GMC) doctor. Please note that we can only issue a fit to fly letter from GP if you test negative for Covid-19.
Is the fit to fly certificate guaranteed to be accepted by all airlines?
Our PCR tests for travel are fully certified and processed by UKAS applicant laboratories, ensuring your test results and fit to fly certificate will be accepted by your airline and embassy. The PCR swab test is the only test that is universally accepted by all major airlines including Thai Airways and British Airways.
Pre-Departure Testing
Do I have to take a pre-departure Covid-19 test before I travel?
Yes, you are required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test result taken 3 days before you depart to England.
How soon should I take the test before I travel?
You must take your test within the 3 days prior to departure. For example, if you’re travelling to England on Thursday, you must take your test on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday before departure.
What happens if I don’t take a pre-departure test?
If you fail to show evidence of a negative Covid-19 test result, you may not be able to travel to the UK. If you arrive in the UK without proof of a negative test result, you may be fined. Please see the government website for more information.
Can I use an NHS Covid-19 test to travel abroad?
NHS Covid-19 tests are currently not accepted for international travel. If you're travelling abroad from the UK, you must book a Covid-19 test with a private service provider like Medicspot. We recommend that you check with the destination and airline you’re travelling with prior to booking a test as testing requirements and timeframes vary.
Travel Test Package (Day 2 and 8 Testing)
What is a Covid-19 travel test package?
It’s mandatory to perform two Covid-19 tests after international travel. You’re required to perform a test on or before day 2 for variant surveillance and another test on or after day 8 of your quarantine to check you do not have coronavirus.
How much does the travel test package cost?
Arrivals from green list countries can purchase our Day 2 Only test for £129. Arrivals from amber list countries can purchase our Day 2 and Day 8 tests for only £219. You can order your green list or amber list travel test package through our website.
What happens if I don’t take the test?
The tests are mandatory. If you do not take the tests, you may face a penalty of up to £2,000. Please see the government website for the latest information.
Test to Release
What is the Test to Release scheme?
If you arrive in England from somewhere outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man you must quarantine for 10 days on arrival. Under the Test to Release scheme you can choose to pay for a private COVID-19 test with a provider like Medicspot as you cannot use tests provided by NHS Test & Trace under this scheme. If the result is negative, you can end your self-isolation period. Please note that you cannot take a test until you have been in England for 5 full days.
How can I take part in the scheme?
You can book in your test with a government-listed private test provider like Medicspot or you can choose to opt in to the scheme on the government’s passenger locator form.
Is the Test to Release scheme mandatory?
No, Test to Release is voluntary. If you choose not to take part in the Test to Releaser scheme you must self isolate for 10 days upon return from a country not on the travel corridor list.
More information
Walk in Covid test centre
Need private Covid testing near me? Get your Covid test kit today or order your at home Covid test kit.
Book your Covid PCR test online
Reserve your Covid-19 PCR test kit for instant collection.
Visit your nearest Covid test centre
Pick up your test kit then perform and drop-off your sample.
Receive your Covid-19 test result
You'll receive your results and doctor-signed certificate by email.
Private Covid test centres
Visit your nearest private Covid 19 test centre for same-day collection. Find your nearest Covid test hub.
Covid test travel guides
Find out what you need to know before travelling to your destination.
Airline discounts
Flying soon? Access exclusive discounts towards your Covid tests for travel.
Online Travel Agents
Booked a holiday and looking to purchase your Covid tests? See below for details on how you can save 5% across all your Covid tests for travel - stress free.
Supermarket discounts
Save 5% on all your Covid tests for travel with our exclusive supermarket shopper discounts.
Private Covid test for travel
Our Covid Test Hubs allow you to pick up and drop off your Covid-19 PCR test kit.
Book your Covid test kit onlineCovid test centre FAQs
What should I do before I travel?
You must:
1. Take a Covid-19 PCR test and get a negative result during the 3 days before you travel.
2. Book and pay for a travel test package, which will include Covid-19 tests to be taken on or before day 2 and on or after day 8 of your quarantine.
3. Complete a passenger locator form with details of where you will quarantine when you arrive complete with a travel test package booking reference number.
Where can I get a private Covid-19 test for travel near me?
Medicspot offers a private Covid-19 test service for travel which you can access at each of our walk-in Covid test centres. Simply book your test for instant collection online, visit your nearest Covid test centre, pick up your test kit, perform and drop off your sample.
What is a Covid-19 PCR test?
A Covid-19 PCR test looks for the Covid-19 virus on a swab sample collected from the back of the throat and nose. Our private Covid-19 testing is provided by world-class UKAS applicant laboratories on CE marked PCR assay machines to provide fast and reliable results.
How accurate is your Covid-19 PCR test?
Please follow the instructions carefully to ensure swabs are correctly taken from the throat and nose. Our private Covid-19 PCR test has a sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 100% when performed correctly.
How much does a private Covid test cost?
The cost of our Covid tests for travel start from £45 for antigen testing and £99 for PCR testing. Our Covid test prices are competitive compared to other providers offering same-day results.
Where is my nearest Covid test centre?
If you qualify for a free NHS Covid-19 test, you can find and select your nearest NHS Covid testing centre as part of the booking process. You can find your nearest Medicspot Covid test centre by clicking on your town/city and finding your nearest test centre.
What time does the Covid test centre open?
Medicspot Covid test centres have different opening and closing times. Each test centre will display its opening and closing times clearly on the website. Please ensure your test sample is dropped off by 2 pm so you get your results next-day by 11:59pm.
When will I get my coronavirus test result?
After the lab receives your sample, you will get your Covid-19 test results next-day by 11:59pm.
If I get a positive result, will I be immune to Covid-19?
If you get a positive result for Covid-19, you need to follow government guidelines. There is not enough research to confirm if you are immune to Covid-19 or how long you may be immune for.
Can I get my Covid-19 PCR test delivered?
Our Priority Courier Covid-19 test includes next-day delivery in the UK. This is accepted by all major airlines and workplaces.
When should I perform my swab sample?
It’s recommended that you check with your airline provider as destinations have varying time window requirements, usually within 96, 72 or 48 hours before departure. Please check to make sure we can meet the time window required by your airline provider and destination.
How does it work?
Your employees can perform a test sample themselves and can choose to send their swab to our lab using the pre-paid Royal Mail return label or by using one of our drop off locations.
When should I order my fit to fly Covid-19 test?
Your fit to fly Covid test should be ordered well in advance of your flight to ensure your sample is received and confirmation of your test result and fit to fly certificate are emailed through to you before your departure.
What does my private Covid-19 test include?
Your private test kit will include instructions, a cotton swab, sample tube, clear sealable bag and a return box with a security label.
Do you offer corporate Covid-19 testing?
Yes. We provide Covid-19 testing and fit to fly certificates for companies with rapid turnaround so you can avoid travel disruption. Save over 25% in bulk discounts on Covid-19 testing for your workplace with our Wholesale Covid PCR tests. Medicspot is a CQC regulated provider and our labs are UKAS applicant.
How will I receive my test results and fit to fly certificate?
You will receive your test results and fit to fly certificate via email.
What information will appear on my fit to fly Covid-19 certificate?
The PDF copy of your certificate will include your negative test result signed by an NHS trained UK General Medical Council (GMC) doctor confirming that you are fit and safe to travel.
Who can order a Medicspot Covid-19 test?
Our private Covid-19 tests are available for anyone to order.
How do I contact customer service?
You can get in touch with a member of our friendly customer service team via live chat here.
Can I get a same day Covid-19 test?
Yes. With our Covid Test Hubs, you can pick up and complete your swab today from a participating pharmacy. Your sample must be performed and dropped off by 2pm for same day for processing at one of our labs. You can then expect to receive your results and certificate the next day by 11:59pm.
What is a rapid antigen Covid-19 test?
A rapid antigen test detects protein fragments specific to Coronavirus. It can be done in a clinic, doctor’s office, or hospital. Rapid antigen tests have a quick turnaround time with results being reported within 15-30 minutes. Medicspot’s rapid antigen testing service will be provided soon when required for travel.
Is Medicspot legit?
Yes. Medicspot is a government-listed provider of private Covid testing. Medicspot is regulated by the Care Quality Commission and our laboratory partners are UKAS applicants and used by the NHS.
I tested positive for coronavirus. When can I take another test?
You can take another test anytime. After the virus has cleared it can take over 2 weeks before the genetic material of the virus is no longer detectable in your airways. Some people continue to have a positive test result for 3 months.