Covid Test For Travel

Covid Test for Travel to and from the UK - FAQs

Last updated: 12 May 2022

Medicspot Covid-19 Testing: Overview

Find everything you need to know about Covid-19 testing with Medicspot in this short video below:

Fit to Fly Covid 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, which is produced after having taken a Fit to Fly Covid Test. 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.

Many countries require Antigen Covid Tests for travel, however, the type of test required will depend on the destination you are travelling to, and may also depend on whether you are fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated or unvaccinated.

Is the fit to fly certificate guaranteed to be accepted by all airlines?

Our fit to fly certificate consists of antigen tests or observed antigen tests, depending on the requirements from your destination. Our antigen tests are fully certified, ensuring your test results and fit to fly certificate will be accepted by all major airlines and embassies.

Pre-Departure Testing

Do I have to take a Covid-19 test before I travel to the UK?

From 7 January, the pre-departure test only applies to unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers returning to the UK.

How soon should I take the test before I travel?

You must take the test in the 2 days (48 hours) before your service to England departs. If your journey to England is a multi-leg journey, you must take the test in the 2 days before the start of the first leg.

What happens if I don’t take a pre-departure test?

If you are not fully vaccinated and 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.

Covid Recovery Certificates

What is a Covid Recovery Certificate?

A Covid-19 Recovery Certificate is a document that certifies that you have had Covid-19 in the past 180 days (proved by a positive PCR Test), but have since been assessed by a GP and are deemed to have recovered and therefore have some natural immunity. Read our full article on Covid Recovery Certificates here.

How do I get a Covid Recovery Certificate?

Medicspot can provide Covid Recovery Certificates the same day. Just book a video appointment with one of our online GP's today. You'll need to have proof of your initial positive test.

More information

Covid Tests for Travel

Need a private Antigen Test? Order your at-home Covid test kit with Medicspot today.