Travel Covid tests made easy

Covid Tests for Travel to and from the UK

Last updated: 24 October 2021

From 24th October 2021, fully vaccinated travellers (vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme or an approved overseas vaccination programme) can now take a Lateral Flow (antigen) test, on or before day 2 of their arrival. Travellers who receive a positive result from their lateral flow test will be required to self-isolate and take a free PCR test to confirm the result.

As of 4 October 2021, the rules for travel from countries and territories not on the red list now depend on your vaccination status. Fully vaccinated travellers arriving in the UK no longer need to take a pre-departure test or isolate for 10 days on arrival. Returning travellers must now take a Day 2 Lateral Flow test on or before day 2 of their arrival.

Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers must continue to self-isolate for 10 days and take the mandatory day 2 and day 8 PCR tests. Unvaccinated travellers also have the option to shorten their self-isolation period on day 5 through the Test to Release initiative.

The rules for those arriving from red-list countries have not changed.

You can find all the information you need about choosing the right tests for your travels, booking your tests and when to take your tests using our updated travel planner. Any future changes to travel tests rules will be reflected on our website as soon as they are confirmed by the UK Government.

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 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.

Many countries require PCR or antigen tests for travel, however, the type of test required will depend on the destination you are travelling to.

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 fit to fly certificate consists of PCR tests or antigen tests, depending on the requirements from your destination. Our antigen tests are fully certified and PCR tests are processed by the UKAS applicant laboratories, 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 pre-departure Covid-19 test before I travel?

If you are fully vaccinated under the approved vaccination programme in the UK, Europe and USA, you are not required to take a pre-departure Covid-19 test before travelling to England.

If you are not fully vaccinated, you need to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken 3 days before you travel 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 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.

Day 2 and 8 Testing (Travel Test Package)

What is a Covid-19 travel test package?

Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers arriving to the UK are required to take mandatory PCR tests on both days 2 and 8 of their 10-day self-isolation period.

Our travel test package includes two RT-PCR Covid-19 tests - one to be taken on or before day 2 of arrival and another to be taken on or after day 8 of arrival. The package also includes a free Royal Mail returns label for free returns at your nearest Royal Mail Priority Box allowing you to receive your results within 24 hours.

How much does the travel test package cost?

Our Day 2 and 8 PCR Travel Test Packages cost just £150.

What happens if I don’t take the test?

The day 2 and day 8 tests are mandatory for unvaccinated travellers. 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?

Partially vaccinated and non-vaccinated travellers arriving in the UK must self-isolate for 10 days and take the mandatory day 2 and day 8 PCR tests. The Test to Release Scheme allows UK arrivals to shorten their quarantine time from day 5. If you test negative for Coronavirus, you can end your self-isolation period from day 5, however, you are still required to take and register the day 8 test.

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.

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

Walk in Covid test centre

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