Latest COVID-19 Test Updates

Last updated 7 January 2022.

From 4am 7 January 2021, all fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to take a pre-departure test to enter the UK. However, are still required to take a Day 2 Lateral Flow Test on or before day 2 of arrival to the UK.

The travel advice for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers has not changed. All unvaccinated travellers must take a pre-departure test and the mandatory Day 2 and Day 8 tests upon arrival.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fit to fly certificate?

A fit to travel certificate also called a fit to fly letter is a medical certificate written by a doctor that confirms your fitness to fly. Please note that we can only issue a fit to fly letter from GP if you test negative for Covid-19.

Medicspot offers fit to fly certificates with PCR Covid-19 testing. If you test negative for Covid-19, Medicspot will provide you with a certified Covid-19 fit to fly medical certificate signed by an NHS trained UK General Medical Council (GMC) doctor.

How to get a fit to fly certificate

We've got you covered. We have fit to fly packages for all of your travel needs. We can supply Covid-19 swab test results alone or with a corresponding fit to fly letter written by one of our General Medical Council (GMC) doctors. Check what type of travel documentation you need and place your order.

Which package is right for you?

We offer different packages to suit your fit to fly needs. Whether your airline requires a small time window or you only need a test without a doctor certificate, we have the package for you.

Things to consider when choosing your package

1. The time window required by your airline and destination
2. The day of the week your flight is departing
3. Whether or not a fit to fly certificate is required in addition to your Covid-19 PCR test

Time windows

Time windows are normally given by your airline or the country you are flying to. For example, a 96 hour time window means that your swab needs to be taken within 96 hours of your flight.

Time windows (especially 72 hours) can be tight so it is important that you follow the instructions and select the correct package. You must select our Covid test hub service if you have a flight departing on a Tuesday or Wednesday with a 72 hour time window or less.

How long does a fit to fly certificate last?

Your fit to fly certificate shows you are fit and able to fly around the time of your flight. A fit to fly letter may not be accepted if it was given to you a few weeks or months before you are set to travel. With the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, some airlines and countries may specify how recent your fit to fly certificate must be. If your health condition is long-term, you may need a new health certificate each time you fly.

Where can I get a fit to fly certificate?

If you’re wondering where to get a fit to fly certificate near me, Medicspot offers fit to fly certificates in the UK with Covid-19 testing. We’ll send a simple swab test for you to perform at home. If you test negative for Covid-19, we'll send your fit to fly letter from doctor.

Trusted by airlines and embassies

Our direct real-time PCR (RT-PCR method) Covid-19 swab tests are fully certified and accredited by Public Health England, ensuring your test results will be accepted by your airline and embassy. The PCR antigen swab test is the only test which is universally accepted by all airlines including Emirates, Thai Airways and British Airways.

If you already have or are planning to have a swab test, our doctors can also help by providing you with a standalone fit to fly certificate.

Medical information by airline

Different airlines have different policies for when you need a fit to fly certificate. Here are some useful links to help you learn when you may need a fit to fly certificate:

• easyJet fit to fly certificate policy
• TUI fit to fly certificate policy
• Ryanair fit to fly certificate policy
• Jet2 fit to fly certificate policy
• Emirates fit to fly certificate policy
• British Airways fit to fly certificate policy
• AirAsia fit to fly certificate policy
• Wizz Air fit to fly certificate policy

When do you need a fit to fly certificate?

If you have experienced or are experiencing a health condition that may affect your heart or lungs, you may need a fit to fly letter in order to travel. You may also need a fit to fly certificate if you have had a recent surgery that affects the chest, abdominal area, eyes or lungs. The cabin pressure in an aeroplane can result in less oxygen in the blood and these health conditions may be made worse when you fly.

What medical conditions stop you from flying?

The following medical conditions and circumstances may prevent you from flying:

• Infectious diseases such as the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) or influenza
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• Stroke
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• Recent surgery
• Pregnancy
• Gastroenteritis
• Other illnesses (e.g. tonsillitis, chest infection)

Fit to fly certificate for pregnancy

If you are planning to fly when pregnant, airlines may not allow you to fly if you are 36 weeks pregnant or if you are carrying twins and are in your 32nd week of pregnancy even with a fit to fly certificate. This is because there is a risk of going into early labour or having a blood clot. Make sure to check the policy of the airline you’re flying with.

• Keep up to date with travel restrictions and official advice given by each country you are travelling to and departing from during the Covid-19 outbreak.
• You can check the FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) for travel advice if you are planning to travel from the UK.
• Contact your airline, transport service or accommodation for any restrictions that may affect your itinerary.
• Be aware of enhanced screening, monitoring and quarantine procedures that may be required as you enter into a different country.
• Check your travel insurance coverage and how it may be impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.
• Please be aware that if you plan on visiting an elderly relative or a family member with a pre-existing health condition, they may be at an increased risk of severe infection if you are infected with COVID-19 even if you show no symptoms.

Do I need a fit to fly certificate because of Covid-19?

A fit to fly certificate will show that you are fit and well, with no symptoms of Covid-19. It will show that you have a low risk of spreading the coronavirus to other people in the country you intend to fly to. The coronavirus pandemic has led many airlines and countries to put restrictions on travel in order to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Feeling unwell whilst abroad?

The symptoms of Covid-19 include a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should:

• Stop your trip if you are about to start and seek medical attention. Try not to continue a long journey.
• Self-isolate and practice social distancing. This means staying indoors and avoiding contact with other people.
• Follow the guidance of the local public health authority.
• Call a health provider and notify your insurance company so they can advise you on what you should do.
• Check with your health provider if you are fit to travel when you recover.