The Covid-19 travel rules when departing the UK
The rules for travel are complex in 2022, however, there are no tests required for travel to the UK, regardless of vaccination status.
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This guide should help you understand what is required for your travels.
Test suitable for countries that accept an antigen test for entry.
A Covid-19 travel test suitable for destinations where a PCR test is required for entry, results delivered within 3 hours of appointment for urgent travel.
Test suitable for destinations where a PCR test is required for entry.
Suitable for entry to destinations that accept proof of recovery.
Observed home test for countries that accept antigen tests for entry - no appointment required for your supervised test.
See what the Covid-19 travel rules are for your journey
What is a Fit to Fly Covid-19 test for travel?
Following a negative test result on either a Covid-19 PCR Fit to Fly Test or Fit to Fly Antigen Lateral Flow Test, our doctors can issue you a medical certificate to show that you are “Fit to Fly”, with no symptoms of Covid-19 and a low risk of spreading Covid-19 to other people in the country you intend to fly to.
Many countries require PCR or Antigen Lateral Flow Covid-19 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 destinations?
Our Fit to Fly certificates are accepted by all major airlines, embassies and destinations, depending on the requirements of the country you are visiting.
Where can I get a PCR Fit to Fly test near me?
Corona Test Centre offers private PCR tests for travel complete with a certified Fit to Fly certificate. You can book a PCR Fit to Fly at any of our Covid-19 testing centres across the UK. We have centres open 7 days a week and results are processed daily so you can test and get your certificate on the same day.
Where can I get an Antigen Lateral Flow Fit to Fly test near me?
Corona Test Centre offers private Antigen Lateral Flow tests for travel complete with a certified Fit to Fly certificate. You can book an Antigen Fit to Fly at any of our Covid-19 testing centres across the UK. We have centres open 7 days a week and results are processed daily so you can test and get your certificate on the same day.
If you would prefer, you can also have your test delivered to your home with our Covid-19 home testing service. Tests can be delivered the next day and Fit to Fly certificates are issued within one hour of uploading your test results.
More Information about Tests for Travel
What is a PCR test?
A Covid-19 PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test looks for the Covid-19 virus on a swab sample collected from the back of the throat and nose. It works by detecting the genetic material in the virus called RNA.
Which countries require a PCR test for entry from the UK?
Different countries require different entry regulations. Some require a PCR test before arrival. We recommend that you check whether your destination needs a PCR test using the UK government website.
Can I use an NHS PCR test for travel?
NHS tests cannot be used for international travel. You can use a private provider like Corona Test Centre, who can issue you a doctor-signed certificate.
How long does a PCR test result take?
PCR tests need to be analysed in a laboratory. To ensure you get your result in time before your flight, we will have multiple courier trips daily between our centres and labs. This means you can get your results as early as 23:59 the same day.
Can a PCR test give a false-negative result?
Although PCR tests are regarded as an effective method of detecting Covid-19, they are not perfect. A PCR test may result in a false-negative depending on when and how the swab test is taken. The way in which the swab sample was taken from the tonsil or nostril can also influence the likelihood of a false-negative result.
Can a PCR test give a false-positive result?
Yes, but this is unlikely. The main reasons for false-positive results are laboratory error and off-target reaction (that is, the test cross-reacting with something that’s not SARS-CoV-2).
Can having the vaccine result in a positive PCR swab test?
No, the current vaccines would not cause your Covid-19 PCR swab test to be positive.
What should I do if my PCR test result is positive?
If you receive a positive PCR test, you, and anyone you live with, must self-isolate to avoid spreading the infection to other people and follow the rules set out by the local government.
What does a negative PCR swab test result mean?
A negative test result means that there was no evidence of genetic material of Covid-19 in the sample collected. This is usually interpreted as meaning that you are not infected with Covid-19.
Can I travel if I receive a negative PCR test result?
You can travel if you have a negative test result. However, if you are boarding a flight, this must be accompanied by a fit to fly certificate signed by a doctor.
When should I take a PCR test for travel?
When travelling internationally, most destinations require a test within a specific time period (i.e 24 or 48 hours). Please check your destination rules and then book a test that falls within this required time period.
Antigen Lateral Flow Tests for Travel
What’s the difference between an Antigen Test, a Rapid Antigen Test and a Lateral Flow Test?
Antigen Test, a Rapid Antigen Test and Lateral Flow Test are terms for the same type of test.
Why are Antigen Lateral Flow Tests used for Travel?
Antigen Lateral Flow Tests are fast and easy to use, and are a cheaper alternative to PCR tests. They can give results in just 20 minutes.
Are Antigen Lateral Flow Tests acceptable for travel from the UK?
The tests needed to travel out of the UK will depend on both the destination you are travelling to and your vaccination status. We advise checking the government website of the destination you are travelling to prior to purchasing an Antigen Lateral Flow Test for travel.
How effective are Antigen Tests?
Antigen Tests used by the UK government go through a rigorous evaluation by the country’s leading scientists. This means they are accurate, reliable and successfully identify those with Covid-19.
Can you use an NHS Antigen Test for travel?
No, NHS tests cannot be used for international travel.
When should I take an Antigen Test for travel?
When travelling internationally, most destinations require a test within a specific time period (i.e 24 or 48 hours). Please check your destination rules and then book a test that falls within this required time period.
Are Antigen Tests painful to perform?
The test should not be painful, but it can be a bit uncomfortable.
Can you take an Antigen Test yourself?
Yes. Antigen Tests are quick and easy to perform on yourself.
What are the rules for the USA when taking an Antigen Lateral Flow test?
The USA requires that these tests are at least supervised. This means that you can be tested by our healthcare professionals in any of our nationwide centres or you can test yourself under observation - i.e a healthcare professional will supervise you self-testing. Both methods are approved for travel to the USA and a Fit to Fly certificate can be issued on a negative test result.
How long do Antigen Lateral Flow Test results take?
You can expect to receive a test result within 20 minutes. It is important that you leave your test for the recommended development time to get an accurate result. If the test device is left to develop longer, you may receive a false-positive result and you may need to repeat the test.
Can an Antigen Lateral Flow Test give a false-negative?
False-negatives can occur and are a result indicating an infected person is free of the virus when they are not. This can be due to the test's deficiencies (Antigen Tests don't amplify their protein signal, so they are inherently less sensitive) or from poor samples, which can be difficult to collect with nasal swabs.
Can an Antigen Lateral Flow Test give a false-positive?
Rapid Antigen Tests rarely give a false-positive result. A false-positive is when you test positive for Covid-19 when you don’t actually have it.
Can having the vaccine result in a positive Antigen Lateral Flow Test result?
Receiving a Covid-19 vaccine will not produce an Antigen Test result since these tests check for active disease, not immunity. There is no active virus present in any of the Covid-19 vaccines.
What do I do if my Antigen Lateral Flow Test is positive?
If the test is positive. You must report this test result to NHS Track and Trace. You must also self-isolate immediately to prevent further transmission of the virus. Please check the government website for the latest guidance.
Can I reuse an Antigen Lateral Flow Test?
No, you cannot reuse an Antigen Lateral Flow Test as they are single-use only.
How do I dispose of the test kit?
You should carefully dispose of the test device and equipment in your household rubbish.
What’s the difference between an Antigen Test and a PCR test?
Both PCR and Antigen Lateral Flow Tests look for current infection. However, PCR tests are more accurate than Antigen Tests - they are known as the “gold standard”. An Antigen Test looks for proteins created by the virus, whereas a PCR test looks for the genetic material of the virus itself.
