COVID-19 Testing for International Travel

Pre-Departure / Fit To Fly test
(if required by your destination country)

Please note that this test is only valid for LEAVING the UK.

You CANNOT use this test for RETURNING to the UK (we DO NOT supply the test you need to take in your destination country before returning to the UK)

Most countries now require you to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test in order to gain entry. This is commonly known as a ‘Fit To Fly Certificate’.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand the entry requirements and restrictions for the country you intend to travel to. It is also your responsibility to ensure that you take your sample within the correct timeframe, according to the specific requirements of your destination country.

Visit the government website for full details of all international requirements and restrictions:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advicePlease ensure that you order your Pre-Departure / Fit To Fly test at least 5 working days before you are due to travel. This it to allow sufficient time for you to receive your kit, take your sample, return it to our laboratory, and for us to then process your sample and issue your result and certificate. If you order your test or return your sample at the last moment and there is a problem with your sample, or your test result is inconclusive, you will not have time to re-take your test and may therefore not be allowed to travel. AlphaBiolabs cannot be held responsible under these circumstances.

UK Arrival – Day 2 test (legal requirement)

If you are arriving into England, Scotland or Wales from a green country, and haven’t travelled via an amber or a red country, you are legally required to take a RT-PCR Covid-19 test on or before Day 2 following your arrival in the UK.

If you have travelled via an amber or red country, you must follow the rules for arrival from an amber or red country (see below).

Please note that the day of your arrival in the UK is Day Zero.

You must order your Day 2 test before your arrival into England, Scotland or Wales, and complete a passenger locator form with the booking reference details.

Visit the government website for full details of what you must do on your return to the UK:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england#green-list-rules

UK Arrival – from an AMBER country

The rules for arriving into the UK from an amber country depend on whether or not you have been fully vaccinated, and which country you are coming from.

As the rules are quite complex and subject to frequent change, we recommend that you visit the Government website to find out what test you need and what you must do on your return to the UK.

If you have travelled via a red country, you must follow the rules for arrival from a red country (see below).

Please note that the day of your arrival in the UK is Day Zero.

Test To Release Scheme – Day 5 (optional)

Please note that we DO NOT provide this test.

Visit the government website for a list of providers: https://www.find-travel-test-provider.service.gov.uk/test-to-release

Arriving into the UK from a country on the RED LIST

Please note that if you are travelling to the UK from any country on the government red list, you will not be able to buy either the Day 2 & Day 8 tests, or the Test To Release test. Instead, you will have to book a quarantine hotel package: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/booking-and-staying-in-a-quarantine-hotel-when-you-arrive-in-england

Visit the government website for full details of those countries on the red list