COVID-19 Testing for International Travel

Pre-Departure / Fit To Fly test (mandatory depending on destination)

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-advice

UK Arrival – Day 2 & Day 8 tests (legal requirement)

If you are arriving into England, Scotland or Wales from anywhere outside the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, you are now legally required to take two Covid-19 tests. These mandatory tests must be taken on Day 2 & Day 8 of the compulsory 10-day quarantine period, which starts as soon as you enter the country.

Please note that a negative result from either of the tests will not affect your quarantine period and you must still remain in self-isolation until the end of the tenth day.

You must order your Day 2 & Day 8 tests before your arrival into England, Scotland or Wales, and complete a passenger locator form with details about where you will be self-isolating.

Please note that your Day 2 and Day 8 tests will be sent out separately in accordance with government requirements.

If you test positive for Covid-19, you must continue self-isolating for a further 10 days, starting from the date of your positive result.

Visit the government website for full details of what you must do on your return to the UK: 
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-quarantine-when-you-arrive-in-england

Test To Release Scheme – Day 5 (optional)

You may be able to end your 10-day quarantine period early, if you opt in to the government’s ‘Test To Release’ scheme. 

Please note that this option is only available to people arriving into and quarantining in England.

You will take an additional PCR test on Day 5 of your 10-day quarantine period. Your sample will be returned to our laboratory for testing and, if your result is negative, you will be able to end your quarantine period early.

Please note that, even if you test negative on Day 5 through Test To Release and therefore end your quarantine early, you are still legally required to take your second mandatory Covid-19 PCR test on Day 8.

Visit the government website for full details of the Test To Release Scheme:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-test-to-release-for-international-travel