Covid test for travel

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Before you go on holiday

You may need to take a test before you go

Do I need a test for the destination I'm travelling to? 

Pre-holiday tests are decided by the country you are travelling to. As the situation is changing rapidly, you should always consult the UK government website and the local government advice on your destination before travelling. 

How do I order my home sample collection kit? 

We've partnered with Randox, a government-accredited testing service, to give you a discount on home test kits, bringing the cost down to just £43 per test. Book with us and you’ll receive a promo code in your booking confirmation, which you will receive via email. Kits will take around 4-6 working days to arrive.

When should I get tested before my holiday?

Every country has their own testing rules and guidelines. You should always check your destination’s local government website for more information, but generally you should collect a swab sample between 48-72 hours before travelling.

Note that some destinations ask for swab samples to be collected within 2-3 days before departure, while others 2-3 days before arrival. While the type of test required by each destination varies, Randox provides home PCR tests that are accredited by the UK government.

Can I get tested at the airport?

If you book your test through our partner Randox, you can now get tested at selected airports including Manchester, London Stansted, and all East Midlands airports. Liverpool is also an option but your test will be carried out at LiverpoolONE centre instead. From just £39, you’ll get your results in just 1-3 hours, and if you book through us you’ll receive a £5 discount code, which you can use against your express test.

Tip: You'll need to include your post-holiday test’s booking reference code on your passenger locator form, so make sure you order your post-holiday test(s) before you get on your return flight home. 

 

GET A TRAVEL TEST KIT

When you get back

The UK has scrapped all Covid restrictions for travel

From 18th March, there is no longer any requirement to take a test, prove your vaccination status, or fill out a Passenger Locator Form, on your return to the UK, whether you're vaccinated or not.

If you are fully vaccinated or under 18:

  • You no longer need to fill out a UK Passenger Locator Form before heading back to the UK
  • You are no longer required to prove your vaccination status when you arrive back into the UK
  • You no longer need to take a Day 2 test after you return
  • You do not need to self-isolate or wait for a negative test result
  • Under 18s will be treated as vaccinated adults

 

If you are not double vaccinated:

  • You no longer need to take a pre-departure test in order to get back into the UK. This applies to all destinations.
  • You no longer need to fill out a UK Passenger Locator Form before heading back to the UK
  • You are no longer required to self-isolate
  • You no longer need to take a Day 2 test after you arrive in the UK

 

FIND OUT MORE

FAQs on Covid-19

Refunds and amendments

When there's a travel ban
Read more

Travel rule changes

What to do before, during and after your holiday

Your pre-trip travel checklist
Learn more

Entry Requirements

What you need to know before you go

Including the tests you need
Read more

Other covid resources

FAQs about Randox's home test kits
How much does a home test kit cost?

A PCR test with Randox usually costs £48pp. Book with us and you’ll receive a promo code that will reduce it to £43 per test. You can redeem it  when you order a home test kit from the Randox website. Note that the discount is not valid for in-person tests. 

When will I receive the promo code?

Your promo code can be found on your booking confirmation, which you will receive via email. Simply visit the Randox website, fill out any information required and order your home test using your unique discount code.

What’s the process for using an home test kit? 

If you want your results in good time before you travel, Randox’s rapid test service is highly recommended. Their Covid-19 testing kit allows you to collect a swab sample at home to be sent off for processing at their certified laboratories. 

When registering the kit each traveller will input their swab time and date - this usually has to be within 48-72 hours before travelling, though entry requirements vary by country. 

 

When should I order my test?

Make sure you leave enough time for your testing kit to arrive before your holiday. The sample testing kit has at least 6 months expiry, so you can keep it for up to half a year before you need to travel.

How do I return my kit to Randox Laboratories for testing? 

You can arrange for your own private courier or use one of the Randox drop-off points. Note that the delivery of the kits back to the lab is your own responsibility. 

What happens after I send off my test?

You will receive an email receipt to let you know when the labs have received your sample. Once your sample has been processed you will receive a certificate of your test results. 

How long does it take to receive test results? 

Once you have received the email receipt, your results will be released within 24 hours.