With travel restrictions slowly being lifted and people beginning to book holidays abroad, there is a lot of information out there about COVID testing, when it is required and how much it costs. Though testing is free in the UK for those with symptoms of the virus, you will need to pay for the tests needed before travelling internationally.
Everyone travelling back to the UK will need to complete a mandatory antigen test and many countries require visitors to have a Fit to Fly certificate as proof of a negative result before they arrive. Once you arrive back in the UK, you may be required to complete a day 2 and day 8 test. You must book and pay for these tests before you travel.
The Cost of Coronavirus Testing in the UK
Fit to Fly tests
If you are travelling abroad and need a Fit to Fly travel certificate, you will need to take a Fit to Fly test. The cost of a Fit to Fly PCR test is £99 and this is accepted by a large number of countries and all major airlines. Depending on where you are travelling to, a Fit to Fly antigen test may suffice. The cost of this is £45, but it is accepted by fewer countries. It’s important to find out which Fit to Fly test is required for the country you are travelling to, to avoid any problems at the airport.
A Fit to Fly travel certificate shows that you have recently tested negative for coronavirus. It includes information such as your full name, your date of birth, your passport number and test information. It shows airlines and other countries that you are not carrying the virus. Tests can be ordered online and results are usually given within 20 minutes.
Return to the UK Antigen Test
Before you return to the UK from travelling abroad, you will need to take an antigen test. The cost of this is £45 and you will get your results within 20 minutes. You will need to take the test 72 hours before you travel.
This test is mandatory and you will not be able to enter the UK without a negative result, as it proves that you have not contracted the virus during your time abroad. You could be fined if you arrive in the UK without proof of a negative test result.
Day 2 and Day 8 Tests
If you are travelling to and from an amber listed country, you will need to complete a day 2 and day 8 test. These tests can be purchased as part of a travel test package and cost £219. If you are travelling from a green listed country or you are fully vaccinated and only need a day 2 test, you can expect to pay £129.
When you arrive back from an amber listed country, you are required to take a test on day 2. If you are not fully vaccinated, you will also need to take a test on day 8 and complete 10 days of quarantine. If a day 2 or day 8 test comes back as positive, you will need to isolate for 10 days. Anyone you have been in contact with, such as the people you live with, will also need to isolate for 10 days.
Book COVID Testing in the UK
We understand that COVID testing in the UK can be confusing when it comes to travelling abroad, which is why we work hard to keep things as simple as possible. Wherever you are travelling to, you can rely on Medicspot to provide efficient and effective COVID tests.
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.