You may know have already heard and been aware (if you weren’t, where have you been hiding?) that as of the 17th of May 20212, international travel started again, with destinations categorised using a traffic light system based on their Covid-19 rates. However, even though the vaccine rollout has been more or less a huge success, there are still various restrictions in place. If you are looking to travel and want to know the ins and outs of testing and the rules and regulations, you’ve come to the right place.
What Covid-19 Test Do You Need to Travel?
The main test that is being used is PCR. PCR, if you didn’t know, stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction and is a test that involves either a mouth or nose swab and is used to detect genetic components known as RNA. It depends on which destination you are travelling to and the specific rules for that destination, but you will either need to show results of a negative PCR test that was taken 48, 72 or, in some cases, 96 hours before your arrival.
A PCR test can be booked at several different places up and down the country, including right here at Pure Testing.
On any returning travel when arriving back to the UK, as of 18th of January this year, you needed to have a negative Covid-19 PCR test that was taken within 72 hours before travelling home.
Can You Use NHS Covid-19 PCR Tests or Lateral Flow Tests for Travelling?
It is important to note that while the NHS obviously offer free tests, whether it’s the PCR or the lateral flow test, they cannot be used for travelling. The good news is though that as of 14th of August, the cost of the NHS Test and Trace tests were reduced from their original price of £88 down to £68. These prices are for people who arrive from green listed countries and any arriving from amber countries who have received their full vaccination. This is seen as a step in the right direction as many in the travel industry had complained about the inflated costs of testing through private companies.
Where Can You Get a PCR Test for Travelling?
Many places offer PCR tests, as we’ve already noted. However, in our humble opinion, if you want fast results, a GP-signed Fit to Fly Certificate and the knowledge that your test was conducted in a Government-backed and UKAS-certified facility, then you should choose Pure Testing.
As well as the above, other benefits of choosing to visit us here at Pure Testing includes an easy to manage booking system, quick service from the moment you arrive to the time you leave of around 15 minutes. All our staff are highly trained medical professionals who are warm, friendly, and very efficient. The results are sent to you via email in your preferred format. If you need to travel and want a cost-effective solution to getting the clearance needed, then choose Pure Testing.
