A Guide To Getting Covid-19 PCR Test and Fit-to-Fly Certificate In UK

If you’re a British traveler and you have made a plan to take a trip in the near future, you may need a PCR test for travel in the UK. The NHS recommendation is to avoid traveling unless it is strictly necessary. Nevertheless, there are at the present several countries where UK citizens can travel now. In that context, if you want help as regards to where to book a COVID-19 test for traveling in the UK this blog post is for you. 

Government Approved PCR Testing Services Provider Is Recommended 

At this time, the molecular (PCR) swab test is a highly accurate so far, and it’s the only one that all airlines/countries accept. If you require a quick Fit to Fly certificate for British tourists, the best, fastest and most reliable option is a government appointed Covid 19 testing facility. However, you shouldn’t forget, that there are some other pre-travel COVID-19 test options across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Rapid Tests Are Not Accepted By Many Countries

On the other side, it’s worth mentioning rapid tests, which are turning out to be greatly popular. While these tests do produce results in just a few minutes, they’re not always the most reliable, and a lot of countries have banned them. You should know that free COVID tests are normally reserved for sick or asymptomatic individuals that have been in close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19. If you’re trying to procure a coronavirus test fit to fly certificate, you may have to pay out of pocket.

Fit to Fly Certificate Is A Necessary Travel Document

There are some major clinics offering PCR tests and travel certificates that operate across UK. Several government-approved providers and labs are running walk-through Covid-19 PCR testing centers, but you will want to check the establishments near you to ensure they offer COVID tests for tourists in the UK. Also, double-check that they offer Fit to Fly certificates to let you travel to your destination.

Fit to Fly Certificate Is Sent to Travelers E-mail

The PCR Testing Service provider is approved by the Government to conduct PCR test for travel purposes. In this way, these facilities offer guaranteed results, with a turnaround time of 3 hours, to enable the traveler take their flight on time. The tests are conducted in the on-site laboratory and once the swab is taken it is sent promptly to the testing lab to do the testing. Then you get the test results and an attached test Fit to Fly certificate in your e-mail. This certificate is needed to travel. 

Summary

A fit to fly certificate issued by a government-approved clinic is a proof that you are fit and well, with no symptoms of Covid-19. It also certified that you have a low risk of spreading the coronavirus to other people in the country you plan to fly to. Due to coronavirus pandemic many airlines and countries have placed restrictions on travel in order to avert the spread of the Covid-19 virus.