Our Guide To Covid Testing For Travel
Captain BCP's Guide To Covid Testing For Travel
Overseas travel is expected to resume on (or possibly shortly after) 17th May. Most places we'll be able to visit require a Covid test to be completed either before you set off, when you arrive or both. Below, we round up the tests you'll need for our top holiday destinations.
You also currently need a Covid test to return to the UK, and there is a list of (at time of writing) 33 countries on the UK's "red list" from which visitors are not permitted and from which if you return there is a mandatory quarantine period.
Covid-19 Testing Requirements For Our Top Visited Countries
Spain & Canary Islands
Borders are closed to UK visitors
Negative PCR or LAMP covid test from 72 hours before arrival
Specialist travel insurance
Quarantine for 10 days and 2 Covid tests on return
What are the Covid testing requirements for Spain?
Spain is currently closed to UK visitors. When it reopens, for most third-country visitors, before your flight you must get a PCR or LAMP test for Covid-19, this must be (at maximum)72 hours before your arrival in Spain. The inclusion of the LAMP test as an option was announced and confirmed by Spain's Ministry of Health on 10th December.
What is the quarantine policy for Spain?
If you are returning from mainland Spain or the Balearics you must self-isolate for 10 days. The Canary Islands will be removed from the travel corridor from 12th December so visitors returning thereafter will also need to self-isolate.What are the health check requirements for Spain?
You must complete and sign an online health form within 48 hours prior to your arrival - this includes contact information. You must provide proof of a negative PCR covid test and there may be temperature checks and a visual health assessment on your arrival.
(Image credit: Apple App Store)
What if I present symptoms of Covid when I get to Spain?
"Anyone who presents symptoms or fails to meet one of the above requirements will be required to undergo a test on arrival and will be obliged to observe the COVID-19 protocols in place as determined by the local authorities of your destination in Spain."
Dubai (UAE)
Borders open to UK visitors
No quarantine on arrival unless you test positive
Negative PCR test from 72 hours before arrival or be tested on arrival
Quarantine in hotel on return to UK
What are the Covid testing requirements for Dubai?
Before your flight you must get a PCR test for Covid-19, this must be (at maximum)72 hours before your arrival in Dubai.
If you do not provide a negative test you will be tested at the airport and risk quarantine if you test positive (airport testing is not an available option for the rest of UAE).
What is the quarantine policy for Dubai?
There is no need to quarantine on your arrival in Dubai. If you test positive at the airport then you will be required to self-isolate in a government led facility, a hospital, your hotel or privately arranged accommodation.What are the health check requirements for Dubai?
You must complete and print a Health Declaration Form and a Quarantine Form ready to be handed to airport staff on arrival. You must also register on the COVID-19 DXB app.
(Image credit: Apple App Store)
What are the entry requirements for the United Arab Emirates other than Dubai?
Some British Nationals are being allowed to return to the UAE based on entry criteria. You have have a PCR test within 48 hours prior to arrival and arrivals to Abu Dhabi must self-isolate for 14 days.
Portugal
Borders are closed to UK visitors
Negative PCR covid test from 72 hours before arrival
Temperature check on arrival
PCR testing on arrival upon failed health screening
Specialist travel insurance
Quarantine for 10 days and 2 Covid tests on return
What are the Covid testing requirements for Portugal?
Portugal is currently closed to UK holidaymakers. Visitors are required to provide a negative PCR covid test on arrival. You may have to take a further PCR test if you fail the health screening process.What is the quarantine policy for Portugal?
There is no need to quarantine on arrival in Portugal. Travellers returning from mainland Portugal to the UK must self-isolate for 10 days. Madeira and the Azores are on the travel corridor therefore there is no need to self-isolate on your return - although in practice, at time of writing, there are no direct flights between the UK and the Azores so you'd have to quarantine on your return because you'd caught a connecting flight somewhere without a travel corridor.What are the health check requirements for Portugal?
You may undergo temperature checks and health screening on arrival.If you are arriving in Madeira or Porto Santo you must complete a health questionnaire before arrival. If you are arriving in the Azores you must complete a passenger questionnaire before arrival.
What if I present symptoms of Covid when I get to Portugal?
"You may be required to take a COVID-19 test and to self-isolate at your accommodation until you receive a negative test result."
Turkey
Borders are closed to UK visitors
Negative PCR covid test from 72 hours before arrival
Quarantine for 14 days on arrival from the UK
Temperature check on arrival
PCR testing on arrival upon failed health screening
Specialist travel insurance required
Quarantine for 10 days and 2 Covid tests on return
What are the Covid testing requirements for Turkey?
The Turkish border is closed to UK visitors. Visitors are required to provide a negative PCR covid test on arrival in Turkey.What is the quarantine policy for Turkey?
If you arrive in Turkey from the UK you must quarantine for 14 days. You must take a PCR test on day 10, if this is negative you may exit quarantine. You must self-isolate for 10 days on your return to the UK.What are the health check requirements for Turkey?
You must complete a passenger locator form before your arrival in Turkey. All arrivals are subject to temperature checks and a health assessment - any passengers who fail this will undergo additional PCR tests.What if I present symptoms of Covid when I get to Turkey?
Any passengers who present symptoms on arrival will be subject to a PCR test - if this comes back positive "you will be provided with medical treatment at a facility determined by the Ministry of Health or, if preferred, at a private medical facility in Turkey."
USA
Borders are closed to UK citizens
Negative pre-departure NAAT or antigen test
Quarantine for 7 days on arrival
Can I travel to the USA?
British nationals are not able to enter the USA at the current time - if you are a US citizen, resident of the USA or specified close family member you are exempt. Anyone arriving in the USA must provide a negative pre-departure NAAT or anitgen test, or a certificate from a doctor stating recovery from Covid-19. You must quarantine for 7 days, and take a further NAAT or antigen test within 3-5 days.
Netherlands
Borders are closed to UK visitors
Negative PCR covid test from 72 hours before arrival
Quarantine for 10 days on arrival
Specialist travel insurance required
Quarantine for 10 days and 2 Covid tests on return
What are the Covid testing requirements for the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is closed to non-essential visits from the UK. Visitors are required to provide a negative PCR covid test on their arrival in the Netherlands.What is the quarantine policy for the Netherlands?
You are required to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival in the Netherlands. You must also self-isolate for 10 days on your return to the UK.What are the health check requirements for the Netherlands?
You must complete a health screening form before arrival in the Netherlands.
Ireland
Borders are closed to UK visitors
Quarantine for 14 days upon arrival
What are the Covid testing requirements for Ireland?
All visitors (except those from Northern Ireland) must provide evidence of a negative RT-PCR test from no more than 72 hours before arrival. If you arrive without a test you face a fine.What is the quarantine policy for Ireland?
You are required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival at the address listen on the passenger locator form."You may leave to take a RT-PCR test no less than 5 days after your arrival - if you receive written confirmation that the result of this test is negative your period of quarantine can end."
What are the health check requirements for Ireland?
You must complete a passenger locator form before your arrival in Ireland.
Greece
Borders open to UK visitors
Quarantine for 7 days on arrival from the UK
Negative PCR covid test from 72 hours before arrival
Specialist travel insurance may be required
Quarantine for 10 days and 2 Covid tests on return
What are the Covid testing requirements for Greece?
Before your flight you must get a PCR test for Covid-19, this must be (at maximum)72 hours before your arrival in Greece.
You will also be required to take an additional rapid PCR test on arrival in Greece and quarantine for 7 days until the results come back."At the end of your 7 day self-isolation period, travellers are required to arrange and undergo a fresh PCR test in order to be able to exit self-isolation."
What happens if I test positive on arrival in Greece?
"If you test positive on arrival in Greece, you will have to self-isolate for at least 14 days, or until local authorities advise."Where you will self isolate depends on your accommodation - if you have your own accommodation you may isolate there. If you have booked a hotel it is likely you will instead be transferred to a designated quarantine hotel, you will be given transport and it will be paid for by authorities.
What is the quarantine policy for Greece?
You must quarantine for 10 days on your return to UK.What are the health check requirements for Greece?
You must complete a passenger locator form before your arrival. You may be subject to PCR test on arrival (see above).
Italy
Italian residents and "absolute necessity" visits only
Isolate for 14 days on arrival
Negatie Covid test from 72 hours before arrival
Specialist travel insurance required
Quarantine for 10 days and 2 Covid tests on return
What are the Covid testing requirements for Italy?
Before your flight you must get a rapid antigenic or molecular swab test for Covid-19, this must be (at maximum)72 hours before your arrival in Italy.
You will then need to take another test within 48 hours of your arrival and report to the local health authority.
What is the quarantine policy for Italy?
Anyone arriving in Italy from the UK must self-isolate for 14 days, take a second Covid test within 48 hours of arrival and report to their local health authority. If you are not able to isolate for 14 days in Italy you are likely to be refused entry.
France
Borders are closed to UK visitors
Quarantine for 7 days on arrival
Negative PCR test from 72 hours before arrival
Specialist travel insurance required
Quarantine for 10 days and 2 Covid tests on return
What are the Covid testing requirements for France?
From January 18th you must provide a negative PCR covid test taken (at max) 72 hours prior to arrival in France (barring a handful of exceptions, notably for hauliers).What is the quarantine policy for France?
From January 18th, you must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before travel, isolate for 7 days on arrival, and only leave isolation once you have completed a second, negative test. You must self-isolate for 10 days on return to the UK.Covid testing for travel FAQs
How long does it take to get Covid-19 test results?
How long for covid test results varies depending on the provider but most private tests will have results back within 48 hours and some even have same-day services available. It's also important to know that NHS testing is NOT suitable for travel purposes.What is a Fit to Fly certificate?
A Fit to Fly certificate will show that you are well and with no symptoms of Covid-19. Meaning you are a low risk of spreading coronavirus to those on your flight and the country you are visiting.How do I get a Fit to Fly certificate?
To get a Fit to Fly certificate for Covid-19 you need to book a test with a private PCR testing company, and test negative for Covid-19. They will then issue you with a letter from a registered GP to state that you are fit and well and are showing no symptoms of Covid-19.What is the Covid-19 test procedure?
The procedure for covid testing will vary depending on which private supplier you use. In general it involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat, which you can either do yourself or get someone to help you.With private tests you order your test online, usually selecting whether you will drop the test off at a nearby site or return via pre-paid courier. Once the test is delivered you will carry out the test yourself following instructions of your chosen supplier. You then arrange the courier collection and send the test back to the lab. You will then be provided with your test results via email and usually a certificate to fly.
How to get tested for covid-19 in the UK?
If you need to get tested for covid before you travel then you must book a private test and not a NHS test. There are a number of private test providers - but all operate in similar ways. You will order a test online, do the test yourself at home and then send the swab back for your results. Some private testers offer a same day service, but you will pay extra for this and will have to attend in person.When should I get a Covid test?
Need to know when you should get a Covid test for travel? You need to ensure you plan in advance to make sure you get your covid test within the timeframe requested for the country you are visiting. Most countries state that a negative PCR test must be provided that is no older than 72 hours prior to when you arrive. Some countries allow up to 96 hours. Remember when booking a private test for travel that you need to factor in postal times, from when you order and for when you return the swab.Does the Covid-19 test hurt?
No - some people may find it unpleasant or uncomfortable and it may make you gag, but in general you shouldn't feel any pain when doing the test and it is over very quickly.How long does a Covid test take?
A Covid test itself only takes a matter of seconds. The turnaround time for private covid tests for travel depends on the service you've selected but most aim to have results within 48 hours of receipt if not sooner.What is the Test to Release scheme?
As of December 15th travellers returning to England from a country not on the red list can opt in to the Test and Release scheme at their own expense. The earliest you can be tested is 5 days after arrival, and once you have a negative result you may leave self-isolation. To take part in the scheme you need to:- book a test with a private test provider
- opt into the scheme on the passenger locator form