The UK government announced on 18th January 2021 that all travel abroad is only acceptable if there is a legally permitted reason to do so. It is illegal to travel abroad for holidays and other leisure purposes. If you travel for an illegal purpose you could face a fine of up to £10,000.
As a result, if you intend to travel to or from the UK, regardless of whether or not you are a UK national, all travellers, including children must provide certification of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to 3 days before departure. Failure to comply (and without a valid exemption) is likely to result in your airline or carrier refusing to allow you to board and/or you may be fined on arrival. 

1. COVID-19 RT PCR tests are the Gold Standard test available

The COVID-19 RT PCR swab test has been established through the pandemic as the gold standard of COVID tests. This is why most countries around the world require you to take one of these tests before being permitted to fly and as proof of a negative covid test certificate having been produced within the previous 72 hours in order to be granted entry upon arrival. It is therefore essential that you book a PCR Fit to Fly test with a trusted provider, such as Fit for Flying.

2. You can only use one test per person

If more than one person in your home is taking the COVID-19 test, you must ensure that you have a test kit for each person. You cannot share test kits.

3. Who can do a COVID-19 travel test?

Anyone can get a COVID-19 RT PCR test for travel. You can do the swab yourself (if you are aged 12 or over) or someone can do it for you if you require assistance. Teenagers (those aged between 12 to 17) are able to self-test but this should be done under the supervision of a responsible adult. Parents or guardians must swab test children who are aged 11 or under.

4. COVID-19 RT PCR tests are quick and easy to use

In short, the COVID-19 test involves taking a swab of the inside of the nose and the back of the throat, using a long cotton bud. The process of taking this sample is quick, easy and painless. This is then sent to a lab who analyse the sample provided to see whether there is presence of the COVID-19 virus. A positive or negative test result is then issued to you within a short space after you have completed the test.
If you require guidance for taking your test is recommended that you follow Public Health England’s advice on how to complete your PCR test when it arrives. To watch a video demonstrating how to carry out your test click here.

5. Tests are delivered to your door

During the COVID-19 pandemic, testing from the comfort of your home is quite appealing. It’s quick, easy, convenient and it reduces the possibility of infection.
All COVID-19 RT PCR tests purchased from Fit for Flying include free 24-hour Royal Mail tracked postage. This is both for dispatch of the COVID-19 test to you and return postage to the laboratory for analysis to ensure that you receive your certificate for travel.
Please note, it is your responsibility to ensure that the sample is returned via Royal Mail Priority Postbox before the last collection time.

6. COVID-19 RT PCR tests are fast and produce accurate results

With the correct sampling technique, Fit for Flying and other test result providers are able to guarantee a 99.9% accuracy of the results. This is the highest level of accuracy for tests. The overall accuracy of your test is dependent upon you providing as accurate a sample as possible. This means that before getting started, it is important to carefully read the instructions that come with you test kit fully before you open the test kit.

7. Results are emailed to you within 8 hours of arrival at the lab and last for 72 hours

Fit for Flying provide results for COVID-19 RT PCR tests purchased directly to the email provided at purchase within 8, 12 or 24 hours of receiving your sample dependent upon the test package purchased. This can then be printed out and used as proof of your negative COVID test and used to enable you to travel outside of the UK.
The timing of the sample will be displayed on your certificate and so it is of paramount importance that you schedule your test within the 72-hour window prior to departure, and that you are aware of postage timing. The validity of this certificate is determined by the airline and the country or state an individual wants to travel to. Therefore, you must check with the requirements for the country that you are traveling to as well as your airline provider.