1. Which type of Covid-19 test you need

Our travel advice pages have all the latest entry requirements for all the destinations we fly to, including which types of Covid-19 tests will be accepted.  For example, NHS test results should not be used for travel, and some countries we fly to don't accept the results from self administered tests.

Travel advice

Know your antigens from your antibodies?

Get a better understanding of the requirements by reading our Covid-19 jargon buster.

2. When and where to get tested

 

Depending on your destination, you'll likely need to have a negative test result before you can fly. Some countries may also require a test to be taken after you land, which helps to shorten the time spent in quarantine.

Find out when testing is required for the country you're visiting

Pre-departure testing is required before flying to most of our destinations as it will help to keep you safe on the flight and limit Covid-19 being carried into the country you're visiting.

At home

Self-testing kits can be ordered online for delivery to your home and provide a safe and convenient testing method. Post your sample using the included pre-paid return envelope. Once the lab has your sample, you'll be notified of the result within 24 hours.

Top tip

For countries that accept self-tests observed by a clinician, there is an option to have your self-test observed via video call or at a testing location.

At the airport

A growing number of airports are offering a streamlined travel experience with rapid in-person testing on site, providing accurate results while you wait for your flight.

Top tip

Due to the limited testing capacity at airports, we highly recommend booking an appointment in advance and arriving early at the airport to allow the extra time you need for your test to be processed.

    

3. Get ready to fly

 

If your destination requires it, you should complete your test and receive your fit-to-fly certificate before your international flight.
 

Carry proof of your negative test result with you throughout your journey, as it will be needed at check in and when you arrive in your destination.

Covid-19 testing jargon buster

 

With so many different requirements and test providers to choose from, it can difficult to know where to start. So we've sorted out the antigens from the antibodies to help you book the right test with one of our trusted partners.

There are three main testing methods that look for different elements of the virus. Generally, the longer it takes to process the test results, the more accurate it is.

The most accurate method is to look for molecular or genetic signs of the coronavirus.

This type of test is often called PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification)

LAMP tests are typically conducted onsite and results can be returned within a couple of hours.

PCR tests can take up to 48 hours as they must be processed in a lab, but offer very reliable results and are the most common test required for international travel.

As the name suggests, rapid tests don't require a lab for processing and offer the fastest results. This method looks for proteins from the virus rather than molecular or genetic indicators.

Rapid tests are often called Antigen or Lateral Flow tests and provide results in under 30 minutes.

This method is less accurate and should only be used as a guide - A positive result should be followed by a PCR test for confirmation.

 

This method checks if you have immunity against Covid-19 but can't tell you if you currently have the virus.

This method is often called an Antibody test because it looks for antibodies in your blood from a vaccine or having previously fought off the Covid-19 infection.

While test results can be turned around very quickly, antibody testing is not typically used to screen people before travelling to another country.

*In the UK, 'fully vaccinated' means you have completed the full course of an approved vaccine (either two doses of a two-dose vaccine or one dose of a single dose vaccine), at least two weeks before travelling and can show evidence of this.