PCR tests in the UK: Guidelines for travelling to England

The COVID-19 outbreak has changed everyone’s daily lives since 2020. It has especially halted any intentions to travel due to the safety risk that it poses. However, with the government implementing plans to ease all restrictions and aiming to boost the travel industry once again, there are changes visitors should be aware of before planning to travel to England, United Kingdom.

Who needs to take a test?

With the recent travel restriction guidance announced by the UK government, it is understood that only passengers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated (only received one dose of a two-dose vaccine) are required to take a test before travelling.

Anyone unvaccinated will also be required to take a PCR test UK-side within two days of arriving in England.

Vaccinated travellers are not required to take any covid tests before or after arrival into the UK. However, it is important to note that both vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers must complete a passenger locator form in order to fly.

Types of PCR tests available to buy

When looking to buy a PCR test via a private government-approved provider, often they will offer more than one type of test. Different PCR tests will have different result times and buyers should always ensure they purchase the test with the desired result timeframe before travelling. Here is an idea of the type of PCR tests to choose from:

• Next-day RT-PCR
• Day two RT-PCR
• 12-14-hour RT-PCR
• Express RT-PCR

It’s always worth checking with a testing provider that the test qualifies with travel guidance and will be accepted as proof for travelling purposes.

There is also the choice of booking in at a walk-in centre or ordering the test to be delivered for self-administration.

Transiting through the UK

If travelling to a location requires transit through the UK, it will often be necessary to take a test for those who are unvaccinated. There are two types of transiting:

• Airside – travellers do not pass through immigration control before leaving for their connecting journey
• Landslide – travellers do pass through immigration control but leave the UK within 24 hours.

Vaccinated travellers are not required to take a PCR test whether they are airside or landslide transiting. However, anyone landslide transiting through the UK must complete a passenger locator form.

Unvaccinated travellers will be required to take a PCR test, regardless of the transit method, as well as carry out a passenger locator form.

Conclusion

As travel restrictions change, it is important to know what is expected of travellers before and after they fly. It Is a good idea to check the rules of the country being travelled to as the guidance can change with little warning. It’s also important to be aware of which type of PCR test is required and that it is legitimate, accurate and travel-approved.

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