If you are planning an upcoming trip to London, England, you will need to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test with results no older than 72 hours of arriving. Are you looking for more information about this testing requirement? Then you’ve come to the right place. In today’s blog, we will discuss how to go about getting a required Covid test for travel in London.
London Travel Restrictions
Covid-19 is a global pandemic that affects areas differently, and as of this writing, there are Covid-19 travel restrictions in place in order to keep both travelers and those who live in the United Kingdom safe and healthy. There is currently a traffic-light system in place that divides the countries of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland into “red,” “yellow,” and “green” categories based on Covid case numbers and virus transmission.
It’s important to continue wearing your mask while on public transportation, even if you’ve been vaccinated. You should also practice social distancing as much as possible to protect yourself and others on your travels.
What kind of Covid test do you need?
One of the most important things you should know about traveling to London is that you must present a negative Covid test that has results no older than 72 hours of your arrival to the United Kingdom.
Currently, the types of tests that UK border agents will accept are:
- Nucleic acid tests, such as the RT-PCR test
- Antigen tests
- LAMP tests
Your test should include the date of your diagnostic, your test result, and the name and contact information for the test provider. It’s recommended that you bring physical copies of your test results to avoid travel disruptions. After all, you don’t want to arrive with your phone dead and your test results inaccessible!
You can read more about accepted test types and traveling to London during the pandemic here.
Testing Options
You have many options for how and where to get a Covid test either before your trip or once you’re already in London. You can get tested at a pharmacy or clinic in London, but the easiest way to get a Covid test is at home with Drip Hydration. We offer several types of at-home Covid tests, some of which offer same-day results for your peace of mind.
- Standard PCR: A nasal swab or throat swab diagnostic that can return results within 1 – 3 business days of your appointment.
- Rapid PCR: A nasal swab diagnostic that returns results in as little as 30 minutes of your appointment.
- Rapid antigen: A nasal swab test that can return results within 15 minutes of your appointment
Related:
Covid Travel Testing In London – At Home
Regardless of which test you choose, it is important that you get screened before and after you travel to the United Kingdom. Doing so will ensure that you are healthy when you go on your trip and that you are still Covid-negative when you return.
Get prepared for your upcoming trip to London today. Give us a call or book an appointment using the button below!
