Covid-19 Testing for International Travel

You must not travel if you are currently experiencing, or have experienced in the last 14 days, any of the following Covid-19 symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• A fever of or greater than 38 degrees centigrade
• Flu-like symptoms, including a sore throat or runny nose
• A continuous cough
• A loss of taste or smell

PCR Tests –   RT-PCR- SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

Lateral flow tests – Biosensor Standard Q COVID-19 Ag Test

Fit to Fly PCR Test (postal)

The fit to fly PCR test must be conducted 72 hours before travel. The test kit will be posted to your home to be self-administered and posted back to the laboratory. You must allow time for the postal service. Tests are sent via Royal Mail Tracked 24 and include a prepaid returns label. GPDQ cannot be held responsible for postal delays.

Pre-departure Lateral flow test (at airport)

The Lateral flow testing service is available at Norwich, Exeter and Bournemouth airports. Please book your 10-minute test appointment in advance. Depending on your destination country, these tests must be undertaken within 4 hours of your planned departure time and no later than 90 minutes prior to departure. Test results take 30 minutes.

Return to UK day 2 and day 8 PCR tests (postal)

Travellers who have entered the UK must complete two PCR tests upon arrival as a UK border entry requirement. The first test must be conducted on or before the second day of entering the UK, and the second test must be completed on or after the eighth day of entry. The test package must be purchased prior to travel and your outbound country as well as UK border control may ask for proof of purchase. Some exclusions apply and further details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/testing-on-day-2-and-day-8-for-international-arrivals

Test to Release PCR test (postal)

Travellers entering the UK must quarantine upon arrival: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control.

Travellers arriving into England are able to reduce their quarantine time by purchasing a day 5 Test to Release PCR test. Those completing this test can stop quarantining if their result is negative.

This does not replace the requirement for day 2 and 8 testing. It is the responsibility of the traveller to check Government guidance for the most up to date information on travel requirements.

PCR test: Our PCR test offers the highest level of performance in SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 testing; achieving 99.9% sensitivity and a 99.995% specificity to virtually eliminate false results.

The Lateral flow test: Our standard Q COVID-19 Ag Test achieves 96.52% sensitivity and  99.68% specificity.

The airport testing centres follow strict Covid-19 safety measures in accordance with UK government guidelines. Staff and customers must exercise social distancing at all times and the centres are regularly cleaned and disinfected.

Both the PCR and Lateral flow tests are throat and nasal swabs. Both tests are safe for administration by members of public.

You can find further information here about conducting the PCR test at home:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/testing-for-coronavirus-at-home

The onsite Lateral flow testing service is overseen and delivered by trained clinicians who are there to support customers to safely administer the test. They will follow strict COVID-19 safety regulations throughout, in line with the UK government guidelines.

PCR tests: these are approved by DHSC and carried out by government listed laboratories.

The Lateral flow tests: these are CE marked and approved by Government for use in the UK. GPDQ is a gov.uk provider of this service:

Government List of of Accredited Providers

PCR tests: your result will be emailed to you 24 hours after the laboratory receives your postal swab. Your fit to fly certificate will be provided as a PDF attachment and include details of your test result.

The Lateral flow tests: you will receive your result by text and email with attached certificate. It is advisable to have a smartphone or other device so that you are able to access the result at the airport.

PCR test: you will be emailed your certificate before your flight. You can print this off and bring a hard copy along to the airport.

Lateral flow test: please inform the testing front desk that you will need a printed copy of your result as you do not have a smartphone.

PCR tests: you should order your test no later than 7 working days prior to your flight date.

The Lateral flow tests: if you are required to complete this test, you should book your appointment at the same time as ordering your PCR test.

We recommend you pre-book your test, however subject to availability, you can book a last minute appointment for an onsite Lateral flow test, as long as you arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.

PCR tests: if you have already purchased your PCR test, unfortunately we are unable to accept a return or refund request. However, please note that you can use the test for a future flight or other requirement.

The Lateral flow tests: we do not accept cancellations with less than 72 hours before your appointment time. You can reschedule your test by calling 0203 805 1781 or emailing support@gpdq.co.uk any day of the week, 8am-11pm.

Please call 0203 805 1781 or email support@gpdq.co.uk with any queries. We are available to support you 7 days a week 8am-11pm.

For outbound travel: The fit to fly PCR test is posted to your home for self-administration. It must be conducted 72 hours prior to your departure time.

To return to the UK: The day 2 and day 8 compulsory PCR tests are posted to your home for self-administration. You can also purchase an optional day 5 test to release PCR test that is posted to your home for self-administration. The test to release tests allows you to shorten your quarantine time, if your return a negative result.

You can book a Lateral flow and PCR test appointments at our airports, however, we recommend you pre-book this service 7 days prior to your scheduled flight. Appointment availability on the day cannot be guaranteed. Lateral flow testing is only required by certain destination countries, so please check your destination requirements.

This does not replace the fit to fly PCR test.

Lateral flow tests: the airport’s Lateral flow testing service is open to all members of public and you do not have to be travelling to access this service.

The airport’s testing service is NOT available for customers with any Covid-19 symptoms. Anyone with symptoms will be asked to leave the premises and self-isolate.

It is possible to have a test at a different airport, however please check the entry requirements for your destination as there are strict time limits on when tests must be carried out prior to departure. Please ensure you have the correct certification for travel from any alternative provider.

PCR tests: you can order tests for the whole family to be administered at home and delivered by post.

Lateral flow tests: a family or household can be tested together at the test site

Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Please refer to our pricing table above the FAQs

All Major Debit and Credit Cards are accepted.

PCR tests: if you have already purchased your PCR test, unfortunately we are unable to accept a return or provide a refund. However, please note that in case of changed circumstances, you can use the purchased test for a different, future flight or other testing requirement.

The Lateral flow tests: we do not accept cancellations with less than 72 hours before your appointment time. You can reschedule your test by calling 0203 805 1781 or emailing support@gpdq.co.uk any day of the week, from 8am-11pm.

Please fill in the complaint form on our website. You can find it here.

PCR tests: Your result will be returned 24 hours after the laboratory has received the swab.

The Lateral flow test: We aim to deliver the results in 30 minutes from your sample being taken.

You can proceed to check-in or to security if you do not have hold luggage. You will be asked to show proof of your negative result at check-in.

PCR test: you will receive your positive result via email. You must follow current government guidelines.

Lateral flow test: individuals with a positive result cannot fly and must immediately return home and self-isolate. You will be provided with printed instructions and advised to follow government guidelines to self-isolate. You may choose to take an NHS test.

Please note that GPDQ does not take any responsibility for refunding the cost of the test nor any associated costs related to not being able to fly.

GPDQ has a responsibility to inform Public Health England of all positive tests results for PCR and lateral flow testing.

PCR test: if you have taken the swab 72 hours prior to your scheduled departure, posted it back to the laboratory the same day, and your results still have not arrived by the day before your flight, please contact GPDQ by calling 0203 805 1781 or emailing support@gpdq.co.uk.

If your PCR test results are late, you can arrange a service refund by contacting GPDQ by calling 0203 805 1781 or emailing support@gpdq.co.uk.

Lateral flow test: results are issued at the airport site approximately 30 minutes after the test was conducted.

Please note that GPDQ cannot be held responsible for any flights missed or any direct or indirect expenses occurred due to late arrival of test results.

Please view GPDQ’s privacy policy here: https://www.gpdq.co.uk/privacy-policy/

Your data is treated as medically confidential data and is not shared with anybody except with the patient directly and Public Health England if there is a positive result.

There are no side effects.

Most tests to see whether you are currently infected with Covid-19 involve a swab of your nose, throat or both. The swab is like a soft cotton bud. The swabs might feel slightly uncomfortable, , but neither test should be painful.

PCR tests: this test involves collecting a swab sample and isolating RNA (the genetic code) of the virus – the COVID-19 virus is an RNA virus. RNA is similar to DNA (what humans use for their genetic code) but only has a single strand, rather than the double strand in DNA. PCR only works on DNA, but scientists can use enzymes to convert RNA into DNA.

This single copy of DNA is converted, using the PCR process, into millions of copies. This takes:

• Enzymes to encourage chemical reactions.
• Chemical building blocks of DNA.
• Repeated cycles of heating (to separate the two strands of DNA produced), cooling and creating more DNA strands.

The signal from millions of copies can be picked up in testing. Clearly, if there is no COVID-19 RNA present, it can’t be converted into DNA or replicated.

The lateral flow test: these tests aren’t just used for COVID-19 – they can be used to test urine, saliva, sweat, fluid and other types of sample and the test is commonly used for pregnancy testing.

For COVID-19 tests, a ‘monoclonal antibody’ – which matches the virus or part of the virus exactly – is attached to a special strip in a test cartridge. Extracts of the swab sample are passed over the strip, and if COVID-19 antigen is present, it is picked up by the antibody and shows up as a coloured line. The Innova test, used in Liverpool and care home mass testing, is a Lateral flow test.

LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) tests work in a similar way to PCR tests. They convert viral RNA into DNA and copy it. However, they use chemical reagents and LAMP technology rather than heat: this produces a much larger amount of DNA more quickly, resulting in a colour change which allows the result to be interpreted.

PCR test: The tests are self-administered.

Lateral flow test:  this will be administered by a clinician, or can be self-administered if preferred by the individual.

The tests detect whether you currently have the COVID-19 virus.

Please ensure that check the advice for the country that you are travelling before booking your test.

Please click here for country specific guidance.

PCR Tests –   RT-PCR- SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

Lateral flow tests – Biosensor Standard Q COVID-19 Ag Test

Destination countries have their own Covid-19 rules for travelling across/into their borders. It is your responsibility as the traveller to ensure you meet the specific requirements of the destination country prior to travelling. Please check their current requirements prior to arranging your travel.

UK border control has specific rules for entering the UK, and these can vary across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. It is your responsibility as the traveller to ensure you have read and understood the government’s current guidelines. More information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control

You must not travel if you are currently experiencing, or have experienced in the last 14 days, any of the following Covid-19 symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• A fever of or greater than 38 degrees centigrade
• Flu-like symptoms, including a sore throat or runny nose
• A continuous cough
• A loss of taste or smell

Fit to Fly PCR Test (postal)

The fit to fly PCR test must be conducted 72 hours before travel. The test kit will be posted to your home to be self-administered and posted back to the laboratory. You must allow time for the postal service. Tests are sent via Royal Mail Tracked 24 and include a prepaid returns label. GPDQ cannot be held responsible for postal delays.

Pre-departure Lateral flow test (at airport)

The Lateral flow testing service is available at Norwich, Exeter and Bournemouth airports. Please book your 10-minute test appointment in advance. Depending on your destination country, these tests must be undertaken within 4 hours of your planned departure time and no later than 90 minutes prior to departure. Test results take 30 minutes.

Return to UK day 2 and day 8 PCR tests (postal)

Travellers who have entered the UK must complete two PCR tests upon arrival as a UK border entry requirement. The first test must be conducted on or before the second day of entering the UK, and the second test must be completed on or after the eighth day of entry. The test package must be purchased prior to travel and your outbound country as well as UK border control may ask for proof of purchase. Some exclusions apply and further details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/testing-on-day-2-and-day-8-for-international-arrivals

Test to Release PCR test (postal)

Travellers entering the UK must quarantine upon arrival: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control.

Travellers arriving into England are able to reduce their quarantine time by purchasing a day 5 Test to Release PCR test. Those completing this test can stop quarantining if their result is negative.

This does not replace the requirement for day 2 and 8 testing. It is the responsibility of the traveller to check Government guidance for the most up to date information on travel requirements.

You should still follow testing and travel guidelines even if you have received a single or both doses of the vaccine. The vaccine will not result in a positive result when using a Covid-19 test and does not affect the accuracy of the test.

PCR test: Our PCR test offers the highest level of performance in SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 testing; achieving 99.9% sensitivity and a 99.995% specificity to virtually eliminate false results.

The Lateral flow test: Our standard Q COVID-19 Ag Test achieves 96.52% sensitivity and  99.68% specificity.

The airport testing centres follow strict Covid-19 safety measures in accordance with UK government guidelines. Staff and customers must exercise social distancing at all times and the centres are regularly cleaned and disinfected.

Both the PCR and Lateral flow tests are throat and nasal swabs. Both tests are safe for administration by members of public.

You can find further information here about conducting the PCR test at home:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/testing-for-coronavirus-at-home

The onsite Lateral flow testing service is overseen and delivered by trained clinicians who are there to support customers to safely administer the test. They will follow strict COVID-19 safety regulations throughout, in line with the UK government guidelines.

PCR tests: these are approved by DHSC and carried out by government listed laboratories.

The Lateral flow tests: these are CE marked and approved by Government for use in the UK. GPDQ is a gov.uk provider of this service:

Government List of of Accredited Providers

PCR tests: your result will be emailed to you 24 hours after the laboratory receives your postal swab. Your fit to fly certificate will be provided as a PDF attachment and include details of your test result.

The Lateral flow tests: you will receive your result by text and email with attached certificate. It is advisable to have a smartphone or other device so that you are able to access the result at the airport.

PCR test: you will be emailed your certificate before your flight. You can print this off and bring a hard copy along to the airport.

Lateral flow test: please inform the testing front desk that you will need a printed copy of your result as you do not have a smartphone.

PCR tests: you should order your test no later than 7 working days prior to your flight date.

The Lateral flow tests: if you are required to complete this test, you should book your appointment at the same time as ordering your PCR test.

We recommend you pre-book your test, however subject to availability, you can book a last minute appointment for an onsite Lateral flow test, as long as you arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.

PCR tests: if you have already purchased your PCR test, unfortunately we are unable to accept a return or refund request. However, please note that you can use the test for a future flight or other requirement.

The Lateral flow tests: we do not accept cancellations with less than 72 hours before your appointment time. You can reschedule your test by calling 0203 805 1781 or emailing support@gpdq.co.uk any day of the week, 8am-11pm.

Please call 0203 805 1781 or email support@gpdq.co.uk with any queries. We are available to support you 7 days a week 8am-11pm.

Each country has set a specific requirement for tests that need to be conducted prior to departure. Where a PCR test is required, this typically needs to be carried out 72 hours prior to departure, and Lateral flow tests must be within 4 hours of scheduled departure time.  If your flight is delayed beyond these timescales, you will need to be re-tested.   Please check the destination regulations for specific details of tests and timescales.

Each country has set a specific requirement for tests that need to be conducted prior to departure. Where a PCR test is required, this typically needs to be carried out 72 hours prior to departure, and Lateral flow tests must be within 4 hours of scheduled departure.  If your flight is delayed beyond these timescales you will need to be re-tested.   Please check the Destination regulations for specific details of tests and timescales.

For outbound travel: The fit to fly PCR test is posted to your home for self-administration. It must be conducted 72 hours prior to your departure time.

To return to the UK: The day 2 and day 8 compulsory PCR tests are posted to your home for self-administration. You can also purchase an optional day 5 test to release PCR test that is posted to your home for self-administration. The test to release tests allows you to shorten your quarantine time, if your return a negative result.

You can book a Lateral flow and PCR test appointments at our airports, however, we recommend you pre-book this service 7 days prior to your scheduled flight. Appointment availability on the day cannot be guaranteed. Lateral flow testing is only required by certain destination countries, so please check your destination requirements.

This does not replace the fit to fly PCR test.

Lateral flow tests: the airport’s Lateral flow testing service is open to all members of public and you do not have to be travelling to access this service.

The airport’s testing service is NOT available for customers with any Covid-19 symptoms. Anyone with symptoms will be asked to leave the premises and self-isolate.

It is possible to have a test at a different airport, however please check the entry requirements for your destination as there are strict time limits on when tests must be carried out prior to departure. Please ensure you have the correct certification for travel from any alternative provider.

PCR tests: you can order tests for the whole family to be administered at home and delivered by post.

Lateral flow tests: a family or household can be tested together at the test site

The regulations differ depending on the destination you are travelling to.  Please check the guidance before booking your test.  See Covid Travel Advice for country specific guidance.

Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Please contact the airport directly for any assistance you require.

Please refer to our pricing table above the FAQs

All Major Debit and Credit Cards are accepted.

PCR tests: if you have already purchased your PCR test, unfortunately we are unable to accept a return or provide a refund. However, please note that in case of changed circumstances, you can use the purchased test for a different, future flight or other testing requirement.

The Lateral flow tests: we do not accept cancellations with less than 72 hours before your appointment time. You can reschedule your test by calling 0203 805 1781 or emailing support@gpdq.co.uk any day of the week, from 8am-11pm.

Please fill in the complaint form on our website. You can find it here.

PCR tests: Your result will be returned 24 hours after the laboratory has received the swab.

The Lateral flow test: We aim to deliver the results in 30 minutes from your sample being taken.

You can proceed to check-in or to security if you do not have hold luggage. You will be asked to show proof of your negative result at check-in.

PCR test: you will receive your positive result via email. You must follow current government guidelines.

Lateral flow test: individuals with a positive result cannot fly and must immediately return home and self-isolate. You will be provided with printed instructions and advised to follow government guidelines to self-isolate. You may choose to take an NHS test.

Please note that GPDQ does not take any responsibility for refunding the cost of the test nor any associated costs related to not being able to fly.

GPDQ has a responsibility to inform Public Health England of all positive tests results for PCR and lateral flow testing.

We are unable to provide you with another test immediately after testing positive and you must return home and self-isolate.

You will need to contact your airline for any information relating to rescheduling your flight or requesting a refund.

If anyone from your household, family or support bubble receives a positive result you must all return home and self-isolate, and you cannot travel.

If you have been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive then you cannot travel.

If you are travelling with someone you live with or someone in your extended household or if you’ve been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive.  You must also follow the government guidelines and self-isolate

You will need to contact your airline for any information relating to rescheduling your flight or requesting a refund.

You can arrange another test with the onsite team free of charge

PCR test: if you have taken the swab 72 hours prior to your scheduled departure, posted it back to the laboratory the same day, and your results still have not arrived by the day before your flight, please contact GPDQ by calling 0203 805 1781 or emailing support@gpdq.co.uk.

If your PCR test results are late, you can arrange a service refund by contacting GPDQ by calling 0203 805 1781 or emailing support@gpdq.co.uk.

Lateral flow test: results are issued at the airport site approximately 30 minutes after the test was conducted.

Please note that GPDQ cannot be held responsible for any flights missed or any direct or indirect expenses occurred due to late arrival of test results.

Please view GPDQ’s privacy policy here: https://www.gpdq.co.uk/privacy-policy/

Your data is treated as medically confidential data and is not shared with anybody except with the patient directly and Public Health England if there is a positive result.

There are no side effects.

Most tests to see whether you are currently infected with Covid-19 involve a swab of your nose, throat or both. The swab is like a soft cotton bud. The swabs might feel slightly uncomfortable, , but neither test should be painful.

PCR tests: this test involves collecting a swab sample and isolating RNA (the genetic code) of the virus – the COVID-19 virus is an RNA virus. RNA is similar to DNA (what humans use for their genetic code) but only has a single strand, rather than the double strand in DNA. PCR only works on DNA, but scientists can use enzymes to convert RNA into DNA.

This single copy of DNA is converted, using the PCR process, into millions of copies. This takes:

• Enzymes to encourage chemical reactions.
• Chemical building blocks of DNA.
• Repeated cycles of heating (to separate the two strands of DNA produced), cooling and creating more DNA strands.

The signal from millions of copies can be picked up in testing. Clearly, if there is no COVID-19 RNA present, it can’t be converted into DNA or replicated.

The lateral flow test: these tests aren’t just used for COVID-19 – they can be used to test urine, saliva, sweat, fluid and other types of sample and the test is commonly used for pregnancy testing.

For COVID-19 tests, a ‘monoclonal antibody’ – which matches the virus or part of the virus exactly – is attached to a special strip in a test cartridge. Extracts of the swab sample are passed over the strip, and if COVID-19 antigen is present, it is picked up by the antibody and shows up as a coloured line. The Innova test, used in Liverpool and care home mass testing, is a Lateral flow test.

LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) tests work in a similar way to PCR tests. They convert viral RNA into DNA and copy it. However, they use chemical reagents and LAMP technology rather than heat: this produces a much larger amount of DNA more quickly, resulting in a colour change which allows the result to be interpreted.

PCR test: The tests are self-administered.

Lateral flow test:  this will be administered by a clinician, or can be self-administered if preferred by the individual.

The tests detect whether you currently have the COVID-19 virus.