Travel Advice Hub
A Guide to Covid-19 Testing for Travel
Covid-19 testing for travel is common right now for many countries – and you’ll at least need to test before returning to the UK and on your return.
We know travel – and testing to travel – is still new for everyone which is why we’re working hard to direct you to all the information you may need when getting ready to travel. We’ve put together a guide on testing: what you need to know and where to find appropriate information and testing facilities.
Please remember that whether you’re testing for going on holiday, before returning to the UK or after you’re home, you are not permitted to use NHS tests for travel as advised by the UK Government and devolved nations.
What you need to know
You may be required to take a test before going on holiday in order to enter your destination. This could be in the form of a PCR, LAMP or Antigen test. Every country is different, so check the FCDO advice and refer to the destination’s “Entry Requirements” section.
It is likely you will be asked to take the test between 48 and 72 hours before travel however each destination has its own guidance and you should consult the advice before booking your test.
You must ensure that you check the exact testing requirements of your country before booking your test. For example, some countries will not accept a self-administered test and will only accept those administered by a healthcare professional. Details of what test you should take will be listed under the Entry Requirements section of the FCDO destination pages.
How do I book a test for going on holiday?
There are plenty of approved testing providers throughout the country and you find details of UK-Government approved testing providers view the UK Government’s full list of approved testing providers
Many regional airports – including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester and Heathrow – also have efficient testing services on-site or nearby and these tests can be booked in advance.
Brands such as Boots also have a number of testing sites in stores across the country and you can book or order tests via their website.
Barrhead Travel customers have access to preferred pricing from a number of testing providers including Randox, Eurofins and QuRed. Prices start from £20pp. Ask your local Barrhead Travel branch for further information.
We recommend booking these tests around 1-2 weeks before travel as destination guidance can often change.
Disclaimer: Please note that Barrhead Travel cannot guarantee, nor is it responsible for the quality of the service and the delivery of results of the providers listed in this guide. Your agreement will be directly with the provider. We always recommend you consult with your GP if you have any health-related concerns ahead of travelling abroad.
You should also always consult the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website for entry requirements and health information.
Before returning home to the UK
All travellers (aged 11 years and over) are currently required by the UK Government to take a pre-departure test before travelling to the UK. This means you will need to take this test while still on holiday. The test should be a PCR, LAMP or antigen test. Refer to our links below to find out the specific requirements for returning to Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Remember, you will also need to complete a Passenger Locator Form before returning to the UK.
Scotland: Destination Scotland
England: Destination England
Northern Ireland: Destination N Ireland
Wales: Destination Wales
When to take your pre-departure test
You should take the test any time in the three days before the service on which you are travelling with departs back to the UK. You are likely to be asked for proof of the test before boarding and you will be asked to confirm this test in your Passenger Locator Form.
Where do I purchase my pre-departure test?
There are a few options for pre-departure testing but it’s a good idea to plan before you go on holiday. You can order tests in advance from certain UK Government approved providers – including from our partners at QuRed. You can pack these tests in your suitcase before you travel and take the test in resort, following testing instructions.
Alternatively, some hotels offer a pre-departure test that you can arrange during your stay. Most destinations will also have easily-accessible clinics or pharmacies where you can access testing options. If you’re not quite sure what your options are, speak to your Barrhead Travel booking agent for more information.
Everyone travelling into the UK – whether you’re a visitor or citizen – will have to take at least one test after you return.
The number of tests you are required to take and whether you quarantine or not is dependent on several factors: what tier within the Traffic Light System the country you are returning from is and whether you are fully vaccinated or not.
Please refer to our Traffic Light System Guide to find out the advice – including when to take a test - for Green, Amber and Red countries.
Remember – your tests must be from providers that are approved by the devolved nation where you are a resident. Follow the links below for further information.
- Scotland: Destination Scotland
- England: Destination England
- Northern Ireland: Destination N Ireland
- Wales: Destination Wales
Need some extra help? Contact your local Barrhead Travel store for advice and support.
The first public Covid screening centre at in airport in Scotland has opened at Edinburgh Airport with people able to receive fast and accurate PCR swab tests.
The ExpressTest site is located in front of the terminal in the FastPark area of the car park and will be available for passengers, staff and the public.
Passengers and staff at Edinburgh Airport will be charged at a subsidised rate of £80 and £60 respectively, to use the screening service, whilst it will also be available for the general public for £99.
Test results will be emailed or texted to customers typically the next day, with airline passengers advised to schedule a test 48-96 hours prior to their departure time, as a precaution.
Those who screen negative will be emailed a Fit to Fly certificate that is authorised by a doctor, along with their test result, however, passengers are encouraged to check with their travel provider as to whether this document is accepted before booking the screening service.
To book a test, visit Express Test and select a date and time. Customers will then be sent a QR code which they must bring with them to their appointment, along with their passport. Payment will be taken during the booking process. Opening hours are 8 am – 8 pm and customers are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to appointments.
Some countries will permit home-testing results; please ensure you consult the guidance on the FCDO website to find out if this method is suitable for your destination. If in doubt, speak to your local pharmacist for advice.
We’ve partnered with a global healthcare provider, Randox, to offer all Barrhead Travel customers an exclusive discount on home-testing Covid-19 PCR kits which means, as a Barrhead Travel customer, you’ll only pay £85 instead of £120.
Randox delivers healthcare solutions worldwide and is leading providers of self-administered Covid-19 tests. They’ll take care of the full process for you – from delivering your kit with full instructions to collecting, processing and delivering your results. You will receive an official certificate of your results which can be used a proof of a negative test for travel purposes.
COVID 19 Home Test Journey Animation
After booking your holiday with Barrhead Travel, we’ll send you an email with instructions on how to order your home test. When it arrives, you should follow these instructions carefully in order to complete your test.
Remember, the timing of your test will need to coincide with the entry requirements for your destination. For example, many countries require the test to be taken no later than 72 hours prior to departure.
For further information on Randox Home Testing, contact your local Barrhead Travel store.
Please note: the below is for information purposes only and to help identify locations for PCR testing – types of testing may vary per clinic. We always recommend that you follow FCDO guidance for the destination you are travelling to and consult with each clinic before booking your test to ensure suitability for your personal travel requirements.
Location | Timeframe | Price | WebLink |
Glasgow | 48 hours | £130 | |
Glasgow | 48 hours | £150 | |
Edinburgh | 48 hours | £149 | |
Manchester | 48 hours | £250 | |
Manchester | 48 Hours | £149 | |
Liverpool and Oxton The Wirral | 2-3 Days | £150 | |
Manchester | 48 hours | £195 | |
Leeds | 48-72 hours BUT they are getting busy so could be up to 96 | £150 | |
Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury | 1-2 days but cannot guarantee | £248 | |
Birmingham | 48 Hours | £185 | |
Birmingham -Edgbaston | 48 Hours | £155 | |
Birmingham | 48 hours | £195 | |
Watford | 48 Hours | £199 | |
Surrey | 24-48 hours | £145 | |
Central London | 24 -48 Hours | £250 | |
Watford | 48 hours | £199 | |
Harley Street | 2-3 days | £165 | |
Various London Locations | 48 hours | £195 | |
Chelsea | 48 hours | £197 | |
Dorset | Any Age (Swab) | £149 | |
Bristol | 48 hours | £195 | |
Devon | 48-72 hours | £130 + £30 for certificate | |
Cardiff | 48 hours | £195 | |
Dun Laoghaire, Dundrum, Galway, Grafton Street, Tele Consultation, Carlow, Enniscorthy | 72 hours | Without certificate -€160 With certificate -€180 | |
Belfast | 24-30 hours | £195 | |
Dublin | 48 hours | €180 | |
Liverpool | 24 hours | £99 | |
Disclaimer: Please note that Barrhead Travel cannot guarantee, nor is it responsible for the quality of the service and the delivery of results, at the test centres listed in this document. We always recommend you consult with your GP or a pharmacist if you have any health-related concerns ahead of travelling abroad.
You should also always consult the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website for entry requirements and health information.
