COVID-19 tests for travel

We have two COVID-19 tests that can be used for travelling our supervised lateral flow test and our at-home PCR test. These both provide a Fit to Fly certificate with a negative test result. However, the right test for you will depend on your destination and airline. Make sure to check which test you need for your travel destination on the government website before you buy or book a test with us.

Many countries have removed or reduced the tests required for UK travellers who have been fully vaccinated. If you have not been fully vaccinated, you should continue to follow the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to.

You should carefully research the requirements of your destination country before travelling.

Our PCR tests like the ones the NHS use detects the specific COVID-19 virus RNA ( genetic material). The test can detect these particles in nose swabs even if you have no symptoms. Your sample can only be tested in a lab which is why results can take longer.

A lateral flow test, the ones we use in our stores, detects specific coronavirus protein fragments. You can have one of these if you have no symptoms as one of our pharmacy team will take a swab of your nose. The swab is then dipped into a tube of liquid which is then dropped onto a small strip in the test device. Because samples aren’t sent to a lab, your result will be ready in 15 minutes.

An antigen test is also known as a rapid flow test or a lateral flow test. Our in-store lateral flow test service is an antigen test giving you results in just 15 minutes. Some countries accept negative results from antigen tests (lateral flow tests) with a Fit to Fly certificate to enter.

Make sure to check which test you need for your travel destination on the government website before you travel.

If your destination country accepts results from a lateral flow test you can get tested in your local LloydsPharmacy. Simply book your appointment online and visit your chosen store. Bear in mind you’ll need to wear a face mask in our consultation rooms and not have any COVID-19 symptoms. One of our experts from the pharmacy team will do the swab for you and results will be ready in 15 minutes. Your Fit to Fly certificate will also be available if you have a negative result.

If your travel destination accepts results from a PCR test you can order our at-home swab test kit. You’ll be able to do the swab test yourself or for a child if needed in the comfort of your own home. Once you have your sample simply post into a Royal Mail Priority Postbox and your results can be viewed online within 24-36 hours of the lab receiving your sample. Your certificate for travel will be available with a negative result.

We’ve made it really easy to get the tests you need to go on holiday or travel for work. You can either book your appointment at your local LloydsPharmacy or order your test online for delivery to your home. But please check which type of test you need first before booking your appointment.

We have testing options to suit everyone’s budget, just choose the best (and the correct) one for you and your travels If you need your results quickly our in-store test gives results in just 15 minutes If you’d rather do the test at home our PCR swab test kit includes free home delivery or collection from our nearest store.

Yes, if your results are negative. And our certificates can be used as Fit to Fly certificates. Just make sure to check the travel requirements of both the airline and country you are travelling to, to make sure you're having the right test.