COVID-19 PCR Fit to Fly Test Kit

What is the COVID-19 PCR Fit to Fly Test Kit?

This COVID-19 PCR Fit to Fly Test Kit is an at-home testing kit that you can use to obtain the documents you need to be able to fly abroad. This kit includes everything you’ll need to take your swab test and send it off to a testing lab for analysis. Once the lab has your test, your results will be processed and sent back to you within 24-hours, along with your Fit To Fly Certificate if your test is negative for COVID-19. The quick turnaround makes these tests ideal for those who have to travel abroad during the pandemic and need a convenient way to get the documents necessary to fly safely.

How to take this COVID-19 PCR Fit To Fly test

Before taking your PCR test, make sure you wash and dry your hands thoroughly and attach the URN labels included to the test tube and biohazard bag. You’ll have one extra URN label, which you can use to track your test results after you’ve sent them off. Take your swab test as follows:

• Open the swab, taking care to avoid touching the soft tip

• Open your mouth and swab the soft tip over your tonsils and the back of your throat, avoiding your tongue, teeth, and gums

• Insert the same swab into your nostril, going gently in as far as you can until you meet resistance. Rotate the swab 5 times in the nostril, then remove it and repeat the process in your other nostril

• Open the sample collection tube and place the swab into the liquid, soft tip first

• Break or cut off the extra handle of the swab, leaving the soft tip inside

• Replace the lid onto the sample tube, making sure it’s tightly fastened

• Wash your hands and then place the sample tube into the sample bags included and then into the return envelope

Where do I send my completed test to?

Your test kit includes a prepaid return envelope you can use to send your completed test back to the lab. When your test is done and secured within the envelope, you’ll need to pop it into a Royal Mail priority post box - a scheme the Royal Mail have started to get COVID-19 test samples to testing labs faster. You can find your nearest priority post box on the Royal Mail’s website, using your postcode to see all of your closest options. If you like, you can also take your return envelope to your nearest post office and pay for guaranteed next day shipping for your sample, but this isn’t required and is completely up to you.

How long will it take to get my test results?

Your test comes with a prepaid Royal Mail Track 24 envelope, so if you send your sample off as soon as you’ve done your test it should be with the lab within 24 hours. Once the lab has your sample it will be processed right away and your results will be emailed to you with your Fit To Fly Certificate within 24 hours. All in all, this will usually take around 48 hours in total, but you should do your test as early as possible to leave breathing room for any potential delays.

Why would I need a Fit to Fly Certificate?

You’ll need a Fit To Fly Certificate before you can enter most countries as the coronavirus pandemic continues. These certificates prove that you’ve had a negative COVID-19 test result recently, and can travel safely into the country you want to go to. If you try to travel without valid proof of a recent negative test, you will not be able to enter some countries and can even be fined at border control.

Which countries need proof of a negative COVID-19 test for travel?

At the moment, most countries need proof of a negative COVID-19 test before you’re allowed entry. This includes Spain, Portugal, Greece, and many other popular holiday destinations. You’ll usually find that airlines will ask to see your proof of a negative test before you’re allowed to fly with them, so make sure you have yours printed out and ready before you go to the airport. The same applies for any other method of travel, as you’ll also be asked to show your certificate at border control.

Can I travel to any country when I have a Fit To Fly Certificate?

Although Fit To Fly Certificates are a must for travelling abroad at the moment, they don’t give you a free pass to travel to any country you want to. You’ll still need to follow the Government’s travel guidelines carefully, making sure that you don’t travel to countries within their Amber and Red territory lists unless it is absolutely essential. These precautions have been put in place to keep COVID-19 and its different strains from spreading and will help to keep you and others safe during the pandemic.

When will I need to get my certificate?

The amount of time you’ll have to get your certificate can vary depending on the country you’re travelling to. At the moment, most countries ask that you present a Fit To Fly Certificate proving that you took a negative COVID-19 test within 2 - 3 days before you leave the UK OR within 2 - 3 days before you attempt to enter the country you’re going to. With that in mind, we recommend that you find out how long your time window for a valid test is and take your test as early as you can within that time. This will mean that you’ll have as much time as possible to get your Certificate back, allowing for any delays that may happen along the way.

How long will my certificate be valid?

Your certificate doesn’t have an expiration date as such, but as you’ll need to take your COVID-19 test within a window of a few days before you’re due to leave the UK, your Fit-To-Fly Certificate will only be valid for one trip in most cases. You’ll need to show your certificate to airline staff when you leave the UK and may also need to present it to border security at the country you’re travelling to. They’ll check the date your test was taken to ensure that it meets their entry requirements.

How will I get my test results?

Your COVID-19 test results will be sent to the email address you provide when you send your test kit back. The email will contain your Fit To Fly Certificate to show that your test result was negative, or a certificate to say that your test result showed positive for COVID-19. You will need to print your certificate out so you can take it with you when you travel, so make sure you keep that in mind when you organise your travel tickets and other papers.

Important Information

Please be aware that we cannot be responsible for delays in posting your completed test or for your results. You should make sure to order and take your test as early as you possibly can to make sure that you have enough time to get your Fit To Fly Certificate before you travel. Make sure to follow the instructions included with your test carefully to ensure that your test results are accurate and to avoid any potential contamination.