Are NHS Covid tests accepted for international travel?

Don't get caught out.

For much of the Covid-19 pandemic, Brits have had access to free lateral flow and PCR testing through the NHS.

It’s given people peace of mind – as they’re able to test at home before visiting an at-risk relative, or before heading back into a busy workspace, for example.

And the general readiness of tests has certainly helped to open things up post-lockdown.

But while these free tests have probably quite literally been a lifesaver, there are some circumstances where you need to dig into your pockets and buy a private test – like when you go on holiday.

Here are the latest rules.

Can you use NHS Covid tests as proof of a negative result for travel?

In short: no, you can’t use NHS tests for personal travel.

If you need to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test result to visit another country, you’ll have to pay privately for the test as part of your holiday expenses.

Part of what you’ve paid for will be a certificate or document as evidence, which states you have had a negative test result for Covid-19.

Currently, travellers from England must purchase a day two PCR test – however, this is switching to the cheaper lateral flow test from October 24.

Under the current PCR system, day two travel tests start at around £45, but often cost around £70 per person.

The cost of a lateral flow tends to be between £20-40.

The NHS advises that if you are travelling internationally for work, you should speak to your employer about expenses.

For all travellers, the NHS recommends ensuring the test provider you pay for properly matches the testing requirements of the country you will be landing in.

To do this, fully read up on your destination’s latest entry requirements on the FCDO website.

Most European countries won’t actually require a negative test on arrival if you’ve been double-jabbed.

But you still need to keep checking the entry requirements, as they could change without much notice.

How will day two lateral flows work for travel?

Travellers due to arrive in England from October 24 onwards will be able to order their lateral flow tests from October 22, when a list of approved providers will be published on the government website.

Fully vaccinated travellers will be told to upload photos of their Covid-19 tests for verification.

If you haven’t had both of your Covid-19 doses, you’ll still need to take a PCR test on day two.

It is worth noting that the travel rules are different for Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland – as they have their own coronavirus protocols.

To enter Scotland, people who aren’t fully vaccinated travelling from non-red list countries need to take a test three days before entering Scotland – though it can be a lateral flow if it meets a specific standard. More details can be found on the Scottish government website.

In Wales, those who aren’t fully vaccinated need to have proof of a negative result before stepping foot into the country, too. Their full list of requirements is on the Welsh government website.

And in Northern Ireland, travellers need to take a PCR after arriving in the country, even if vaccinated. For details, visit the Northern Ireland government website.

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