Wed, Sep 8, 2021 8:44 AM
Need to travel abroad but worried about your COVID-19 status? You might probably know that most destinations now require a fit to fly certificate. We hope this blog post helps you understand this new requirement and how to make sure you have got the right testing and certificate.
The COVID-19 pandemic situation is constantly changing within the UK and overseas. If you have any plans to travel abroad this year, it’s essential to keep up to date with the latest travel information on the government website to make sure the country you wish to travel to is accepting travellers.
Various measures are in place across the globe, meaning the destination you are travelling into may require you to self-isolate upon arrival or enter a lockdown during your stay. Check the government’s foreign travel advice for more information.
You are now required to provide a negative PCR test result for Covid-19 with 72 hours of travel from England. Also, most countries now expect you to provide a recent COVID-19 test result in the form of a travel certificate. Without such a certificate, you will not be allowed entry. A COVID-19 travel certificate is an official document that provides the results of a recent COVID-19 swab test, also called a COVID-19 PCR test. The test detects the presence of virus in your system at the present moment. These certificates help prevent the spread of COVID-19, by making sure that only travellers who are virus free, are accepted into the country. The information on which countries require proof upon entry can be found on foreign travel advice page.
You have to check with your airline as most destinations require the sample to be taken 72 hours before and some require the report itself within 48 hours before arrival. Therefore it is very important to check with your airline before booking in your test.
COVID-19 testing for international travel is not currently provided by the NHS. You need to get this service privately. You can do this by getting in touch with Papworth Pharmacy on 01480 831415 to book your PCR covid-19 test.
The test involves taking a swab from the nostrils and back of the throat, which you will then need to send to a lab for analysis.
Always be sure to follow all instructions included in the box. If you are travelling please check with your airline how far in advance of boarding you need to complete your test and please make sure you leave enough time for the lab to process your result as well.
While the national testing programme is in place for those with symptoms of COVID-19, those without symptoms might need the test for different reasons. Most countries and airlines now insist on proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before letting people travel and lots of employers want to get their staff regularly tested to help ensure a safe work environment.
Yes, you don’t need to pay extra for the certificate. It will be issued without any extra cost and you will receive it by email.
If your travel is for work purposes, you’ll need to organise a test through your employer.
If you forget your COVID-19 travel certificate, you will not be allowed to travel at the airport. Hence it is important to ensure you have all documents required to enter the country you wish to travel to.
Papworth Pharmacy PCR testing service in Cambridge
Papworth Pharmacy offers PCR test for travel with fit to fly certificate in Cambridge. You need to call our pharmacy to book your appointment or you may be able to book yourself online as well.
You may also consider these things before you travel:
In order to keep up to date with the latest updates, sign up for email notifications from the government’s travel advice page .
Make sure you have enough face masks, as wearing masks are now mandatory in most places.
Keep yourself up to date with the safer air travel guidance for passengers before you leave to know what to expect at the airport.
Purchase travel insurance to cover unexpected situations.
It’s crucial to look after your mental wellbeing during this time. Keep in touch with friends and family throughout your travel, particularly if you need to self-isolate upon arrival or during your stay.
We recommend the COVID-19 pages on the NHS website for more up to date information.
