Your essential guide to travel, PCR tests and quarantine
Reviewed and fact-checked by Giulia Guerrini, Superintendent Pharmacist. Read our editorial policy to see how we create informative, accurate content.
Ready to get on a plane again? Us too – and let’s face it, we could practically hear the cheer from the whole country when the ban on international travel was lifted. But you’ve probably guessed that travel isn’t as easy as just getting on a plane anymore. There’s a lot to think about: from international travel restrictions, to COVID testing for travel and UK quarantine rules. We’ve put together this handy guide to help you with the essential information you need to know before you jet off for some summer sun.
Here's everything you need to know about:
- Green, amber and red list countries
- PCR tests
- Fit to fly COVID tests
- PCR test rules before you come back to England
- UK quarantine rules
- PCR tests when you’re back in England
- Test to release
">Green, amber and red list countries
On 17 May, the government announced a traffic light system for international travel. They also included guidance on travel restrictions, which we’ll break down for you here.
Green list countries
The government has advised it’s safe to travel to 12 green list countries, one’s where you won’t have to quarantine when you get back to England. This only applies if you’ve not been to one of the amber or red list countries within 10 days of coming back to England. You’ll also have to fill out a passenger locator form before you return.
Remember, even though the government said the green list countries are safe to travel to, they’ll have their own COVID-19 travel restrictions, requirements and rules that you should check carefully before you decide to travel.
Amber list countries
The government recommends that you do not travel to amber list countries. But, if you visit one within 10 days of returning to England, you’ll have to go into self quarantine at home for 10 days. You’ll have to take a COVID-19 PCR test before you come back and on day 2 and 8 of your quarantine. You can also take a COVID-19 PCR test on day 5 to release yourself from quarantine (it’s called a Test-to-Release). You’ll also have to fill out a passenger locator form, too. All the rules must be followed, even if you’ve had both COVID vaccinations.
Red list countries
The government recommends you do not travel to red list countries. Only British and Irish nationals, and people who have residence rights in the UK, will be allowed into England after travelling from a red list country. If you fall into this group, and have been through one at any time within 10 days of returning to England, you’ll have to stay in a designated quarantine hotel for 10 days. You’ll also need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test when you arrive at the border.
Countries on the green, amber and red lists are being updated every few weeks. For the most up-to-date lists, click here.
">PCR tests
What does PCR test stand for?
A PCR test stands for polymerase chain reaction test.
What is a PCR COVID test?
A PCR COVID test detects genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can tell if you were infected with the virus at the time you took the test, and can even detect fragments of the virus after you’re no longer infected.
How accurate are PCR COVID tests?
A PCR test is the absolute gold standard of tests, giving you the most accurate and reliable results. That’s why they’re used for definitively diagnosing COVID-19.
Where can I get a PCR test?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you can book a free test on the NHS website. If you need a PCR test for travel, you’ve come to the right place. We now offer Rightangled PCR COVID tests to order. Just tap to buy and we’ll get it to you in no time at all with our next day delivery service. You'll also get your results back within 24 hours of it being tested in the lab.
">Fit to fly COVID tests
Most countries around the world require a negative COVID-19 PCR test to allow you into the country. This is also known as a fit to fly COVID test. These tests are not available for free on the NHS, so you’ll need to get a private COVID test for travel. The exact type of test required varies between countries. You’ll need to carefully check local guidance on what sort of fit to fly test you need. If you need a standard PCR test and fit to fly certificate, you can order one from medino today for delivery tomorrow and results 24 hours after lab testing.
">PCR test rules before you come back to England
Every passenger who arrives in England will need to show a negative PCR COVID test when they arrive at the border. You’ll need to take this test even if you’re travelling from green list countries, are fully vaccinated or if you’re a UK citizen. The COVID test will not be valid if it’s done longer than 3 days (72 hours) before the start of your flight or departure from the country you’re travelling from. You’ll need to have this test done privately in the country you’re coming from and you aren’t allowed to use an NHS COVID test. If you’re not going to be away for longer than 3 days, you can use the same COVID PCR test you used when leaving England.
">UK quarantine rules
There are different quarantine rules depending on whether you’ve come from one of the green, amber or red list countries. Here’s a break down:
Green list countries
You don’t need to quarantine when you get back to England but you’ll still need to take a COVID PCR test.
Amber list countries
If you’ve been in one of the countries on the amber list any time within 10 days of arriving back to England, you’ll have to self quarantine at home or at the accommodation you’ve booked for 10 days. These 10 days do not include the day you arrive back. You’ll also need to follow PCR test rules.
Red list countries
Only British and Irish nationals and people who have residence rights in the UK will be allowed into England from red list countries. This includes anyone who has, at any time within 10 days of arriving in England, been in a red list country. When you arrive, you’ll need to stay in a quarantine hotel for 10 days/11 nights. The day you arrive does not count towards the 10 days. You have to prebook and pay for your hotel quarantine before you arrive and won’t be able to choose which one you stay in.
">PCR tests when you’re back in England
How many COVID-19 PCR tests you have to take (and when you take them) when you get back to England depends on which country you’ve come back from.
Green list countries
You’ll need to take a PCR swab test on or before day 2 after you’ve arrived in England. If you get a negative result, you won’t have to quarantine at all.
Amber list countries
After you arrive back in England, and during your self quarantine, you’ll have to take two PCR COVID tests. These will be on or before day 2 and on or after day 8 of your arrival. If you buy your day 2 and day 8 PCR COVID tests from us, you’ll need to get them before you leave the country. This is because the specific test barcodes need to be added to your passenger card on your way back to England.
Red list countries
If you arrive in England after being in a red list country, you’ll have to take a PCR test on day 2 and day 8 after your arrival. These tests are included in the quarantine hotel package you would have booked.
">Test to release
If you’ve arrived in England from an amber list country and want to be released early from the 10 day quarantine, you can apply for the test to release scheme by buying a private PCR COVID test, such as this Rightangled PCR test. This test cannot be taken until you have been in England in self quarantine for a full 5 days. If the test comes back negative, you can be released from quarantine immediately. You’ll still need to take your day 2 and day 8 test – even if you get a negative result on day 5.
If you buy your day 2, day 8 and day 5 test to release PCR CVOID tests from us, you’ll need to get them before you leave the country. This is because the specific test barcodes need to be added to your passenger card on your way back to England.
Ready to take a PCR COVID test and see a bit of sunshine? Buy yours today for delivery tomorrow – and results within 24 hours after they’ve been lab tested by Rightangled.
