Where can I get a PCR Covid test for travel- and how much will it cost?

Unfortunately, they’re not available on the NHS meaning your holidays abroad will be a little more expensive.

The UK government announced a traffic light system where certain countries are placed on a ‘green’ ‘amber’ and ‘red’ list based on how say they are to travel to and return from.

However, it doesn’t matter if you are travelling to a ‘safer’ green country or a high-risk red country- you will still be required to take at least two Covid-19 tests.

You must also follow these testing rules even if you have been vaccinated.

Here’s everything you need to know about PCR tests- including where you can get a test in the North West:

What are the Covid test rules for each tiered country?

Green list destinations

Before travel to England you must: take a Covid-19 test.

On arrival in England you must: take a Covid-19 test on or before day two after you arrive.

Children age four and under do not need to take this test.

You don’t need to quarantine unless the result is positive.

Amber list destinations

Before travel to England you must: take a Covid-19 test.

On arrival in England you must: take two Covid-19 tests- one on or before day two after you arrive and another on or after day eight.

You must also quarantine at home for 10 days, regardless of the test result.

Red list destinations

Before travel to England you must: take a Covid-19 test.

On arrival in England you must: quarantine in a managed hotel and two Covid-19 test on or before day two after you arrive.

What type of Covid test can I take?

You must make sure that the test provider you choose can meet the standards for pre-departure testing- failing to do so could mean you are not allowed to travel.

The test must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.

This could include tests such as:

• a nucleic acid test, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or derivative technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests
• an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device (but not every country accepts these tests- so check before getting one!)

How does a PCR test work?

The inside of your nose and back of the throat will be swabbed using a long cotton bud.
After collection, the swab is sealed in a tube and then sent to a laboratory.

This can be done by yourself, if you are aged 12 or over, or someone can do it for you. Parents or guardians should swab test children aged 11 or under.

Where can I get a PCR test in the North West and how much do they cost?

The government has advised people to book a PCR test privately and not use the NHS testing service.

However, they have also created a comprehensive list of companies that provide PCR tests, with prices for tests ranging from £44-£500.

Some of these are ‘supervised’ and staff will take a sample for you.

However, others are unsupervised and you will have to take a sample for yourself.

The government does not endorse or recommend any specific test provider - you should do your own research about them and their terms and conditions.

Here are some businesses, as listed on the Gov.uk website, which offer PCR tests for the North West:

At a testing site (supervised)

Listings are ordered from least to most expensive.

At home (unsupervised)

Listings are ordered from least to most expensive.

In East Lancashire specifically, a variety of providers are on hand to give PCR tests.

At the Blackburn Travel Clinic on Preston Old Road, a green list country testing kit is £90 and the amber kit is £180.

In Burnley, you can visit the new Covid-19 PCR testing centre at Turf Moor.

They have partnered with ExpressTest to offer ‘gold standard’ PCR testing from £80.

Can I get a PCR test anywhere else?

Absolutely- the government’s list is not exhaustive.

Airlines want to combat the sometimes extortionate PCR test prices by offering testing kits for customers on their package holidays.

Here are some of the airline’s prices:

TUI

They’ve teamed up with government-authorised providers Chronomics to offer easy and affordable testing packages for all TUI package holiday customers this summer.  

They tests are currently available for £20 per person with delivery and return costs for the tests included in the price.

British Airways

This airline launched pre-departure tests from Qured from as little as £33.

EasyJet

EasyJet has partnered with Randox to provide £60 testing kits to customers.

This is how you can order a test:

•  Order pre departure, test-to-release, test kit code: easyJet2021
• Order Day 2 and day 8 home sample kit code: easyJet2021d2d8 (for single Day 2 or day 8 only kits - easyJet2021).
• Green Travel Pack code: easyjetgreen
• Amber Travel Pack code: easyjetamber

Ryanair

Passengers can get discounted Covid testing kits for £60.

Jet2

Thanks to their third party providers, Jet2 can offer discounted tests that start from £75.

Are you planning a holiday abroad this year?