1. Test before you fly
In order to board your flight to the UK, you must provide evidence of a suitable negative COVID-19 test at your departure airport.
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Travelling into the UK
2. Arrivals testing
On arrival in the UK you must take a COVID-19 test on day two and day eight. Alternative rules apply to red list destinations.
Book arrivals tests3. 'Test to Release’ (optional)
You can reduce your time in self-isolation by paying for a COVID-19 test as part of the UK Government's 'Test to Release' scheme.
Find 'Test to Release’ optionsTravelling out of the UK
Departure testing
Many countries around the world have introduced additional entry requirements. If you need a COVID-19 test for your upcoming flight departing from the UK, we’ve brought together a number of options with exclusive discounts to help you book the test you need to travel easily and safely. Please note: you are not able to use a National Health Service (NHS) test for this purpose. Find out more
Make your trip easier with the VeriFLY app
Outbound routes from the UK - Available on selected outbound routes (including all US and Canada destinations; and all destinations in France departing from 12 April onwards).
Arrivals into the UK - Available on all international flights into the UK.
To give you peace of mind, we’ve partnered with the VeriFLY app to help check you meet the entry requirements of your destination by providing digital health document verification and confirming eligibility, before departing for the airport.
How to use VeriFLY:
- Simply download the App to your iOS or Android device
- Create an account and add your flight details to see the requirements.
- You can upload your negative COVID-19 test results, which must be taken in the required time frame applicable to your journey.
- You’ll receive a green check mark when you’ve met the requirements, which you can use to pass through the airport with ease.
- Look out for dedicated VeriFLY check-in and fast track lanes.
VeriFLY is a third-party travel readiness app, provided by Daon. Using this third-party service is optional. You’ll be able to present a test certificate and other documentation at check-in if you prefer. Please remember, it is your responsibility to check and observe all of the latest health and entry requirements applicable to your journey before you travel.
Travelling into the UK
There are several testing requirements for entering the UK. You must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days of departure to the UK, once you’ve arrived in the UK, you must take a test on day two and on day eight. You must also complete a Passenger Locator Form. Further details and exceptions are below.
1. Test before you fly
In order to board your flight to the UK, you must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test at your departure airport, taken within 3 days of departure to the UK. Acceptable tests include PCR, LAMP or Antigen tests, provided they meet the standards outlined by the UK Government - What you need to know
If you need to take a test from anywhere in the world
To make it easier to plan your trip, we’re offering discounted antigen test kits with Qured - simply pack your test and use it wherever you are in the world (Qured tests are available for delivery to UK addresses only).
How it works:
- Book your test with Qured well in advance of your departure from the UK, Qured will send you a kit to pack and take with you
- Schedule your video call with a Qured Health Advisor
- Take your test within 3 days prior to your flight back to the UK, following the advisor’s instructions
- Your results will be visible in just 20 minutes
Use discount code: BATRAVEL15
Please note: Tests are available for delivery to UK addresses only. If you do not have a UK address, please source an alternative testing supplier who conforms with the UK Government testing rules for your journey into the UK.
If you need to take a test in the US
If you're travelling to the UK from the US, you can order a test from LetsGetChecked.
How it works:
- Order your test to be delivered to your US address
- Take your test by following the instructions provided and send your sample back using the free shipping service
- Receive your results within 72 hours of your sample reaching the laboratory
Exclusive British Airways discounts available
2. Arrivals testing
Non-red list arrivals
If you have arrived in the UK from a country that is not on the red list you must follow UK Government testing and self-isolation rules.
You must take a COVID-19 test on or before day two for variant surveillance and a test on or after day eight to check that you do not have COVID-19. Find out more
Make a note of your COVID testing package booking reference and the name of your testing provider as you’ll need to include these in your Passenger Locator Form.
Government-approved suppliers offering discounts for British Airways customers:
- CityDoc provides home test kits and tests at London clinics
Use discount code: BA35 - ExpressTest provides tests at Heathrow and Gatwick
Use discount code: BRITISHAIRWAYS04 - Medicspot provides home test kits
Use discount code: BA - Qured provides home test kits
Use discount code: BATRAVEL15
Red list arrivals
If you have arrived in the UK from a country on the red list you must follow UK Government hotel quarantine requirements.
Make a note of your COVID quarantine package booking reference and your quarantine hotel address as you’ll need to include these in your Passenger Locator Form.
Find out how to book your quarantine hotel
3. ‘Test to Release’ (optional)
When you arrive into the UK you can join the UK Government’s ‘Test to Release’ scheme and pay for a COVID-19 test to reduce your time in self-isolation. This is in addition to the tests that everyone must take on or before day two and on or after day eight of their quarantine period. The 'Test to release' scheme is not applicable if you are coming into the UK from a red list country.
Government-approved suppliers offering discounts for British Airways customers:
- Chronomics provides home test kits
Use discount code: BritishAirways17 - CityDoc provides home testing kits and tests at London clinics
Use discount code: BA35 - Collinson provides tests at Heathrow and London City airports
Use discount code: BALHR5 - Medicspot provides home test kits
Use discount code: BA - Qured provides home test kits
Use discount code: BATRAVEL15
Find out more about the ‘Test to Release’ scheme
Please note that the links for COVID-19 testing services will take you to external sites.
Travelling out of the UK
Step 1: Check whether you need a COVID-19 test to travel from the UK to your destination
Visit the UK government site to check whether you need proof of a negative COVID-19 test for your destination. Return to this page to review the UK testing options we've brought together.
Step 2: Choose the type of test you wish to take
Review the COVID-19 test options below and select the one most suitable for you.
Step 3: Arrange your chosen test using your British Airways discount
Simply click on your chosen test below and follow the instructions to receive your discount and arrange your test.
Home tests
Nomad
Tests: PCR swab
Home testing PCR kits available with a supervised video call for additional guidance.
Use discount code: BRITISHAIRWAYS15
Nomad testsCityDoc
Tests: PCR swab
Home testing PCR and Antibody kits with home collection service available.
Use discount code: BA35
CityDoc testsHalo
Tests: PCR saliva
Receive your Halo PCR test kit in the post via tracked delivery service.
Use discount code: BRITISHAIRWAYSHALO
Halo testsMedicspot
Tests: PCR swab
Collect and drop off a PCR test kit at your nearest test centre.
Use discount code: BA
Medicspot testsQured
Tests: PCR swab
Home testing PCR kits delivered to UK addresses.
Use discount code: BATRAVEL15
Qured testsLetsGetChecked
Tests: PCR swab
Order a home testing PCR kit delivered to a UK address.
Exclusive British Airways discounts available.
LetsGetChecked testsTesting centres
Nomad
Tests: PCR, Antigen, Antibody
Book a test at one of Nomad's clinics located across the UK.
Use discount code: BRITISHAIRWAYS15
Nomad testsCityDoc
Tests: PCR, Antibody
Arrange an appointment to take a test at one of CityDoc’s London clinics.
Use discount code: BA35
CityDoc testsExpressTest
Tests: PCR
National test centres including sites at Heathrow and Gatwick.
Use discount code: BRITISHAIRWAYS04
ExpressTest testsAirport tests
Testing at Heathrow
Tests: PCR, LAMP, Antigen, Antibody
Collinson, in partnership with Heathrow Airport Ltd, offer tests at the airport before you travel with results typically available within 90 minutes.
NB LAMP tests are only accepted by select destinations.
Use discount code: BALHR5
Heathrow testsTesting at London City
Tests: PCR, Lamp, Antigen, Antibody
Collinson, in partnership with London City Airport, offer a variety of tests for travellers arriving and departing from the UK. NB LAMP tests are only accepted by select destinations so please check before choosing your test.
Use discount code: BALCY
London City tests'Test and Rest' at Heathrow
Tests: PCR
Sofitel London Heathrow offers a 'Test and Rest' package. This includes an overnight stay and a PCR test with results delivered overnight.
Email restandtest@sofitel.com to book and receive a free room upgrade, subject to availability.
Please note that the links for COVID-19 testing services will take you to external sites.
Travel insurance
If you need insurance, our travel insurance partner Allianz Assistance now offers medical assistance cover for COVID-19 for customers in the UK and some other countries. Find out more.
Useful UK government links
Testing requirements for travel to the UK
Self-isolating when you arrive in the UK
Hotel quarantine requirements for arrivals from red list destinations
Foreign Office travel advice and entry requirements
Passenger locator form for entering the UK
Important information
Entry requirements differ from country to country and may be subject to change with very little notice so please check the UK government site regularly before you travel.
We recommend confirming the current lead-times for your chosen test directly with the supplier to ensure you allow enough time before departure.
Each passenger is responsible for checking and conforming with the entry and exit requirements at their arrival and return destinations. Please be aware that if you fail to comply with these requirements you may not be able to travel or be allowed to enter your destination.
About the testing services
COVID-19 testing services are provided independently of us. British Airways assumes no responsibility for such services. Should you choose to purchase a COVID-19 test from these suppliers, their terms and conditions will apply.
The testing services referenced on this page are not being advertised by us as a travel service or a holiday feature.