Are NHS Covid Tests Accepted For Travel?

In the midst of our travel excitement, there has been a lot of confusion among consumers around if NHS issued Covid tests are accepted for travel at present.

Many consumers have been turned away by airlines because they have tried to use their NHS test results as evidence of their Covid-19 status so they can travel abroad.

There have been reports from Ryanair and EasyJet about passengers who had the wrong type of negative Covid test result. These passengers then could not board their flights because of this confusion.

This could discourage consumers from trying to travel again in the near future, or at all if they remain confused after seeing these reports. It could also cause issues for the travel businesses if the consumers turn to them over this issue while neither the airline nor the travel provider is responsible.

In light of this, here are a few things cleared up about which are the Covid tests accepted for travel.

What Covid Test Results Are Accepted For Travel?

As has been made evidence by these reports, NHS test results are not valid as proof for travel.

Since the NHS Track and Trace cannot provide the correct documentation for official proof of negative test results, many airlines are rejecting these results as evidence.

On the UK Government website you will find that the Department for Transport (DfT) advice against any but privately provided PCR tests as evidence for travel.

Because the NHS Track and Trace doesn’t provide the date the test was taken, which is necessary for travel restrictions, some passengers have had to pay a lot of money in order to take a fast PCR test so they can still go on their holiday.

It is vital for consumers to ensure that their test provider can meet the standards the government have set. This means that the test has to meet certain performance standards.

What Are The Standards For Green, Amber, And Red Countries?

To find out the details on the traffic light system, it’s restrictions, and what you need to do to travel to your chosen destination, you can visit our traffic light system blog. However, here is a rundown of the requirements to keep in mind for green, amber, and red destinations:

Green Listers

• You must provide evidence that you have completed a Covid test with negative results within 72 hours before departure.
• You must also test on or before day 2 of your arrival back in the UK (with negative results).

Amber Listers

• Upon return to the UK you must quarantine for 10 days either in your home or other accommodation.
• You must provide evidence that you have completed a PCR test with negative results within 72 hours before departure.
• Before your holiday you must purchase PCR tests to be administered on days 2 and 8 of your quarantine, with negative results.
• You may take a third, optional, Test to Release test on day 5 of your quarantine. If this is negative you will be released from quarantine, however, you must still take your day 8 test.

Red Listers

• Non-essential travel is banned in red list countries
• You must book a 10 day stay in an government approved quarantine hotel, this is where you will quarantine upon your return to the UK.
• You must provide evidence that you have completed a PCR test with negative results within 72 hours before departure.
• Before your holiday you must purchase PCR tests to be administered on days 2 and 8 of your quarantine, with negative results.

All PTS members have excellent knowledge and we would strongly advise you book with a reputable PTS agent or travel company that can give you correct advice and assurance.

If you are looking for recommendations on good travel services, agents, and operators to book a safe holiday this summer, please call us at 0207 190 9988 so we can help you find the right PTS member for you.

If you need reassurance that you are working with a test supplier that will be valid for travel, get in contact with your PTS member. Or, for advice, you can contact PTS head office at 0207 190 9988 or email ask@protectedtrustservices.com.