covid test in london for travel

COVID-19 Travel Testing London

Covid-19 travel testing.

For the latest information on your chosen destination please choose the country from the list at the bottom of this page. 

Why DocTap for Coronavirus Travel Testing

• Locations across London.
• Lateral Flow Self-Tests from £24

Countries have differing requirements for pre-flight Covid-19 tests.  Please select your chosen travel destination below for the latest guidance on testing requirements.

Please note that we no longer offer Covid-19 PCR tests and only offer antigen self-tests.

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Test Requirements - Select Destination Country:

Covid-19 tests.

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Why Choose DocTap Covid-19 Testing?

Frequently asked questions, test details and timings, what is the covid-19 policy for my particular country or airline.

Please see the latest goverment travel advice and testing requirements for your destination country here .

How much does a Covid-19 test cost?

Please visit the booking page for a full list of tests, prices and availability.

How do I book tests for multiple people?

Simply book a test for the first member of your party.  Then repeat the process for another test, but on the payment screen enter the details of the second person.  Repeat for any other members of your party.

If you have accidentally booked multiple tests for the same person then don't worry, you will receive an automated email checking that this is what you wanted.  To make a change simply reply to the email with the second person's details. Please ensure we have the correct details before you take your test.

results and certificates

Can i speed up my results.

Once you have taken your test we are unable to speed up your results. We have integrated with our laboratory partners to ensure that you will automatically receive your results and doctor's certificate as soon as they are released by the laboratory. 

Can I get my certificate signed by a doctor?

To ensure the fastest possible turnaround, your results and doctor's certificate will be emailed to you.  Our doctor's letters are on a DocTap headed document and include the signature and GMC number of our medical director. We have had very few requests for paper copies or stamps.

Should you require one of these then we can arrange it to be stamped or signed at one of our London clinics at no extra charge. If you require this please let us know once you have received your results.  Please allow an additional 24 hours to arrange printing and signing of your certificate.  We only have a limited number of London locations where you can collect a certificate from.  We will be able to advise you on your options depending on the day your results are available.

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COVID-19 tests

We are pleased to be offering COVID-19 pre-travel (PCR) tests and antibody tests to the general public.

Antibody tests

An antibody test can tell you if it’s likely you have had coronavirus before, however it cannot tell you if you have coronavirus now.

• Patients should only attend an appointment and take this test if they are free from any symptoms of the coronavirus
• It takes just 10 minutes for one of our team to take a sample of your blood, via a needle
• The test will confirm if you have antibodies to the virus but is not an indication of future vulnerability
• We will send your test result via an encrypted email within 48 hours of your sample being taken
• After the test, you will be provided with a leaflet explaining the different types of test results but we are not able to discuss individual test results or provide antibody interpretation services
• The cost of the test is £98.00. This will be taken over the phone by one of our team. We will only accept payments via credit card or debit card.

The test has been verified in collaboration with King's College NHS Trust and is currently being used there also.

Book an antibody test

Pre-travel tests

Pre-travel coronavirus swab tests are for people who are travelling abroad. This is the most reliable way to detect if you do or do not have COVID-19. The cost of this test is £135.

Each country has a different set of requirements for when the test should be taken, so please ensure that you time your test appropriately depending on your own personal travel requirements.

We will send results within 48 hours on your COVID-19 ‘fit to fly’ certificate. You must ensure that the country you are travelling to will accept a PCR test as proof of a negative coronavirus result before you travel.

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+ what is day 2 pcr test.

Anyone who has traveled from the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic has been required to take several Covid-19 tests, before, sometimes during, and then again upon returning to the country. Until now, these tests have been predominantly polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, but the government recently announced that this is all to change in the very near future. Day 2 PCR tests Are Replacing antigen tests. As the world continues to open up for international travel, the UK government has announced changes to the testing requirements for people entering the country. From 11th February 2022 , fully vaccinated travelers will no longer be required to take a day 2 test upon arrival.

+ Is Day 2 PCR test more expensive than Day 2 antigen test?

With majority of the travellers being fully vaccinated, this would reduce the hassle that is needed to return to the UK. Although a small number of travellers who are not vaccinated, would need to purchase a more expensive Day 2 PCR test.

+ Is there going to be a diffrence for Vaccinated and Non-Vaccinated travellers testing?

While things are now much easier to understand, we appreciate that you still probably have an array of unanswered questions about Covid-19 travel testing. So, to help you out, we’ve put together this helpful list of Covid-19 Travel Testing FAQs.

But please remember that Covid-19 guidelines often change with very little notice, so always double-check the latest requirements before you book your travel.

+ What Covid-19 test do I need when I come back from a non-red-list country?

Fully vaccinated passengers returning no lomger need a test to book. Only non-vaccinated travellers are required to book a Day 2 PCR test or order a home test.

+Do I still need to test if I am fully vaccinated?

No Fully vaccinated travellers with an approved brand of vaccine, no longer need a test to book.

+What about if I’m unvaccinated?

You would need to book and pay for your PCR Day 2 test. You will recieve a test reference code which you would need to enter to your passenger locator form prior to deprature to UK.

+What is the passenger locator form?

Before arriving in the UK, all non-vaccinated travelers are required to complete a government-issued passenger locator form. This should be done within 48 hours of your arrival, and there are no costs associated with the form. You will be required to show the form to your airline before you board.

+How do I get my Covid-19 test result?

When you have ordered and received your lateral flow test from a private testing clinic, you should follow the instructions to complete the test at home. Return the test via post to us. You would then recieve your test result within 24 hours of us receiving your sample.

+Can I take the test at home, or do I have to visit a clinic?

The government requires travelers to take a lateral flow test on day 2 of their return, so it’s up to you whether you visit a clinic or do it at home. But remember, you cannot use the NHS service for Covid-19 travel testing, so you will have to contact a government-approved UK Covid-19 testing facility to order and arrange your test.

Are the rules on Covid-19 testing the same for the whole of the UK?

Travel policy in the United Kingdom is devolved, so each government has the final decision upon whether to adopt the new changes. Previously, both Scotland and Northern Ireland have aligned with a central policy on Covid-19 testing. But Wales has criticised the move to replace PCR testing, which they describe as ‘the gold standard of Covid testing. So be sure to check the GOV.UK website for up-to-date testing requirements for each region of the UK.

Schedule Your Covid-19 Travel Test Today.

At PExpo Diagnostics, we offer a comprehensive range of Covid-19 testing for travelers returning to the UK. You can either book an in-clinic or postal test via our website, and we provide you with all the necessary equipment and instructions to ensure you are compliant with the latest UK government guidelines in relation to Covid-19 testing.

For instance, our Antigen Test + Fit to Fly Home Kits are aligned with the latest government changes that will come into effect on 24 October. If you have any questions at all regarding the latest Covid-19 testing guidance or would like to speak to one of our medical professionals.

PExpo Diagnostics offer real-world pandemic response solutions - we have highly trained, registered healthcare professionals ready to provide you with the cheapest PCR covid test in London. We analyse results using our own specialist equipment and guarantee a cheap fit to fly Covid test, London. You can expect to receive your results very quickly.

Testing for Covid-19 is the only way to know for certain if you have contracted the Covid-19 virus, so we conduct PCR Covid tests at a range of clinics across London. If you have been searching for covid testing near me, we can help. For those who cannot reach one of our corona test centres in London, we supply home-testing kits that come with very clear illustrated instructions to ensure that you take your Day 2 test swab correctly.

With so many cases of Covid-19 being asymptomatic, c19 testing is the only safe and guaranteed method of preventing large-scale outbreaks in local communities and workplaces. We provide tests for as little as £2 if you are looking for a ‘lateral flow test near me’ to protect yourself and your community. 

At PExpo Diagnostics, we can arrange for corporate employees to be tested rapidly, and should a positive test be returned, we’re able to advise on best practices regarding isolation, quarantine, and contact tracing. We also offer Rapid COVID-19 Antigen testing services alongside PCR tests for travel at our London clinics.

Our fit to fly COVID test is the most affordable solution in London, and we can provide fit to fly certificates the very same day (or the next day, depending on timing). You can visit our clinic, staffed with trained healthcare professionals for the cheapest PCR covid test in London, where you’ll get fast, accurate results.

If you can’t visit us in person, you can order an antigen Day 2 covid test postal kit from us.

Fitzrovia, London

PExpo Diagnostics, 45 Newman Street, W1T 1QE

Monday to Saturday: 9am-11pm

Sunday: 11am-11pm

+44 (0)20 3575 1209

PExpo At 230 Edgware Rd

Edgware Road, London

PExpo Diagnostics, 230 Edgware Road, W2 1DW

PExpo Edgware Road

Near Marble Arch Station

Relocating to 230 Edgware Road

Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm

Saturday-Sunday: 9am - 5pm

PExpo Kensington

Olympia, London

Hammersmith Road, W14 8XJ

Monday–Friday: 9am - 6pm

Saturday: 10am - 5pm

PExpo Muswell Hill

East Finchley, London

PExpo Diagnostics, 166-168 High Rd, N2 9AS

Monday to Saturday: 9am - 5pm

Sunday: Closed

+44 (0) 20 3575 1209

PExpo Barnet

Finchley Central, London

PExpo Diagnostics, 110-112 Ballards Ln, Church End, N3 2DN

PExpo Wycombe

High Wycombe

PExpo Diagnostics, 340 Desborough Avenue, HP 1 2TG

Monday to Friday: Opening soon

Saturday-Sunday: Opening Soon

PExpo Vauxhall

Kennington, London

PExpo Diagnostics, 222 Kennington Park Rd, SE11 4DA

Monday to Saturday: 9am - 5:30pm

Saturday : 9am - 1:30pm

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Cost of Covid tests at London airports and how long results take

We have compared the price and time taken to undergo various Covid tests at the UK's biggest airports

• 14:02, 25 AUG 2021
• Updated 14:25, 25 AUG 2021

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There’s always a big checklist when it comes to going on holiday - and that list now includes getting a Covid test.

There are different tests you can get, depending on where you’re heading, and plenty of places offering them.

But when it comes to getting the right one for travel, and making sure you get your results on time, the best option is at the airport.

READ MORE: Blind Camden man, 65, 'terrified' to leave the house after e-scooters 'take over' streets

Here’s what the UK’s major airports offer as well as how much they cost and how long your results will take:

Heathrow Airport

People wanting to travel from Heathrow Airport have access to PCR drive-through testing, park and test, in-terminal testing centre. It provides next-day results by 10pm and costs £59.

They also have lateral flow/rapid antigen drive-through testing, in terminal testing. This gives results within 30 minutes and costs £35.

The LAMP testing, also in the terminal testing centre, costs £85 and gives results within 120 minutes.

However, if you have time, you can undergo home testing with the lateral flow/rapid antigen test from £39, with results within 120 minutes. Their PCR Home Self-swab results come back within 24 hours (from receipt at the lab), and cost £69.

Gatwick Airport

This drive-through centre located on Perimeter Road South (RH6 0PQ), offers a Fit to Fly PCR swab test for £59. It also offers PCR Green Arrivals tests for £69. You must book in advance. Results by 10pm the next day.

At their Expresstest Walk-In (North Terminal), Fit to Fly PCR swab test costs £59 to have results by 10pm the next day. This is compared to a rapid antigen test which costs £35 and gives results in 30 minutes.

However, tests are also available in Boots (South Terminal Arrivals Area), with a Private PCR swab test costing £85 for results within 48 hours.

There’s also a range of tests available via Collinson. (Collinson have consistent pricing so will match other airports).

Luton Airport

Luton Airport has both drive-through tests and walk-in available with Collinson, which dropped its prices earlier this year.

Their Pre-Departure PCR test gives results typically within 48 hours and costs £66. This compares to their Rapid Pre-Departure PCR Test (available at Heathrow - Cardinal Point, Newell Road only) which provides results typically within three hours.

Their Pre-Departure LAMP test costs £68 for results usually between 90 to 120 minutes, and their Pre-Departure Antigen test produces results between 45 to 60 minutes at a cost of £32.

Lastly, the airport’s Pre-Departure Antibody test costs £32 for results within 45 to 60 minutes of the test being taken.

City Airport

The airport’s testing centre is delivered in partnership with Collinson. Tests are carried out by Collinson nurses and are available for passengers travelling from London City, or other airports.

Travellers have access to RT-PCR tests with results within 48 hours at a cost of £66, and RT-LAMP tests which produce results within 90 minutes and cost £68.

Their Antigen and Antibody results both come back within 45 minutes and cost £59 and £32 respectively.

London Stansted

Well-established companies Randox and Collinson both operate at London Stansted. Drive-through and walk-in options are available depending on the individual test.

Randox RT PCR Test claims to give next day results by 11.59pm at a cost of £60 per test. This compares to Collinson RT PCR tests which give out results within 48 hours and costs £55.20.

However, you can receive your results back within 12 hours when taking Randox RT PCR. But tests must be taken before 3pm. It costs £70. There’s also three hour tests available with Randox RT PCR that costs £95.

For Randox RT LAMP, travellers should receive their results in 90 minutes after paying £70 at the walk-through facility. The Collinson RT LAMP results take 90 minutes at a similar costs at £68.

Both Collinson and Randox’s Rapid Antigen tests take one hour to receive results. They cost £32 and £39 respectively.

When it comes to Antibody testing, Randox can give back results in 48 hours after paying £39 at their walk-through facility, compared to Collinson at 60 minutes for £32.

The drive-through facility is located at Jet Parks Zones T&P, on Bury Lodge Lane. The Walk-through testing centre is on Terminal Road North, CM24 1RW. Both are open from 7am to 7pm.

A spokesperson said: “All the prices or the details are available on the website it's really down to customers to make those choices. These are two well-established companies that have been in this business for a long time.”

They added: “The results will only be valid for the length of time that the country of entry requires them.”

Manchester Airport

Travellers have access to both Collinson and Randox tests at Manchester Airport but prices and result times vary.

For RT PCR (Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction), Collinson has a £55.20 test which produce results within 48 hours.

However, if you need faster results then Randox has three other options available. They include £60 for next day delivery, £70 for results within 12 hours, and £95 for results within three hours.

When it comes to RT LAMP (Reverse-Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification), Collinson has a £68 test which gives out results within 90 minutes. The Randox version costs £70 and also produces results within 90 minutes.

Both Collinson and Randox’s Rapid Antigen tests provide results within an hour. However, Collinson’s is cheaper costing £32 compared to Randox’s £39.

At a similar price, Collinson’s Antibody test costs £32 and give results within 60 minutes, compared to Randox’s £39 test with results within 48 hours.

• Birmingham Airport

ExpressTest runs two sites at Birmingham Airport that departing travellers can use: a walk-in at the South Terminal, and a drive-through in Car Park 7.

PCR with Fit to Fly Certification claims to give results by 10pm UK time the following day but can take up to 48 hours and costs £59.

Their Lateral Flow Antigen aims to provide results in approximately 30 minutes at a cost of £35. It is available at the drive-through only.

Tests must be pre-booked through the ExpressTest website.

Travellers are advised to check what tests the country they are travelling to accept on the Government website here .

You must bring your passport to your test.

East Midlands Airport

Both Randox and Collinson offer tests at the East Midlands Airport but prices and result times vary.

Randox RT PCR test gives next day results by 11.59pm for £60, and Collinson RT PCR provides results within 48 hours after paying £55.20.

However, travellers can opt for 12-hour results with RANDOX RT PCR at a £70 cost – however, the test must be taken before 3pm. There is also a three-hour version which costs £95.

Other Collinson tests include RT Lamp with results in 90 minutes for £68, Rapid Antigen which produces results in one hour for £32, and Antibody which costs £32 for results in 60 minutes.

There is one walk-through within the East Midlands Airport Administration Building, and two Drive-through centres in Long Stay 1 Car Park and JetParks 2 Car Park.

Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh Airport offers ExpressTest tests. These are available at the walk-up testing centre, open 8am to 6pm, as well as a drive-through facility, open 10am to 6pm.

Lateral flow testing gives results in 20 minutes, via email, and costs £50. While their PCR test provides results by 10pm the day after the test, but can take up to 48 hours. It costs £80 for airline passengers, £60 for airline staff and £90 for the general public.

Tests must be booked prior to arrival and with sufficient time prior to your flight.

More information and booking here .

Belfast International Airport

Belfast International Airport works in collaboration with diagnostics firm Randox. There are Randox testing facilities in Holywood and Crumlin, as well as at the front of the Belfast International Airport terminal building.

Slots can be booked online through the Randox website.

Travellers can receive their RT-PCR results over email by 11.59pm the following day after paying a cost of £60.

Their Antigen results come back within one hour following a £45 fee. Antigen Tests taken on the same day as your flight must be booked four hours before the departure time.

Those who opt for Antigen tests are advised to confirm with their destination that the test is accepted as a means of entry. Customers should also check the time frame for a negative Covid-19 result with their airline and final destination.

A statement on the website reads: “The type of test required varies depending on the destination, however usually it is necessary to take the test at least 48-72 hours before arrival at your destination.”

You must bring your passport and booking confirmation to your test. Find more information here .

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Which Covid tests do I need for travel? The rules explained

International travel resumed from the UK on 17 May 2021 and, as of 4 October, it has maintained only a singular red list of high-risk countries, with all those not on the red list considered safe for travel. In addition, all Covid travel rules were dropped for those entering the UK from 18 March 2022, including the requirement to take any Covid tests, quarantine or fill out a passenger locator form. The government also stopped managing any quarantine hotels from the end of March. Here's what you need to know about taking a Covid test before, during and after travel.

Do I need a PCR, antigen or lateral flow test for travel?

The standard test is the PCR – standing for Polymerase Chain Reaction – which is a nose or mouth swab test that takes seconds and detects the genetic material in the virus known as RNA. Depending on the rules in your destination, you might need to show results that have been produced within either 48, 72 or 96 hours, which can be arranged at a number of places and ordered by post to take at home – the results are emailed within 48 hours of the test taking place. There is also the more rapid antigen test – also known as the lateral flow test – which involves taking a swab and mixing it with a solution on a paper strip, which can be done at home and gives a result within 30 minutes. Some countries will accept an antigen test completed by a recognised company, while other countries do not need you to take a test if you have proof that you are fully vaccinated or have the relevant Covid-19 antibodies, so it is best to check the government site for the country you are visiting as a first port of call. 

Since 18 March 2022, travellers have not needed to test at all when returning from non-red list countries to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. On 24 February, the legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive for Covid was removed in England (although it remains official government and NHS advice that people should continue to self-isolate if they test positive for coronavirus for at least five days). This rule is mirrored in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. 

Book a test now with government-approved provider Qured

Can I use NHS Covid PCR tests for travel?

It should be noted that free NHS PCR tests, now only available in the UK for those in certain more vulnerable groups if they are showing symptoms (apart from in Scotland where they continue to be available to anyone showing symptoms until the end of April 2022) cannot be used for travel, whether you are double vaccinated or not.

Cost of Covid tests for travel

The price of Covid tests varies greatly depending on where you book with, but it's important to always use a government-approved provider . You may also wish to book your test through the same company you'll be travelling with, as this can often work out cheaper. Expect to pay at least £60pp for one PCR test, and between £18 and £30 for a rapid antigen or lateral flow test.

Where to get Covid tests for travel

It’s best to shop around to find the right price for you – and the right location, if you’re taking a test at a clinic. Some branches of Boots offer it, as well as outfits such as Global Nomad and VFS Global . The latter has centres in London, Birmingham and Leicester that can be visited, and also provides home-testing kits for a discount, with results within 36-60 hours from the time the laboratory receives the sample. For customers requiring a negative result 72 and 96 hours before travelling, kits can be ordered weeks in advance of a journey and kept at home. Customers should order tests at least five days before their trip and then perform and return them via next-day delivery four days before – again, this takes careful planning to ensure you don’t stray outside the time frame.

You can find a comprehensive list of locations near you to get Covid tests for travel via the government website . 

Which countries require Covid tests for entry?

Many countries now require travellers to take a test before entering. Check coronavirus travel advice for the country you are visiting and for the UK before going abroad.

When do I need to take the test?

This takes careful planning, although any good clinic will ask you the date and time of your flight or journey before arranging a test. Make a note of your departure date and work backwards, and allow for weekends when receiving results may not be possible. It also depends on whether the country asks for a result produced within 48, 72 or 96 hours of your departure for your destination – make sure to take the test as early as possible within the time frame. Note that some airport test services, for example, aren’t available on the day of your flight, but have to be scheduled 48-96 hours in advance.

This piece is being constantly updated with the latest news.  

Now travel the world with our videos:

What does the latest Covid vaccine news mean for travel?

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Testing for COVID-19

Find out who can get free tests, how to get tested, and what your test result means.

• Who can get a free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test
• How to use a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test
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• NHS PCR tests for COVID-19

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A Country-by-country Guide to COVID-19 Entry Requirements in Europe

Everything you need to know for a safe and healthy trip to Europe.

When the COVID-19 pandemic first spread around the world, many countries shut their borders. In the years since, countries have opened, welcoming tourists with different vaccination or testing rules in place. 

But many countries in Europe have since dropped travel-related restrictions, reverting back to pre-pandemic times and making it easier than ever to plan a trip. 

Here, we've outlined every country in Europe and its current reopening status, including entry any requirements foreign travelers need to know.

Albania does not require U.S. travelers to show any COVID-19-related documents or tests, according to the U.S. Embassy in Albania .

To get to Andorra, visitors need to go through France or Spain, and therefore abide by the rules and regulations for those individual countries. Beyond that, there are no further entry requirements for coming to Andorra, according to the Andorra tourism site .

Austria is open to travel and there are no vaccination or testing requirements in place, according to the country’s official tourism site . In Vienna, masks must be worn on public transportation. 

Belgium welcomes travelers from the U.S. and does not require them to show proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test, according to the U.S. Embassy in Belgium . 

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina .

Bulgaria welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria . 

Croatia welcomes U.S. travelers without any COVID-19-related travel restrictions, according to the Croatian National Tourist Board .

Cyprus has eliminated all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism . Masks remain mandatory on public transportation. 

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has eliminated all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic .

Denmark eliminated all of its COVID-19 entry and internal restrictions, according to the government’s COVID-19 website .

Estonia has eliminated all COVID-19-related rules, according to the government .

Finland has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the Finnish government .

France has lifted all pandemic-related entry rules, according to the French government .

There are no longer any COVID-19-related entry rules for travel to Germany, according to the German Missions in the United States .

Greece has lifted all pandemic-era travel rules, according to the government . Greece has an optional Passenger Locator Form travelers can choose to fill out.

Hungary has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the Hungarian Police .

Iceland welcomes travelers without any pandemic-era entry rules in place, according to Iceland’s COVID-19 website.

Ireland has removed all COVID-19-related entry rules for travel, according to the government .

Italy has lifted all COVID-19-related travel rules, according to the country's National Tourist Board .

Travelers entering Kosovo are not required to show proof of vaccination, according to the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo , but the embassy recommends travelers bring such proof. The country also doesn’t require pre-arrival testing, but the embassy said some airlines may.

Access to public institutions, malls, and indoor dining inside does require proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test for customers over 16.

Latvia has lifted all COVID-19-related travel rules, according to the Latvian tourism board .

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein, a landlocked country, is accessible through Switzerland or Austria. Switzerland handles all immigration for Liechtenstein. COVID-19-related travel restrictions have been lifted in Liechtenstein, according to the European Union .

Lithuania no longer requires any pre-arrival testing or proof of vaccination to visit, according to the national tourism development agency.

Luxembourg welcomes travelers from all countries, regardless of their vaccination status, according to the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg . Travelers do not need any pre-arrival COVID-19 tests.

Malta has eliminated all pandemic-related travel restrictions, according to the Malta Tourism Authority .

Moldova does not have any COVID-19-related entry restrictions in place for U.S. travelers, according to the U.S. Embassy in Moldova .

To get to Monaco, most visitors must travel through France. Monaco does not have any pandemic-related travel restrictions in place, according to the government .

Montenegro does not have any COVID-19-related entry rules in place, according to the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro . Face masks are required on public transportation, according to the country’s government .

Netherlands

The Netherlands has lifted COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the government .

North Macedonia

North Macedonia is open to American travelers who are not required to undergo any COVID-related entry requirements, according to the U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia .

Norway has discontinued all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, including pre-arrival testing, according to the government . 

Poland has lifted all pandemic-era entry rules, including for vaccination and testing, according to the government . 

Portugal, including the Azores and Madeira, no longer requires proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter, according to Visit Portugal .

Romania has lifted all pandemic-era entry rules, according to the government . 

San Marino is a landlocked country surrounded by Italy. The country doesn’t have any specific COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the International Air Transport Association.

Serbia has removed all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the U.S. Embassy in Serbia .

Slovakia has lifted all pandemic-related entry rules, according to Slovakia Travel . Travelers no longer have to show any proof of vaccination or tests to enter hotels, restaurants, or other venues.

Slovenia has eliminated pandemic-era travel restrictions, according to the government .

Spain has dropped all COVID-19-related health controls at entry points, according to the government , becoming one of the last European countries to do so. However, the country still asks that travelers from outside the European Union travel with either proof of vaccination administered within 270 days, proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure, proof of a negative rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure, or proof they contracted COVID-19 and recovered within 180 days.

Sweden no longer has any COVID-19-related entry restrictions, according to the Public Health Agency of Sweden .

Switzerland

Switzerland has lifted all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the Federal Office of Public Health .

Turkey is open to foreign travelers and does not have any COVID-19-related entry rules in place, according to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey .

Visitors to Ukraine must show proof of either vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours, according to the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine . Travelers must also have a health insurance policy to cover the potential costs of COVID-19 treatment.

The U.S. Department of State has currently issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel warning against visiting Ukraine due to the ongoing war and Russian invasion.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has dropped all COVID-19-related entry rules, according to the government .

Vatican City

Vatican City is the world's smallest country and is encircled by the Italian city of Rome. It is open to travelers who are able to enter Italy.

The information in this article reflects that of the publishing time above. However, as statistics and information regarding coronavirus rapidly change, some figures may be different from when this story was originally posted. While we strive to keep our content as up to date as possible, we also recommend visiting sites like the CDC or websites of local health departments.

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COVID-19 international travel advisories

Visitors to the U.S. do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19. U.S. citizens going abroad, check Department of State travel advisories for the country you will visit.

COVID-19 testing and vaccine rules for entering the U.S.

You do not need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or take a COVID-19 test to enter the U.S. This applies to U.S. citizens and non-citizens.

U.S. citizens traveling to a country outside the U.S.

Find country-specific travel advisories, including COVID-19 restrictions, from the Department of State.

See the CDC's COVID-19 guidance for safer international travel to learn:

• If you can travel if you recently had COVID-19
• What you can do to help prevent COVID-19 

LAST UPDATED: May 31, 2024

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Entering the UK

Layovers and transiting through a uk airport.

Passing through a UK airport while on the way to another country is called ‘transiting’. Some travellers call it a ‘layover’.

There are 2 types of transiting:

• ‘airside’ - you do not pass through UK border control before you leave on your connecting journey
• ‘landside’ - you do pass through UK border control, but come back through it and leave the UK within a short amount of time (usually 24 hours)

Find out if you need a UK visa for your layover.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel rules

You do not need to take any COVID-19 tests or fill in a passenger locator form if you transit through the UK. This applies whether you are fully vaccinated or not.

The country you’re travelling to from the UK might still have COVID-19 entry rules in place. Check the rules for the country you’re travelling to before you go.

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