Select Your Test
Please ensure you are familiar with the guidelines for testing for international travel. We strongly recommend you read the guidelines here – https://www.gov.uk/travel-abroad.
To check your test results or submit your barcodes on our portal, click here.
For site visit, clinic or home visit appointments, please click here
There are a number of Covid-19 testing requirements in force for international travel from and to the UK.
We have summarised them below, but strongly recommend that you check out full details on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/travel-abroad
You can find more details about the Red, Amber and Green list rules for entering England here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england
Deliveries by DPD
Amber Countries
Amber Day 2
By Post – Includes Day 2 Test (For Fully Vaccinated Passengers – UK Vaccinated)
£75
Amber Countries
Package 3
By Post – Includes Day 2, Day 5 (Test to release) & Day 8 Tests
£194
Amber Countries
Package 2 (Manchester)
Includes Day 2 Test (By Post), Site visit for Day 5 (Test to release) & Site visit for Day 8 Tests.
£200
Green Countries
Package 4
By Post – Includes Pre-departure Fit to fly and Day 2 Tests after arrival.
£128
Green Countries
Red Countries
Amber Countries
Fit To Fly Test
By Post – Includes Fit To Fly Test only
£75
Requirement
Pre-Departure Test before LEAVING the UK
On return to Uk
Isolation
Available Test options
Green Countries
Fit to fly – Postal/ Same day result clinic appointment
Day 2 test – Site or Clinic
Not Applicable
Amber Countries
Fit to fly – Postal/ Same day result clinic appointment
Day 2 and Day 8: Option of Day 5 (see packages 1,2,3)
10 days – Self Isolation
Red Countries
Fit to fly – Postal/ Same day result clinic appointment
Managed Quarantine:10 days
Managed Quarantine
Please Note:
Abicare’s Covid service is an applicant body with UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) for private covid testing (ref:22402) and compliant with the DHSC timeline. Our Covid service is not under the regulation of Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequent questions and answers
Test Registration
- It is mandatory to register your test. Without this we would not be able to issue a formal result.
- Use the link below to register your test – https://portal.abicarehealth.co.uk/client/
- Your Unique ID is in your Confirmation email and invoice. It is alphanumeric and starts with ABICA
Buying your tests
Do you test for all the variants
Yes – the PCR testing that we conduct will detect all variants of the Covid-19 virus.
When should I order the test kits?
We recommend that you order your test kits as soon as you know your travel itinerary.
Pre-Departure / Fit To Fly tests should be ordered at least 5 working days before your flight. This it to allow sufficient time for you to receive your kit, take your sample, return it to our laboratory, and for us to process your sample and issue your result.
Please note that courier deliveries to some remote locations may take longer, and deliveries will also take longer over Bank Holiday weekends, so take this into consideration when placing your order.
Do you offer a refund if my flight / holiday is cancelled?
Please see the FAQs on cancellations and refunds below.
Can post be delivered on a Sunday?
Yes we can deliver on Sunday via our delivery Partner – DPD. Sample delivery to our labs over the weekend can be delayed via Royal Mail.
Are you open weekends?
Our Covid Service operates 7 days a week.
Are you UKAS-accredited?
Our partner lab is UKAS-accredited to UKAS ISO17025, the internationally recognised standard for Testing and Calibration Laboratories. We are also an applicant to the same UKAS accreditation.
Can you come to my home address to collect the sample?
Yes this is a service that we offer in Manchester and London. Contact our team on 01615182999 to book a home visit.
When will my kits be despatched?
If you have purchased a Day 2 and/or Day 8 test, your order will be despatched just before or on your arrival into the UK.
Please note that courier deliveries to some remote locations may take longer, and deliveries to the lab could also take longer over Bank Holiday weekends.
Can you send test kits to countries outside of the UK?
No – test kits can only be sent to UK addresses.
What does the Fit To Fly certificate include?
The Fit To Fly certificate is a medical certificate signed by a UK General Medical Council (GMC) doctor that confirms your Covid-19 PCR test is negative and that you are therefore able to travel.
Do I need to be in and sign for my test kit?
You don’t need to sign for your test kit, but you will need to be in if the parcel is too big to fit through your letterbox.
If you are quarantining this should not be a problem, as the sample collection kits will be delivered to your isolation address.
For Fit To Fly testing, please order in good time, so your sample collection kits can be delivered as soon as possible.
Are you listed on the Government website?
Yes – we are listed on GOV.UK for:
- Fit To Fly tests
- Test to release
- Day 2 only tests
- Day 2 & Day 8 tests
How soon will I get my result?
We provide test results within 24 hours of receiving the sample at our laboratory.
Test kit and taking the sample
What is in the kit?
Each kit contains:
- Instructions and test registration sheet.
Throat / nasal swab contained in sterile packet.- Plastic tube containing a small amount of liquid.
- Biohazard bag containing a white absorbent pad.
- Clear specimen transport bag.
- Pre-paid tracked return polythene envelope
What samples are required and how do you do it?
Each test requires you to take nose and throat swab samples using the swab provided in the test kit.
Full instructions on how to take your sample are included in each test kit.
Do I need to test my children?
- Fit To Fly test:
Please check the entry requirements and restrictions for the country you intend to travel to determine whether or not a Fit To Fly certificate is needed for children travelling to that country. - Visit the government website for full details of all international requirements and restrictions: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- Day 2 & Day 8 test:
Children under 5 do not need to take the Day 2 or Day 8 tests. - Test To Release tests:
The Test To Release scheme is not applicable to children under 5.
Can I eat / drink / smoke before taking my sample?
We advise that you do not smoke, drink, eat, chew gum or brush your teeth immediately prior to collecting your sample.
Where are the components from?
All of our sample collection kit component suppliers are UK-based and the kit is fully assembled in the UK.
Do I need to register online?
Yes, YOU MUST register each test online. If you do not do this, you will not get your test result.
Full instructions on how to register your test are in each test kit.
What happens if I send you an inadequate or blank sample?
Our laboratory will detect if you have sent us an inadequate or blank sample. In these circumstances, you are required by law to take another test so that we can obtain a viable result. You will be liable for the cost of this additional test and you will not be eligible for a refund for the original test.
It is therefore very important that you collect and send us a full and proper sample. Full instructions on how to do this are included in each test kit.
What happens if I make a mistake or error on my order form or on my test registration form?
It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you complete all your details fully and accurately.
Any mistakes or errors will cause a delay to your result being issued.
There is a £25 administration fee to correct any mistakes or errors, or to amend your order in any other way.
Returning the samples
How do I return the samples back to you?
Your kit contains a pre-paid and tracked Royal Mail 24 polythene envelope.
You should post this back using one of Royal Mail’s designated Covid-19 priority post boxes.
Follow this link to find your nearest priority post box: http://www.royalmail.com/services-near-you.
Please note that Abicare health cannot be held responsible for any delays or disruptions to Royal Mail’s postal service when returning your samples.
If you want to guarantee Abicare Health’s receipt of your samples, you can deliver them in person to our main office at 15-17 Britannia Road M33 2AA.
Can I send my samples back by courier and how much does that cost?
If you prefer to send your samples back by courier, you will need to arrange and pay for this yourself. The price will depend on the courier and the service you choose.
Are you open at the weekend?
Our Covid Services operates 7 days a week.
Getting your results
When will I get the results?
We provide test results within 24 hours of receiving the sample at our laboratory.
How do I get my results?
Your result will be emailed to the email address you provide when you register your test online.
What happens if I get an inconclusive result?
In the event of an inconclusive result, we will dispatch another sample collection kit and you will be invited to collect another sample free of charge.
Who sends the result to the authorities? What do I do with the certificate?
Due to a Covid-19 infection being a notifiable disease, we report all positive results to PHE within 24 hours.
Fit To Fly test:
- You must keep the result of your test and any Fit To Fly certificate that is issued.
- You will need to show these to the relevant authorities when leaving the UK and upon arrival in your destination country.
Day 2 & Day 8 tests:
- Abicare Health has a legal requirement to send the results of all Day 2 & Day 8 tests to Public Health England and we will do this.
- You must also keep the results of your tests in case the authorities ask to see them.
Test To Release test:
- You must keep the result of your test in case the authorities ask to see it.
Refunds
What happens if I order the wrong test or no longer need the test?
If you notify us before we dispatch your kit, we will charge a 10% administration fee.
If we have already passed your kits to our delivery partners, there is a 20% administration fee payable per kit. This administration fees cover the cost of the kit and all consumables, generating your unique ID, assembling the kit, dealing with your enquiry, packing and dispatching your kit, as well as the courier fee that we incurred.
What happens if I make a mistake or error on my order form or on my test registration form?
It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you complete all your details fully and accurately.
Any mistakes or errors will cause a delay to your result being issued.
There is a £10 administration fee to correct any mistakes or errors, or to amend your order in any other way.
I bought a package but no longer need the Fit To Fly test, as the destination doesn’t require this. Can I have a refund?
Yes. However, if we have already dispatched sample collection kits, an administration fee of 20% per test will apply.
My result was inconclusive. Do I have to purchase another test or is it free of charge?
We will provide you with an additional test free of charge.
I have a negative Test To Release result, so why are you making me take a Day 8 test?
This is a legal requirement from the Government.
You must take a Day 8 test, even if you have taken a Test To Release test and received a negative result.
The benefit of the Test to Release test is that, if you receive a negative result, you can end your quarantine early.
I tested negative on my Test To Release test. I then did the Day 8 test and got a positive result. How could this happen?
You either had a Covid-19 infection that was not detectable at the time of your Test To Release sample collection, or you have become infected since you took your Test To Release sample.
If you receive a positive Day 8 test result, you must follow Government guidelines and quarantine for an additional 10 days
I’ve bought a package and tested positive on Day 2. Do I get a refund for my Day 8 test?
If you test positive on your Day 2 test and you also ordered a Day 8 test from us, we will refund you for this test.
However, if we have already dispatched sample collection kits, an administration fee of 20% per test will apply.
Others
Where are your walk-in centres?
We have an appointment based clinic in Sale , Greater Manchester M33 2AA. All tests must be done via the postal service or by courier.
I’ve been vaccinated, am I exempt from the PCR travel tests?
No.
Everybody travelling abroad must adhere to the government’s travel guidelines government’s travel guidelines, even those who have had both doses of the vaccine.
The current requirements include:
- The pre-departure Fit To Fly Test certificate, which you should obtain before travelling to most countries
- The legally required Day 2 or Day 2 and Day 8 tests, which must be taken when you return to the UK
It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand the entry requirements and restrictions in the country you are travelling to. It is also your responsibility to take your sample within the specified timeframe, according to the requirements of your destination.
I only need a stand-alone Day 8 test – can you provide this?
Yes – we can provide a stand-alone Day 8 test.
What information will I need for the passenger locator form?
You’ll need:
- Your passport details or the travel document you’ll use when you arrive at the UK border
- Your travel details, including times and dates
- The address where you will stay in the UK (if applicable)
- Booking reference number(s) for the coronavirus test(s) you must take after arriving in the UK
- The invoice number for your quarantine hotel booking if you need one
- Your Passenger locator form number is your Unique ID. It is alphanumeric. It starts with ABICA and followed by 7 digits. Ensure there are no spaces within the 12 characters. The provider name is ABICARE HEALTH SOLUTIONS LTD. Ensure you write this in full.
- Full details are provided on the government website:https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk
Yes – the PCR testing that we conduct will detect all variants of the Covid-19 virus.
We recommend that you order your test kits as soon as you know your travel itinerary.
Pre-Departure / Fit To Fly tests should be ordered at least 5 working days before your flight. This it to allow sufficient time for you to receive your kit, take your sample, return it to our laboratory, and for us to process your sample and issue your result.
Please note that courier deliveries to some remote locations may take longer, and deliveries will also take longer over Bank Holiday weekends, so take this into consideration when placing your order.
If you have purchased a Day 2 and/or Day 8 test, your order will be dispatched just before or on your arrival into the UK.
If you have purchased a UK Outbound Pre-Departure (Fit To Fly) test, or a package including this test, your order will be dispatched as follows:
- Orders placed before 11am Monday – Thursdaywill be dispatched the same day via our next-working-day courier service
- Orders placed after 11am Monday – Thursdaywill be dispatched the next day via our next-working-day courier service
- Orders placed after 11am on Thursdaywill be dispatched on Friday via our weekend courier service and would be delivered on Saturday.
- Please note that courier deliveries to some remote locations may take longer, and deliveries will also take longer over Bank Holiday weekends.
No – test kits can only be sent to UK addresses.
Please see the FAQs on cancellations and refunds below.
The Fit To Fly certificate is a medical certificate signed by a UK General Medical Council (GMC) doctor that confirms your Covid-19 PCR test is negative and that you are therefore able to travel.
We guarantee to provide test results within 24 hours of receiving the sample at our laboratory.
Yes we can deliver on Sunday via our delivery Partner – DPD. Sample delivery to our labs over the weekend can be delayed via Royal Mail.
You don’t need to sign for your test kit, but you will need to be in if the parcel is too big to fit through your letterbox.
If you are quarantining this should not be a problem, as the sample collection kits will be delivered to your isolation address.
For Fit To Fly testing, please order in good time, so your sample collection kits can be delivered as soon as possible.
Our Covid Service operates 7 days a week.
However, samples are only delivered to us Monday – Saturday (not Sunday).
Our partner lab is UKAS-accredited to UKAS ISO17025, the internationally recognised standard for Testing and Calibration Laboratories. We are also an applicant to this same UKAS accreditation.
Yes this is a service that we offer. Contact our team on 01615182999.
Yes – we are listed on GOV.UK for:
- Fit To Fly tests
- Test to release
- Day 2 only tests
- Day 2 & Day 8 tests
Each kit contains:
- Instructions and test registration sheet
- Throat / nasal swab contained in sterile packet
- Plastic tube containing a small amount of liquid
- Biohazard bag containing a white absorbent pad
- Clear specimen transport bag
- Pre-paid tracked return polythene envelope
All of our sample collection kit component suppliers are UK-based and the kit is fully assembled in the UK.
Yes, YOU MUST register each test online. If you do not do this, you will not get your test result.
Full instructions on how to register your test are in each test kit.
It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you complete all your details fully and accurately.
Any mistakes or errors will cause a delay to your result being issued.
There is a £25 administration fee to correct any mistakes or errors, or to amend your order in any other way.
We advise that you do not smoke, drink, eat, chew gum or brush your teeth immediately prior to collecting your sample.
Each test requires you to take nose and throat swab samples using the swab provided in the test kit.
Full instructions on how to take your sample are included in each test kit.
Our laboratory will detect if you have sent us an inadequate or blank sample. In these circumstances, you are required by law to take another test so that we can obtain a viable result. You will be liable for the cost of this additional test and you will not be eligible for a refund for the original test.
It is therefore very important that you collect and send us a full and proper sample. Full instructions on how to do this are included in each test kit.
Fit To Fly test:
- Please check the entry requirements and restrictions for the country you intend to travel to determine whether or not a Fit To Fly certificate is needed for children travelling to that country.
- Visit the government website for full details of all international requirements and restrictions: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Day 2 & Day 8 test:
- Children under 5 do not need to take the Day 2 or Day 8 tests.
Test To Release tests:
- The Test To Release scheme is not applicable to children under 5.
Your kit contains a pre-paid and tracked Royal Mail 24 polythene envelope.
You should post this back using one of Royal Mail’s designated Covid-19 priority post boxes.
Follow this link to find your nearest priority post box: www.royalmail.com/services-near-you.
Please note that Abicare health cannot be held responsible for any delays or disruptions to Royal Mail’s postal service when returning your samples.
If you want to guarantee Abicare Health’s receipt of your samples, you can deliver them in person to our main office at 15-17 Britannia Road M33 2AA.
Our Covid Services operates 7 days a week.
We advise that you do not smoke, drink, eat, chew gum or brush your teeth immediately prior to collecting your sample.
We guarantee to provide test results within 24 hours of receiving the sample at our laboratory.
Your result will be emailed to the email address you provide when you register your test online.
Due to a Covid-19 infection being a notifiable disease, we report all positive results to PHE within 24 hours.
Fit To Fly test:
- You must keep the result of your test and any Fit To Fly certificate that is issued.
- You will need to show these to the relevant authorities when leaving the UK and upon arrival in your destination country.
Day 2 & Day 8 tests:
- Abicare Health has a legal requirement to send the results of all Day 2 & Day 8 tests to Public Health England and we will do this.
- You must also keep the results of your tests in case the authorities ask to see them.
Test To Release test:
- You must keep the result of your test in case the authorities ask to see it.
In the event of an inconclusive result, we will dispatch another sample collection kit and you will be invited to collect another sample free of charge.
We guarantee to provide test results within 24 hours of receiving the sample at our laboratory.
Your result will be emailed to the email address you provide when you register your test online.
Due to a Covid-19 infection being a notifiable disease, we report all positive results to PHE within 24 hours.
Fit To Fly test:
- You must keep the result of your test and any Fit To Fly certificate that is issued.
- You will need to show these to the relevant authorities when leaving the UK and upon arrival in your destination country.
Day 2 & Day 8 tests:
- Abicare Health has a legal requirement to send the results of all Day 2 & Day 8 tests to Public Health England and we will do this.
- You must also keep the results of your tests in case the authorities ask to see them.
Test To Release test:
- You must keep the result of your test in case the authorities ask to see it.
In the event of an inconclusive result, we will dispatch another sample collection kit and you will be invited to collect another sample free of charge.
If you notify us before we dispatch your kit, we will charge a 10% administration fee.
If we have already passed your kits to our delivery partners, there is a 20% administration fee payable per kit. This administration fees cover the cost of the kit and all consumables, generating your unique ID, assembling the kit, dealing with your enquiry, packing and dispatching your kit, as well as the courier fee that we incurred.
It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you complete all your details fully and accurately.
Any mistakes or errors will cause a delay to your result being issued.
There is a £15 administration fee to correct any mistakes or errors, or to amend your order in any other way.
If you test positive on your Day 2 test and you also ordered a Day 8 test from us, we will refund you for this test.
However, if we have already dispatched sample collection kits, an administration fee of 20% per test will apply.
We will provide you with an additional test free of charge.
This is a legal requirement from the Government.
You must take a Day 8 test, even if you have taken a Test To Release test and received a negative result.
The benefit of the Test to Release test is that, if you receive a negative result, you can end your quarantine early.
You either had a Covid-19 infection that was not detectable at the time of your Test To Release sample collection, or you have become infected since you took your Test To Release sample.
If you receive a positive Day 8 test result, you must follow Government guidelines and quarantine for an additional 10 days.
Yes. However, if we have already dispatched sample collection kits, an administration fee of 20% per test will apply.
If you notify us before we dispatch your kit, we will charge a 10% administration fee.
If we have already passed your kits to our delivery partners, there is a 20% administration fee payable per kit. This administration fees cover the cost of the kit and all consumables, generating your unique ID, assembling the kit, dealing with your enquiry, packing and dispatching your kit, as well as the courier fee that we incurred.
It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you complete all your details fully and accurately.
Any mistakes or errors will cause a delay to your result being issued.
There is a £15 administration fee to correct any mistakes or errors, or to amend your order in any other way.
If you test positive on your Day 2 test and you also ordered a Day 8 test from us, we will refund you for this test.
However, if we have already dispatched sample collection kits, an administration fee of 20% per test will apply.
We will provide you with an additional test free of charge.
This is a legal requirement from the Government.
You must take a Day 8 test, even if you have taken a Test To Release test and received a negative result.
The benefit of the Test to Release test is that, if you receive a negative result, you can end your quarantine early.
You either had a Covid-19 infection that was not detectable at the time of your Test To Release sample collection, or you have become infected since you took your Test To Release sample.
If you receive a positive Day 8 test result, you must follow Government guidelines and quarantine for an additional 10 days.
Yes. However, if we have already dispatched sample collection kits, an administration fee of 20% per test will apply.
We have an appointment-based clinic in Sale, Greater Manchester M33 2AA. All tests must be done via the postal service or by courier.
Yes – we can provide a stand-alone Day 8 test.
Please see the relevant government websites for full details:
You’ll need:
- Your passport details or the travel document you’ll use when you arrive at the UK border
- Your travel details, including times and dates
- The address where you will stay in the UK (if applicable)
- Booking reference number(s) for the coronavirus test(s) you must take after arriving in the UK
- The invoice number for your quarantine hotel booking if you need one
- If you’re arriving in England and using Test to Release, you’ll also need the name of the test provider you booked with
Full details are provided on the government website:
https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk
No.
Everybody travelling abroad must adhere to the government’s travel guidelines, even those who have had both doses of the vaccine.
The current requirements include:
- The pre-departure Fit To Fly Testcertificate, which you should obtain before travelling to most countries
- The legally required Day 2 or Day 2 and Day 8 tests, which mustbe taken when you return to the UK
It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand the entry requirements and restrictions in the country you are travelling to. It is also your responsibility to take your sample within the specified timeframe, according to the requirements of your destination.
You can view our range of Covid-19 tests for international travel here.
