Everything you need to know about the Fit To Fly Covid-19test

Before coronavirus, being “fit to fly” was as simple as booking your ticket, packing your bag, and getting to the airport on time. But now, international travel demands extra consideration, before you fly and when you return home, too.

When travelling for work or pleasure during the pandemic, the safety of yourself and other passengers is a priority. You may also need dedicated paperwork to get through customs at your chosen destination.

A Fit to Fly Covid-19test can help you on both counts. 

What is a Fit to Fly Covid-19test?

The Fit to Fly Covid-19test is also known as a PCR test, and it tells you whether you currently have Covid-19.

It’s the most accurate Covid-19 test available today, and that’s why many customs desks now require travellers to show a negative PCR test result to enter the country.

Travellers are asked to provide evidence of a negative result along with a Fit to Fly certificate, signed and stamped by an accredited clinic. With this, you’ll have all the documentation you need to fly internationally during Covid-19.

Which destinations require a Fit to Fly Covid-19test?

Regulations are changing regularly. So it’s a good idea to stay up-to-date with the latest travel advice by visiting the government website or checking with your airline.

Can I get a Fit to Fly Covid-19test on the NHS?

Fit to Fly Covid-19tests aren’t currently available through the NHS. You can only get a Covid-19 test through the NHS if you have symptoms associated with the coronavirus.

To get a Fit to Fly test, you need to book in at a private healthcare clinic.

Preparing for the Fit to Fly Covid-19test

When to book an appointment

Before you book your Fit to Fly Covid-19test, you need to know exactly what paperwork your destination country requires. 

Some countries want to see a negative result from a Covid-19 PCR test taken in the last seven days. Others want you to show a negative test result from a sample taken in the last 72 hours.

Complicating things even further, some countries work out whether you’ve met the deadline based upon your departure time, and others on the time of your arrival.

Before organising your appointment with a private corona clinic, check the most up-to-date airline and country regulations, to avoid any disappointment.

How the Fit to Fly test works

When you arrive for your Fit to Fly examination, a healthcare professional will swab the back of your throat and inside your nose. This takes just 10 to 15 seconds. It isn’t painful but, understandably, people often find it a little uncomfortable.

The swab is then tested to see if it contains any coronavirus DNA.

Getting your results

Your Fit to Fly results will be available 1 to 2 days after the test was taken. But how you receive the results may differ, depending on the clinic you choose. 

When you book your Fit to Fly test with Corona Test Centre, your result and Fit to Fly certificate are sent digitally. So, as long as your result is negative, you can use them to travel right away.

I’ve just received a negative Fit to Fly Covid-19test — now what?

With a negative Fit to Fly result, you have the all clear to fly during the pandemic. As part of your pre-flight checklist, we suggest the following:

Stay safe before you travel

True, a negative result means you are not currently infected with coronavirus. That said, it’s a good idea to reduce the contact you have with other people after your test, but before you fly.

At the moment, every contact we make has the potential to pass on the virus, so:

• Avoid crowded places like the gym, the pub or the supermarket.
• Keep socialising beyond your household to a minimum.

That way you’re more likely to be fit and well for your trip.

Take precautions while you travel

Travelling on any form of public transport, you’ll be coming into contact with lots of people. To travel safely, try to:

•  Keep a safe, two metre distance from other travellers wherever possible.
•  Wear a face mask over both your face and nose during your journey.
• Take some disinfectant wipes with you. Planes and other forms of transport are thoroughly cleaned between journeys, but this way you can clean the armrests and tray table before you sit down.
• Keep the plane’s overhead vent open and directed towards your face. Continuous airflow can act as a barrier, stopping you from breathing in exhaled air from fellow passengers. The same goes for windows on a train.
• Carry hand sanitiser and avoid touching your face. Any time you touch your mask or common surfaces, it’s a good idea to give your hands a good clean.

When you get to your destination…

Every country is experiencing Covid-19 in a slightly different way and has developed its own rules and regulations in response. Be clear on what rules are in place in your destination, and follow them to the best of your ability.

If you’re meeting friends, family or colleagues, it’s safer to see them outside. It’s thought that coronavirus droplets are more easily diluted by fresh air outdoors.

And when it comes to accommodation, make sure that a Covid-19compliant policy is in place. If you’re staying in a hotel, you’ll also want to avoid taking the lift and wash your hands after touching any common area surfaces.  

What to do when you get back home

Check government guidelines so you know whether you need to quarantine upon return to the UK. You may not have to quarantine if you’re travelling from one of the countries on the government’s travel corridors list.

Are you Fit to Fly?

Booking a trip? It’s time to book a Fit to Fly Covid-19test, too. 

At Corona Test Centre, we’ve issued over 4,000 Fit to Fly certificates. The expertise of our consultants and the efficiency of our clinical team ensure speedy results and a certificate that complies with all necessary travel requirements.

Make an appointment at one of our London-based clinics today.