When you need to take a test and where to get one.
Travelling abroad from Gatwick
Always follow the latest travel advice on the UK Government website. It may have changed since your last visit.
Plan plenty of time before you travel to receive your results. You may need to present them in a particular format. Make sure your destination will accept both the type of test and the test provider’s certificate. (This could be paper or digital)
Check with your airline for the latest flight information before you travel. Many airlines also offer COVID-19 testing packages.
You must not use NHS testing centres for travel related purposes. You should not use private testing centres if you are displaying COVID-19 symptoms.
Need a rapid Antigen test? ExpressTest offers tests from £40pp at their North Terminal walk-in centre. Tests must be pre-booked and receive results by email within 40 minutes.
Book an Antigen test with ExpressTest
Need a PCR test? ExpressTest offers PCR Fit to Fly tests from £70pp at their North Terminal walk-in centre. Tests must be pre-booked and receive results by email by 10pm the day after your test.
Book a PCR test with ExpressTest
Need a COVID Recovery Certificates? ExpressTest offers this official certificate as proof of COVID recovery from £59pp. This certificate can be issued to anyone with a positive test result received within the last 180 days.
Arriving in the UK
You do not need to take a test before or after you arrive in the UK - regardless of your vaccination status.
You no longer need to complete a passenger locator form before you arrive in the UK.
Testing facilities at Gatwick
There are several COVID-19 testing providers based at Gatwick including:
EXPRESSTEST - WALK IN
This walk in centre located in the North Terminal arrivals area (Level 0), offers Fit to Fly PCR and lateral flow tests.
BOOTS
Get a private PCR swab test at the Boots store located in the South Terminal arrivals area. You must book in advance.
Other testing facilities may exist in your local area and may include:
ExpressTest - London Victoria
These drive through and walk-in facilities are found across the UK, including a walk-in centre at London Victoria Train station.
SUSSEX TRAVEL CLINIC
Offers a selection of COVID-19 testing including instant and laboratory tests.
Find out more about Sussex Travel Clinic
Fast Test Centre
A private testing site including a location in Horley. It offers antigen, PCR and antibody testing.
Find out more about Fast Test Centre
iGen Testing
Offers a selection of fit to fly and arrivals tests.
Find our more about iGen Testing
BUPA
Offers a rapid antibody testing service
