Covid-19 Testing Information
Pre-Departure and Post-Arrival Testing Information
Covid-19 testing is now widely available to meet UK and foreign government requirements for travel, including the UK Government Test & Release scheme for arrivals into England.
It is important that passengers familiarise themselves with any testing requirements, as some destinations may require a negative COVID-19 test for entry. There are a four main types of Covid-19 tests on offer:
- PCR Swab testing
- LAMP testing
- Antigen testing
- Antibody testing
Check the entry requirements of your destination to ensure you have booked the right test before you travel.
NHS testing facilities must not be used for travel related purposes. You should not use private testing if you are displaying Covid-19 symptoms.
PRE-DEPARTURE COVID-19 SCREENING
If you are planning to travel abroad you should check the rules that apply in your local area before you travel. Different rules apply for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. You must follow all the rules that apply to you.
Check your destination - certain destinations require specific tests and the results to be presented in a particular format. Make sure both the type of test and the test provider’s certificate (which could be paper or digital) are accepted by the country you are travelling to. You should follow government travel advice for your destination at all times, which may have changed since your last visit.
Facilities available at Gatwick
There are several Covid-19 testing providers based at Gatwick including:
ExpressTest - Drive through
This drive through facility is located in the South Terminal Long Stay Car Park, offering a PCR swab test. Tests must be booked in advance.
ExpressTest - Walk in
This walk in facility is located in North Terminal arrivals, offering a PCR swab test. Tests must be booked in advance.
Hilton
The Hilton London Gatwick offers a Test & Rest Package which includes a PCR self-testing swab kit and overnight accommodation at the hotel.
Sofitel
The Sofitel London Gatwick offers a Test & Rest package which includes a PCR self-testing swab kit and overnight accommodation at the hotel.
Boots
Get a private PCR swab test at the Boots store located in the South Terminal arrivals area. Appointments must be booked in advance.
You should also check with your airline. They may work with Covid-19 testing providers and may also offer inclusive packages.
Other facilities
Alternatively other Covid-19 test providers may exist in your local area and may include:
Collinsons
Offers a range of tests including PCR, antigen and Lamp.
Sussex Travel Clinic
Offers a selection of Covid-19 testing including instant and laboratory tests.
Bupa
Offers a rapid antibody testing service
By clicking a booking link on this page, you are leaving the Gatwick Airport website and making a booking with a third party.
POST ARRIVAL UK GOVERNMENT TEST & RELEASE
The Government Test & Release scheme allows you to reduce quarantine time by providing a negative COVID-19 test 5 days after you arrive in England.
You take a private paid test 5 full days after arriving from an approved provider. If your result is negative, you can leave quarantine.
The scheme is voluntary and only applies to those self-isolating in England. You cannot take a test on arrival or earlier than 5 days.
Find out more information about the scheme
To take part:
- Book a test before you travel with a provider on the Government approved providers list. This list is regularly updated by the Government and includes providers based at Gatwick.
- Opt into the scheme when you complete your Passenger Locator form before you arrive in the UK.
Facilities available at Gatwick
Expresstest
This drive through facility is located in the South Terminal Long Stay Car Park, offering a PCR swab test and is on the approved list of Test and Release providers.
From Monday 18 January:
- All international arrivals must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken up to 72 hours prior to departure for entry into the UK. More information can be found on the Government website.
- All UK travel corridors have been temporarily suspended and all international arrivals must self isolate for 10 days unless you complete the Test to Release scheme. More information can be found on the Government website.
If you are arriving into the UK you must complete a Passenger Locator Government form up to 48 hours before arriving in the UK. Please download the completed form to your phone or print it, as you will be required to show it at Border Control. Failure to present a completed Passenger Locator form may result in a fixed penalty fine by UK Border Force.
If you decide to opt in to the test and release scheme after your have arrived in the UK you must submit a new Passenger Locator form with the details of your test and release provider.