Test to Release for International travel

You can now pay for a Covid-19 test to reduce the self-isolation/quarantine period after International travel.

How the scheme works

Under the scheme you can now pay for a private Covid-19 test at least 5-days after you leave a destination not on the travel corridor list, a negative test means you can stop self-isolating.  The scheme is voluntary and applied to England only.

How to take part in the scheme.

You will need to book a private test from an approved list of test providers, as of today the Government is yet to publish the list of approved providers.

 

You must choose to opt into the scheme when completing your passenger locator form and ideally you should book the test prior to travelling back/to the UK so the details are present in the form on arrival.   

 

If you want to opt into the scheme after arrival, you will need to complete a new passenger locator form.

If you test negative

You can stop self-isolating immediately.

If you test positive for Covid-19

You must continue to self -isolate for a further 10 days from the day of the test.  People you live or stay with must also self-isolate for the 10 days.

Government Graphical example

The Department for Transport has given the following graphical example and further info on this subject can be found here.