Stansted Airport PCR test on arrival: how to book an on-site PCR test when travelling through Stansted
Mandatory PCR testing upon arriving in the UK came into force at 4am on November 30 2021.
Any travellers returning to the UK need to take a PCR test before the end of day two of arrival. Lateral flow devices will no longer be accepted, and they must self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
How do you get a day-two PCR test?
Recommendations state that the PCR test must be taken before the end of the second day of arrival, many are opting for taking the test at the airport, as soon as they step off the plane.
Stansted Airport has two testing partners, Randox and Collinson. They are both private companies. They offer test results accepted in most countries of travel (be sure to check your intended destination)
At Stansted Airport, their walk-through services are available at the Short Stay Yellow carpark.
The sites are open from 7am to 7pm - if you wish to test on arrival, your flight will need to land between these times.
You must book your PCR test in advance - you can do this by by visiting the Stansted Airport booking site.
What Covid tests are available at Stansted centre?
Stansted Airport’s commercial partners Randox and Collinson offer a variety of different Covid tests according to your needs – with tests available for NHS as well as the general public and travellers seeking Fit to Fly certification.
Those seeking lateral flow tests for a valid travel certificate are warned to check which countries are accepting these as a form of safe entry, as not all countries accept lateral flow tests as proof of not having Covid.
The latest Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office travel guidance provides up to date travel information on entry requirements for a range of countries, as well as their travel list status on the UK traffic light travel system.
Those wishing to attend the walk-through testing site at the Express Test centre at Heathrow can book these at: https://www.stanstedairport.com/coronavirus/departure-testing/#testLocationAfterRan
Here you can select whether you require a test for a Fit to Fly certificate or a regular coronavirus test, and can choose a suitable date and time for screening.
How much do the Airport tests cost?
There are different costs for Covid-19 tests at the Stansted depending on which type of coronavirus test you need, whether you are requiring a test for a Fit to Fly certificate and whether you attend walk-through or drive-through testing.
PCR tests at Stansted Airport start at £59 per person for next day responses, and go up to £80 for a three hour response.