PCR and Antigen Testing (General and Travel)

Although most countries no longer require COVID19 testing, or are accepting fully vaccinated individuals to travel without a covid test, some travellers may still be required to take a COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test before travelling.

Rules on testing are constantly changing for countries and/or airlines and cruise ships. Tests are to be performed within a specific time frame before departure or landing and this varies from country to country. Please ensure you are fully aware of the required time frame before you book your appointment.

Kindly note, we will not be able to assist with finding information on your specific travel restrictions, please speak to your booking agents or the airlines for this information. 

Rapid Antigen test

This test is done by nasopharyngeal swab.

The results will show as either “Negative” or “Positive”. For additional verification if you need this for travel purposes, the results will also include your passport number. We recommend you bring a copy/photo of your passport to your appointment.

Results are available within 20 minutes will be issued as a printed copy and email.

RT-PCR test

This test is done by oral (throat) and nasal swab.

The results will show as either “Negative” / “Not detected” or “Positive” / “Detected”. For additional verification if you need this for travel purposes, the results will also include your passport number. We recommend you bring a copy/photo of your passport to your appointment.

Results will be available via email. A printed copy can also be collected from the clinic at no additional cost. No Sunday / Bank Holiday service available.

We provide the following turnaround times for the PCR test results. Although results may arrive sooner, below are the labs turnaround times with prices. You will receive results directly by the lab according to your chosen turn-around time below.

You may produce an equivocal or inconclusive result.

PCR tests are sensitive and can often pick up residue from a recent past infection. Residue could remain for up to 90 days. This does not mean that you are infectious but nontheless could produce an equivocal result. You could also produce an equivocal reading if an early on-set of infection is suspected, in which case a repeat test in 24-48 hours is strongly advised.

On a rare occasion you may have an inconclusive result. Such samples are normally re-run at no extra cost, but add an approx. 3-6 hour delay in reporting. A conclusive result cannot be guaranteed, therefore please allow sufficient time for your results should there be a delay in reporting or require repeat testing. Olive Health & Travel Clinic does not take responsibility for delayed reports and repeat testing will incur cost.

Antibody (blood) testing IgM/IgG

The COVID-19 IgM/IgG Antibody test is performed by blood sample collection to check whether you have developed antibodies post infection. Antibodies can be detected 14 days or more following exposure or onset of symptoms.

If requesting for travel, result will be reported as either “Negative” / “Not detected” or “Positive” / “Detected” and available next day only.

Results for antibody with levels are available no sooner than 48 hours. This is more suitable for testing post-vaccination or infection. Click here for more information on these tests.

Fit for Travel / Fit to Fly Certificate

This is currently no longer a requirement and the pathology report you will receive from the laboratory holds sufficient information for your travel requirements, however some countries may provide you with an additional fit to fly form or fit to travel certificate in a particular format. Any additional forms that need completing bear a charge of £25. Please email us a copy of this form prior to your appointment for our review.

COVID Recovery Certificate

This is currently no longer a requirement but should you need a recovery letter or testing rules return, you can book this with us for a fee of £60. Further information can be found by clicking here.

Booking Appointments

To book an appointment, please call us on 02085502276, or email us on contact@olivehealthandtravel.co.uk

Postal Service

Both PCR and Antigen tests can be posted to you for self-testing. To request a postal kit, please call on 02085502276 or email us on contact@olivehealthandtravel.co.uk. We would also recommend that you hand-deliver or courier your PCR samples back to the clinic or directly to the laboratory to avoid any issues due to postal delays, especially if you require a quick turnaround time for travel purposes.

Coronavirus guidance and updates

Guidance is changing frequently. Please follow the up to date NHS guidance here or to check your symptoms and for advice visit 111 online here.

Covid Tests we offer

Looking for a Rapid Antigen Test or a Emergency PCR Test for Travel near you? At Olive Health and Travel Clinic, we offer Covid Testing of all kind, as well as Antibody Blood Tests if required.  Set up an appointment today!