Coronavirus Testing Information
From 15th February 2021, all UK arrivals are required to book a two test package prior to travel*. Proof of booking must be shown in order to travel to the UK. Travellers must then self-isolate for 10 days, and take the two tests on Day 2 and Day 8 after arrival. The results of these two tests do not allow travellers to leave self-isolation early. The two test package must currently be booked through the Government Portal (i.e. these tests cannot be taken at the airport testing facility). This may change in future.
The Government’s Test to Release scheme is continuing in parallel. Under the scheme, travellers can opt also to purchase a test at the airport from Day 5 after arrival. Upon receiving a negative Test to Release result, travellers may leave quarantine; however, they must still complete both the Day 2 and Day 8 tests.
* Travellers who have recently been in Red List Countries must book a quarantine hotel package, which includes two tests. Travellers who have recently been in Red List Countries cannot use Test to Release.
From December 2020, testing will be available to meet UK and foreign government requirements for travel to destinations which require evidence of a negative test for entry or to reduce quarantine periods. From 15th December 2020, passengers arriving in the UK will be able to reduce their quarantine period by taking a test with an approved provider five days after arrival and receiving a negative result.
Please Note:
Travellers must not use NHS testing facilities for travel related purposes.
Please do not use the airport travel testing facility if you suspect you may have COVID-19. If this is the case, you must use NHS testing facilities.
Do not confuse the airport travel testing facility with the NHS drive-through testing facility also located on airport grounds.
*By clicking a booking link on this page, you are leaving the East Midlands Airport website and making a booking with a third party partner.
COVID-19 Travel Testing
Departures Testing
COVID-19 Departures Testing Information
Arrivals Testing
COVID-19 Arrivals Testing Information
Types of COVID-19 Test
Collinson are offering a number of COVID-19 testing options at East Midlands Airport. Please see below for more information
Note: As test requirements vary from country to country, make sure to check which test is needed for the destination you are travelling to.
RT PCR (Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction)
The RT PCR test is one of the most popular forms of COVID testing. A sample is taken by swab and results usually take between 24 to 48 hours.
RT Lamp (Reverse-Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification)
This test is an option for entry into certain countries. A sample is taken by swab and the results take less than 90 minutes.
Rapid Antigen
This test is an option for entry into certain countries. A sample is taken by either swab or saliva and the results take less than 1 hour.
Antibody
An antibody test is used to test if a traveller has contracted the virus at some point in the past. It is currently only required for admission into certain countries. A blood sample is taken and results take between 24 and 72 hours.
Don’t eat or drink for half an hour before your test as it may affect the result.
Important Information
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. Please check the foreign government guidelines for your destination, as well as the UK Government COVID-19 travel advice.
Local COVID-19 Travel Test Providers
If you don’t live near or are unable to get to the airport for testing, you can also take a COVID-19 travel test with the following providers.
High Street
Boots
East Midlands Airport has partnered with Boots, who are offering a RT PCR test.
If you are travelling from East Midlands Airport, you can get a 5% discount off your test at Boots by filling in this form before visiting the Boots website.
MASTA
East Midlands Airport has partnered with MASTA, who are offering RT PCR, Rapid Antigen and Antibody tests at selected clinics.
If you are travelling from East Midlands Airport, you can get a 5% discount off your test at MASTA by filling in this form and taking the discount code with you on the day of your test.
At Home
LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor
If you’d like to get a RT PCR swab test kit online, you can request one from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor. Delivered straight to your door, the test kit comes with everything you need to collect your sample and send back to the lab for analysis. You’ll be able to download your results from your Patient Record.
Request your at-home COVID-19 home testing kit.
Official advice from the UK Government
Health advice from the NHS
For health information ad advice, read the NHS pages on coronavirus
Health information from the NHS
Public Health England
Visit the Public Health England website for more information about Coronavirus
Visit the PHE website
Travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website for the latest worldwide travel advice
Visit the FCO websiteUseful Links
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