safe to fly test certificates
safe to fly test certificates
If you have booked a ticket or considered travelling in the last two months, you might have noticed that many destinations now require a fit to fly certificate. We hope this blog post helps you understand this new requirement and how to jump through all of the bureaucratic hoops.
What is a fit to fly certificate?
A fit to fly certificate is a signed and stamped letter from an accredited clinic (with the Care Quality Commission), signed by a doctor registered with the General Medical Council that confirms that you do not have any symptoms of COVID-19, have had a negative PCR swab test and are fit to fly.
This certificate requires an RT PCR Swab Test for COVID-19. This test is a swab taken of your throat and nose at our clinic that is sent to our laboratory for testing. Our laboratory is UKAS-accredited.
Not all destinations require the fit to fly certificate – for some, such as Dubai and the Caribbean, the laboratory report alone is sufficient.
When should I get tested?
You need to check with your airline as some destinations require the sample to be taken 96 hours before departure, others 72 hours before and some require the report itself within 48 hours before arrival. It can get confusing so it is absolutely necessary to check with your airline before booking in your test.
Our turnaround time is 48 – 72 hours so we can help in the vast majority of cases. Where you are unsure, for example when your travel lands on a weekend, just give us a call and our team will help you time your test correctly. So you REALLY need to plan ahead and have this organised before you arive at the airport or you will not be boarded.
Is the PCR swab test painful?
The majority of patients report the swab being a little uncomfortable (as it can make you gag a bit and is irritating inside the nose) but do not report any pain. The swab takes 10 – 15 seconds and although not something you would do for fun, it isn’t a terrible experience!
What destinations require a negative PCR swab ?
The list of destinations changes everyday so you should check with your airline. The most common destinations so far have been Cyprus, Hungary, Austria, Dubai, India, Ethiopia, Morocco, Egypt, Bermuda, Barbados, St Lucia, Martinique, Iraq, Iran, Qatar and many others. Please note that you must make your own checks before flying as the clinic cannot take responsibility for checking requirements.
Something tells me that millions will not bother as the cost oif the test being between £120 and £175 - depending where and which clinic you use, adds considerable to each time you travel as this is required each time you fly. Families wanting to take their usual holiday with ths kids to Spain will find this added expense beyond reason and will choose, like many others, to stay in the country and enjoy a StayCation in the UK instead. The cost of the test alone is almost the cost of a few days break.
TO FIND OUT MORE AND WHERE TO GET A TEST - GOOGLE IT.
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