Rapid and same-day Covid testing by Cignpost ExpressTest is being introduced due to the “mind-boggling” array of rules across overseas destinations.
A four-hour rapid service is now available at Heathrow Terminal 2 and 5, Gatwick and Birmingham airports, plus St Pauls in London, for travellers requiring urgent PCR tests.
Samples are taken by trained swabbers and analysed on site at the company’s fully accredited laboratories, with Fit to Fly certificates confirming the result by email within four hours.
Tests costs start at £119 and must be booked in advance.
The company has also added same-day PCR results at Heathrow Terminal 4 and Edinburgh airport, plus testing centres in Belfast and across London. Same day PCR test costs lead in at £85 when booked in advance.
Covid testing requirements vary by country and govern whether visitors must take PCR or lateral flow tests, when they must take them, and the minimum age for who must provide results.
For example, France, Austria and Italy all have different rules for fully vaccinated skiers arriving in the next few weeks.
Long-haul destinations, including the Caribbean, UAE and the Maldives still require fully vaccinated travellers to provide negative Covid tests before they travel.
The company aims to combat the confusion with a range of services that also includes a PCR test with results provided by 10pm the following day, and lateral flow tests that can be taken on site, for confirmed results in 40 minutes, or home tests with Fit to Fly certificates supplied in two hours.
Company co-founder Nick Markham said: “While the UK government has removed testing requirements for fully vaccinated arrivals, there’s a mind-boggling array of Covid rules for popular tourist destinations across Europe and the world.
“Our range of PCR and lateral flow tests ensures holidaymakers can get the right tests at the right time and will help keep people travelling smoothly.”