Pcr Tests: Available At Airports?

The COVID-19 pandemic has made PCR tests a routine requirement for international travel. While some airports offer on-site PCR testing, the price of tests varies significantly across the world, with tests in the UK costing between £59 and £135, and tests in the US ranging from $106 to $261. In some countries, the testing rate is fixed or subsidised by the national government, and taxation policies on testing differ internationally. For example, in the UK, 20% of the fee charged for a PCR test is VAT tax. While PCR tests are widely available at airports, rapid antigen tests are offered at a smaller number of airports.

PCR tests at Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport has multiple sites offering PCR tests to travellers. These tests are required by law when flying in and out of the country.

Where to Get a PCR Test at Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport has several testing sites, including the ExpressTest centres, which are operated by the UK Government's Department of Health and Social Care. ExpressTest offers walk-through and drive-through testing for PCR and lateral flow tests. Their testing sites are located in the arrivals lounge of terminals two and five and are open from 7 am to 8 pm.

Other testing providers at Heathrow Airport include Randox, Collinson, and Halo, which has a testing desk at the Sofitel Heathrow Terminal 5.

Booking a PCR Test at Heathrow Airport

It is important to book your test in advance. You can book a PCR test at the ExpressTest centre by visiting their website. Tests at other providers can be booked online or over the phone.

Cost of PCR Tests at Heathrow Airport

The cost of PCR tests at Heathrow Airport varies depending on the provider. Lateral flow tests start from £21.50, while PCR tests can range from £30 to £119. Some providers offer discounted prices for passengers flying out of Heathrow Airport.

Results of PCR Tests at Heathrow Airport

The turnaround time for PCR test results also varies depending on the provider. Some providers offer results within 12-14 hours, while others provide results within 24 hours or up to 48 hours. ExpressTest guarantees that results will be provided by 10 pm the following day.

PCR tests at Changi Airport

Changi Airport in Singapore has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of its passengers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the key measures is the mandatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for all arriving travellers. The test must be taken upon arrival at the airport, and results are provided via email. This measure is in line with the requirements of many countries that ask for proof of a negative COVID-19 test within a specified timeframe before departure.

The PCR test at Changi Airport is not just for those arriving in Singapore but also for those transiting through the airport. In January 2023, India introduced a requirement for all travellers from Singapore to have a negative pre-departure PCR test, even if they were transiting from a low-risk country. This caused some confusion, as Singapore was recording much lower daily COVID-19 case totals compared to when India previously dropped the pre-departure test requirement. Additionally, the Indian High Commission had initially denied that travellers from Singapore would be included in the list of those requiring a pre-departure test.

The PCR test requirement at Changi Airport can be quite costly for travellers, especially for those transiting through Singapore on their way to India. A PCR test in Sydney, Australia, for example, costs around AU$80-100, while in the USA, it can cost upwards of US$180 (S$240). This adds a significant expense to trip costs, particularly for families.

To make the process more convenient for travellers, Changi Airport established new protocols to allow business travellers to avoid a 14-day quarantine. Business travellers can live inside a bubble and meet their office deadlines while undergoing the mandatory self-paid RT-PCR test on arrival. Additionally, travellers can book an appointment for pre-departure COVID-19 swab testing through Raffles Connect.

It is important to note that the PCR test results from Changi Airport are typically provided within a few hours, but it is recommended to check the specific requirements of your destination country to ensure compliance.

PCR tests at Mumbai Airport

Yes, Mumbai International Airport has a dedicated COVID-19 testing facility for both international arriving and departing passengers. The airport offers a range of private testing options for passengers for both arrivals and departures.

RT-PCR Tests at Mumbai Airport for Departing Passengers

Mumbai Airport offers drive-through, park-and-test, and testing options inside the terminal for departing passengers. Lateral flow tests are also available in the drive-through and terminals. There are also LAMP tests available in the terminals which provide a result within two hours.

RT-PCR Tests at Mumbai Airport for Fully Vaccinated Passengers Arriving

Mumbai Airport offers a day two PCR test for fully vaccinated passengers. There is a drive-through at the airport for arrivals where the tests can be picked up at the cost of £69. They can also be picked up in the terminal. Results from these tests will be available by 10 pm the following day.

Home tests that give results within 24 hours can also be picked up at the drive-through or in the terminal at the cost of £69.

RT-PCR Tests at Mumbai Airport for Non-Vaccinated Passengers Arriving

Anyone arriving in the UK who is not fully vaccinated must isolate at home for 10 days. They must also take a test and provide a negative result three days before they travel to Britain. They must also book a day two and day eight PCR test.

These are all available to be collected from Heathrow.

Cost of RT-PCR Tests at Mumbai Airport

• Day two tests both at the airport or at home are £69.
• Day two and eight tests are £129.
• A test to release is £69.
• Day two, eight and a test to release kit is £189.
• Return to England tests with results within an hour are £35.
• Return to England tests overseen by a medical professional with results within two hours are £39.
• Home day two and eight kits are £150.
• A test to release home kit is £104.
• Fit to fly departure tests are £59.
• Lateral flow/rapid antigen tests are £35.
• LAMP tests in the terminal are 85.

PCR tests at Tokyo's Haneda Airport

Tokyo's Haneda Airport has two coronavirus testing centres located at Terminals 1 and 2. The testing centres are a collaboration between Japan Airport Building and Kinoshita Group, which operates five other PCR test centres in Tokyo. The centres offer both rapid antigen and PCR tests.

The rapid antigen test is performed via nasal swab and costs ¥1,800. Results are available in 15 minutes. The PCR test uses a saliva sample and costs ¥1,900. Results take at least two hours. The PCR test is only available to those not travelling on the same day.

The testing centres are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm and serve travellers on domestic flights only. Online bookings are available.

PCR tests at Stansted Airport

PCR tests are available at many airports, including Stansted Airport in the UK. Stansted Airport has two testing partners, Randox and Collinson, which are both private companies. They offer test results that are accepted in most countries, but it is recommended that you check your intended destination. The walk-through services are available at the Short Stay Yellow car park and are open from 7 am to 7 pm. It is important to note that you must book your PCR test in advance by visiting the Stansted Airport booking site.

Stansted Airport offers a variety of different Covid tests, including PCR tests and lateral flow tests. PCR tests at Stansted Airport start at £59 per person for next-day results and go up to £80 for a three-hour response. It is important to note that the rules for Covid testing and travel may change over time, so it is recommended to check for the most up-to-date information before travelling.

In addition to the on-site testing options, passengers can also opt for off-site testing options, such as the Boots PCR Test for Travel, which can be ordered online or done in-store. However, individuals with Covid symptoms are advised to stay away from the stores. It is important to follow the testing requirements and guidelines for your specific destination to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Frequently asked questions