Coronavirus Testing Information
COVID-19 Travel Testing
In response to the UK Government announcement on Wednesday 5 January about COVID-19 travel testing, we have updated our arrivals testing options for tests taken from Friday 7 January.
For further information on testing before you travel abroad, please see our Departures information.
What you must do when you arrive in England from abroad depends on where you have been in the 10 days before you arrive. Please see our Arrivals information to find out more.
Departures Testing
COVID-19 Departures Testing Information
Arrivals Testing
COVID-19 Arrivals Testing Information
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.
Types of COVID-19 Test
Collinson and Randox are offering a number of COVID-19 testing options at Manchester 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.
Don’t eat or drink for half an hour before your test as it may affect the result.
Departures Testing
RT PCR (Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction)
The RT PCR test is one of the most common forms of COVID-19 testing. A sample is taken by swab and results usually take between 3 - 48 hours depending which provider and option you choose.
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 1 - 48 hours depending on which provider you choose.
Arrivals Testing
Fully Vaccinated Day 2
From Sunday 9 January – The Day 2 PCR test will be replaced by the Day 2 Rapid Antigen (lateral flow) test.
Unvaccinated Day 2 and 8
The Unvaccinated Day 2 and 8 package comprises two RT PCR (Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests, one on day 2 and one on day 8. The RT PCR test is one of the most common forms of COVID-19 testing, during which a sample is taken by swab and results take up to 48 hours.
Test to Release
The Government’s Test to Release scheme is available to opt in, whereby an additional day 5 test is purchased. The day 5 test allows early release from quarantine upon a negative result.
For departures testing before you travel abroad, please check the UK Government’s travelling abroad guidance for entry restrictions, testing, or quarantine requirements for the country you are travelling to.
The testing package you must book for your arrival into England from abroad depends on where you have been in the 10 days before you arrive. Please consult the UK Government’s advice for entering England to determine the current classification of the country from which you are arriving.
How it works
Check the testing requirements for the destination you are travelling to, or the testing package required on your return to England. Consider when you are required to take your test, as well as the results turnaround time.
Book your test appointment with one of our travel test providers; Collinson or Randox.
Don’t eat or drink for half an hour before your test as it may affect the result.
Arrive at your appointed time at your chosen testing facility, with any required identification and proof of booking for your test. Please remember to wear a mask unless exempt due to health reasons.
Your test sample will be collected by a clinical professional to be analysed.
You will then receive your test results within the turnaround time guaranteed by your chosen provider.
Testing Centre Locations
The Station Testing Centre - A walk through testing centre, located in the Manchester Airport Station.
T2 Testing Centre - A walk through testing centre, located on Terminal 2's ground floor.
JetParks Ringway Testing Centre - A drive through testing centre, located at the JetParks Ringway car park.
Runger Lane Testing Centre - A drive through testing centre, which can be found next to the Premier Inn Hotel.
All of our testing centres are open 7 days a week between 07:00-19:00.
If you are arriving by car and using an airport car park, parking fees will apply.
Official advice from the UK Government
Health advice from the NHS
For health information ad advice, read the NHS pages on coronavirus
Public Health England
Visit the Public Health England website for more information about Coronavirus
Travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website for the latest worldwide travel advice
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