"The Test to Release scheme allows you to reduce the time you must self-isolate for by providing a negative Covid-19 test. "
Reduce the time that you need to self-isolate for after travelling if you have a negative Covid-19 test
Reducing your Covid-19 self-isolation period with Test to Release
Reducing your Covid-19 self-isolation period with Test to Release
The current government guidelines around travel to the UK from abroad state that you must self-isolate for ten days when you return.
However, you may be able to reduce the time that you need to self-isolate for after travelling if you have a negative Covid-19 test.
What is the Covid-19 ‘Test to Release’ scheme for international travel?
Currently, anyone who arrives in England from outside the UK or Ireland must self-isolate for 10 days.
The Test to Release scheme allows you to reduce the time you must self-isolate for by providing a negative Covid-19 test.
You can choose to pay for a private Covid-19 test and, if the results are negative, you will be able to end your quarantine period early and continue to live, work and travel in accordance with your local coronavirus guidelines.
If the results show that you are positive, and do have coronavirus, you will need to isolate for a further ten days, starting from the date you took the test.
Travel corridor removal and Test to Release scheme:
The removal of all travel corridors, which came into effect from 4am on Monday 18th January 2021, means that all travellers returning to the UK from abroad will need to quarantine on their arrival home, unless taking part in the government’s Test to Release scheme.
The Test to Release scheme reduces the self-isolation period for returning travellers who test negative, having taken a test from the list of government approved private Covid-19 test providers.
Blue Horizon is the only medical company in the UK that will guarantee your results by the end of the next day, following successful sample delivery to our laboratory
Do I need a ‘Test to Release’ test when I return to the UK?
You do not have to take part in the Test to Release scheme if you are travelling back to the UK from abroad. However, if you do not participate, you will need to self-isolate for ten days upon your return. During that time, you will not be able to travel for work and will need to remain in quarantine until you have completed the ten days.
Can I order a free NHS Covid-19 Test to Release test?
Currently, you can only order a free coronavirus test from the NHS if you are symptomatic, are living with someone who has coronavirus symptoms or are taking part in the government pilot project.
Free NHS Covid-19 tests are not available for travellers returning to the UK as part of the Test to Release scheme. If you are going to be returning to the England from abroad, or have now returned, you will need to order a private test to be able to participate in the Test to Release scheme.
Our private covid-19 Test to Release options for international travel
Our COVID-19 RT-PCR Swab test is a fast and reliable service, featured on the government list of approved providers for the Test to Release scheme.
Our home-to-laboratory testing kits are available for same day dispatch and can be quickly returned using a variety of tracked return options. We also have drop off points in Nottingham, Barnard Castle and London if you would prefer to use these services.
Once your returned kit is received, our expert team of laboratory staff will quickly process your sample and send you the results of your Covid-19 Test to Release test by email.
We will provide you with a certificate which contains important information about the testing process and the result of your Covid-19 test. This certificate is a universally accepted form of proof and can be used, if negative, to reduce the time you need to self-isolate after travelling abroad.
When will I receive my Test to Release Covid-19 kit?
Our private Covid-19 home-to-laboratory test kits are quickly dispatched using tracked delivery.
Ordering a private Covid-19 test before you return to the UK from abroad
Although government guidelines state that you must not take a Covid-19 test as part of the Test to Release scheme until you have been back in the UK for five days, you can order the test in advance so that you have it ready to use as soon as you return to the UK from travelling abroad.
Ordering your Covid-19 test in advance cuts down on the time you have to wait for your results when you return to the UK. With your test ready for you on your return, you can quickly send your sample back to our laboratory and receive your Covid-19 test results by email.
Choosing a reputable Test to Release private Covid-19 test
Blue Horizon is featured in the government list of approved private testing companies so you can rest assured that you are choosing a reputable and reliable company to process your Test to Release Covid-19 test and deliver fast, accurate and universally accepted test results.
Blue Horizon is also the only Covid-19 testing company in the UK that will guarantee your results by the end of the next day, once we have received your sample at our laboratory. If for any reason we are not able to meet this promise, you will receive a refund.
How to order a
Test to Release coronavirus test
Ordering a private Covid-19 test as part of the Test to Release scheme is a quick and easy process. If you have returned to the UK from abroad or want to order a test in advance of your return to find out if you are able to reduce the length of time you need to self-isolate, you can order a COVID-19 RT-PCR Swab test online for fast dispatch.
You will receive everything you need in order to take the test and return your sample to one of our accredited laboratories, using a fast-track courier or postal option or drop off location to suit you.
Your Covid-19 test results will be emailed to you the day after we receive your sample, following testing by our expert laboratory team. If you receive a negative result, you will be able to end your quarantine period early.
