Birmingham Airport PCR testing at arrival: how to book an on-site Covid test when landing at Birmingham
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Birmingham Airport now operates as an ExpressTest centre allowing travellers and locals alike to get tested for coronavirus.
ExpressTest centres are operated by the UK Government’s Department of Health and Social Care. They offer test results accepted in most countries of travel (be sure to check your intended destination)
What Covid tests are available at the Gatwick ExpressTest centre?
Birmingham Airport’s ExpressTest centre offers a variety of different Covid tests according to your needs – with tests available for NHS as well as the general public and travellers seeking Fit to Fly certification.
Birmingham Airport also provide arrival tests for travellers flying back to the UK from green and amber list travel destinations.
Walk-through Covid testing at the airport is open from 8am to 8pm, offering PCR and rapid lateral tests for Fit to Fly travellers.
Members of the public requiring a PCR coronavirus test can also get these done via walk-through testing.
Drive-through testing is open between 8am and 8pm.
Those seeking lateral flow tests for a valid travel certificate are warned to check which countries are accepting these as a form of safe entry, as not all countries accept lateral flow tests as proof of not having Covid.
The latest Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office travel guidance provides up to date travel information on entry requirements for a range of countries, as well as their travel list status on the UK traffic light travel system.
How do I book into the Express Covid test at Birmingham Airport?
PCR tests carried out at the Express Covid Test Centre at Gatwick Airport can only be accessed by advance bookings.
Even if you are attending the airport to receive a lateral flow test at the walk-through facility for travel, it is recommended that you book in advance to avoid lengthy queues and possible delays to catching your flight.
Those wishing to attend the walk-through testing site at the Express Test centre in Gatwick can book these at: https://www.expresstest.co.uk/book-a-test/testing-centres/birmingham-airport-walk-through/
Here you can select whether you require a test for a Fit to Fly certificate or a regular coronavirus test, and can choose a suitable date and time for screening.
Drive through testing can also be booked in advance for groups of up to five people by going to the Express Test website, with at https://www.expresstest.co.uk/book-a-test/testing-centres/birmingham-airport-drive-through/
How much do the Airport Express tests cost?
There are different costs for Covid-19 tests at the Birmingham ExpressTest centre depending on which type of coronavirus test you need, whether you are requiring a test for a Fit to Fly certificate and whether you attend walk-through or drive-through testing.
At the ExpressTest walk-through facility, lateral flow tests are available for £35 per person – with results taking roughly 20 minutes and sent to you by email.
Lateral Flow Tests are not as widely accepted as PCR tests.
Meanwhile, PCR tests at Birmingham Airport cost £99 per person for the general public, £59 per person for flight passengers.
The results of PCR tests, considered to be more reliable in determining whether someone has Covid-19, should be supplied by 10pm on the following day, but ExpressTest warn that these could take up to 48 hours to receive.
Birmingham Airport’s ExpressTest Walk-in screening site is at Birmingham Airport South Terminal.
Their Drive-Through screening site is located just off the A45 (Coventry Road) behind the Holiday Inn and Travelodge hotels. Turn off the Coventry Road onto Terminal Way and then take a right turn after 150 yards onto Falcon Way. The centre is in the car park ahead of you. The entrance to the Express Test site is directly opposite the Birmingham Airport Travelodge.
Visit Birmingham Airport’s ExpressTest information page to find out more.
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