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Covid Test in London for traveling back to the US

Hi everyone,

We are almost ready for our trip to London in March. We are fully vaccinated and boosted. We know that England has eased restrictions recently for vaccinated visitors and that we wouldn't need to get tested before/after arrival, and no quarantine required. However, the US is still requiring a negative test within one day of our flight back home. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with this, and whether you have any recommendations for a testing place in London that provide Antigen tests for fast results?

Thank you!

Posted by
14801 posts

I got mine at Boots in Piccadily. However, they no longer show that location on their list of test sites. The Kensington Branch does them. Results emailed to you within 30-45 minutes.

However, there are loads of clinics throughout London offering tests. You will get more answers here but you could just ask at your hotel.

Posted by
36 posts

Thank you, Frank! Great idea! I emailed them after seeing your response, and they got back to me already. But it looks like they think the best thing to do is at home tests I can order in advance and drop off at different locations using priority mails. I am nervous that would not allow us to have enough time to get back the results given the US specifically wants us to test within one day. I might look into different options.

Posted by
36 posts

Thanks, VAP! That's very helpful. It looks like they have different locations so I might give that a try too.

Posted by
2597 posts

I will be traveling to London in late April so at this point I am just filing away info like what the CDC requires in a test and where/when to get it in London, but figure it's possible the requirement for a test to return to the US may stop...hopefully. I will bring self-tests with me either way just for peace of mind.

I like the option of Collinsons at St Pancras and the results come in within an hour--it would be great if people who are going in the next couple of months come back here and provide an update of where they got tested.

Posted by
6384 posts

I intend on getting mine at the ExpressTest testing site at Paddington station. There are other sites too, e.g., Victoria station. ExpressTest is the same company that tests at the airport. From its site, there is a “change location” link beneath the Heathrow terminal title. Click on it to select a different site in town.

Posted by
2 posts

Great question and good info! We're headed over to the Cotswolds and London early March as well, so just the feedback I was looking for. Thanks all!

Posted by
9 posts

Friends traveled to Ireland recently. They purchased at home test kits from emed.com before departing. This is a test that is monitored through the camera on your phone/tablet/etc. I purchased kits through Delta—same manufacturer—free shipping. My friends had no problems with this process.