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Covid testing in London

I took my fit to fly antigen test yesterday at Boots Piccadilly. Very easy. (This is for my return to the U.S )

Book online. Make an appointment online. Show up. That's it. (Bring your passport and test registration number.) YOU MUST HAVE YOUR PASSPORT. No other ID is accepted.

I arrived a little early and there was a line. Because I had an appointment I was told to wait. Many people arrived without appointments and were told to come back later. My appointment was for 11:30 but it became first come, first serve for those with appointments. I was seen at 12:00.

When it's your turn, they ask if they can authorise payment (30 GBP) and they test. (You provide payment information when you register online but it's not taken until you test.) It took about 5 minutes.

Results sent via email within 30 minutes. A suggestion...hang out near your test center. After 40 minutes, I didn't get my results. I went back and they resent it. You need the results (certificate) to get on the plane.

Posted by
357 posts

We have had good luck with Express test in the UK. (Heathrow/Edinburgh) Book an appoitment online & show up Our 2 day arrival test showed up about 5 or 6 hours later. A PCR in Edinburgh took about 18 hours (but within parameters promised). Pretty quick & easy.

One more scheduled this afternoon. Please think good thoughts for a good result!

Posted by
7208 posts

Thanks Frank. Provides another option if the ExpressTest site at Paddington Station is booked when we take our rescheduled trip.

Posted by
16420 posts

When I was waiting to take my test, the guy in front of me had just over an hour to take his test and get to St Pancras to catch the Eurostar. That's cutting it close.