Test to Release (Arrivals COVID-19 Testing)
COVID-19 testing for arrivals at Stansted Airport
Book Your COVID-19 Test
From the 15th of December, travellers arriving into England from countries not on the travel corridor list will have the option to reduce the current 10 day isolation period by taking a COVID-19 test with an approved provider.
Under the new ‘Test to Release’ strategy, travellers will have the option to take a test after 5 days of self-isolation. A negative result will release them from the requirement to further isolate.
Please do not use the airport testing facility if you suspect you may have COVID-19. If this is the case, you must use NHS testing facilities.
Travellers must not use NHS testing facilities for travel related purposes.
*By clicking a booking link on this page, you are leaving the Stansted Airport website and making a booking with a third party partner.
Important Information
Please remember to complete a Passenger Locator Form before you arrive in the UK. This should include your test booking reference for Test to Release. Make sure that your chosen test provider is on the UK Government’s approved provider list.
Test to Release Testing Options
If you are travelling through Stansted Airport, you currently have three options for testing on arrival.*
Get a test at our airport testing facility
Apply for a home test kit
Get a test with one of our high street test partners
* Make sure that your chosen test provider is on the UK Government’s approved provider list, which is being regularly updated.
How It Works
Testing At Location
1.) Book your test slot with one of our travel test providers; Collinson at Stansted Airport or one of our local partners.
2.) 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.
3.) Your test sample will be collected by a clinical professional to be analysed.
4.) You will then receive your test results within the turnaround time guaranteed by your chosen provider.
Test At Home
1.) Book and pay for your test online.
2.) Your test kit will be delivered to your door.
3.) Follow the instructions carefully to collect your sample.
4.) Send your completed test back to the lab for analysis.
5.) Once ready, your results will be available to download from your Patient Record.
Testing Centre Location
The Stansted Airport COVID-19 testing facility can be found next to WHSmith in Arrivals.
If arriving by car please park in Short Stay Orange (parking fees apply).
Note: Please do not confuse the airport travel testing facility with the NHS drive-through testing facility also located on airport grounds.
Opening Hours: 07:00 - 16:00, 7 days a week
Car Park Location
Directions to Car Park
Short Stay Orange
Note: once at the airport, please follow signs to Short Stay ORANGE ZONE
From London:
Leave the M11 at J8a.
Follow the road for just over 1 mile and take the Stansted Airport. Branch left, then at the Bassingbourn roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Thremhall Avenue.
At Coopers End Roundabout take the third exit, following signs to the Short Stay Car Parks.
From Cambridge:
Leave the M11 at Junction 8.
Take the A120 exit to Stansted Airport. At Priory Wood Roundabout take the 3rd exit, merge onto the A120 and branch left. At the Bassingbourn roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Thremhall Avenue.
At Coopers End Roundabout take the third exit, following signs to the Short Stay Car Parks.
Paying For Parking
When you arrive at the car park, take a token from the barrier. When exiting the car park, insert the token into the barrier followed by a credit/debit card.
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Local COVID-19 Travel Test Providers
If you don’t live near or are unable to get to the airport for testing, you can also take a COVID-19 travel test with the following providers.
High Street
Boots
Stansted Airport has partnered with Boots, who are offering a RT PCR test.
If you are travelling from Stansted Airport, you can get a 5% discount off your test at Boots by filling in this form before visiting the Boots website.
MASTA
Stansted Airport has partnered with MASTA, who are offering RT PCR, Rapid Antigen and Antibody tests at selected clinics.
If you are travelling from Stansted Airport, you can get a 5% discount off your test at MASTA by filling in this form and taking the discount code with you on the day of your test.
At Home
LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor
If you’d like to get a RT PCR swab test kit online, you can request one from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor. Delivered straight to your door, the test kit comes with everything you need to collect your sample and send back to the lab for analysis. You’ll be able to download your results from your Patient Record.
Request your at-home COVID-19 home testing kit.
Official advice from the UK Government
Health advice from the NHS
For health information ad advice, read the NHS pages on coronavirus
Health information from the NHS
Public Health England
Visit the Public Health England website for more information about Coronavirus
Visit the PHE website
Travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website for the latest worldwide travel advice
Visit the FCO websiteUseful Links
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