Pre-Departure COVID-19 testing
Get tested for COVID-19 before you fly
Book your COVID-19 test
With many popular destinations already requiring evidence of a negative test result to gain entry or to reduce quarantine time, Stansted Airport has decided to partner with Collinson to provide COVID-19 testing at the airport for individuals wishing to travel.
Pre-book your test in advance using the Collinson booking portal linked on this page.
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
Check your destination: certain destinations require specific tests and the results to be presented in a particular format. Make sure both the type of test and the test provider’s certificate (which could be paper or digital) are accepted by the country you are travelling to. Please check the foreign government guidelines for your destination, as well as the UK Government COVID-19 travel advice.
COVID-19 Testing options
Information provided in this table should be used for guidance only. Please check the UK government COVID-19 travel advice as well as local government travel advice for your destination. Testing type requirements vary, make sure you are booking the correct test for your destination.
This table was updated on 01/12/20.
Test Type | Sample Method | Result Time* | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
RT PCR Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction | Swab | 24 - 48 hours | £99 | |
RT Lamp Reverse-Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification | Swab | < 90 minutes | £79 | |
Rapid Antigen Also commonly referred to as Lateral Flow tests | Swab / Saliva | < 1 hour | £50 | |
Antibody Tests if someone had the virus previously | Blood | 24 - 72 hours | £40 |
* Results time will vary by provider. Consider both the results turnaround time and how recently your destination requires you to have been tested when booking your slot.
How it works
Check the entry requirements of the destination you are flying to. Some destinations require specific tests and proof of testing in a particular format. Look at both. Read the most recent UK Government Travel Advice.
Book your test slot with one of our travel test providers; Collinson at Stansted Airport or one of our local partners.
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.
Your test sample will be collected by a clinical professional to be analysed.
You will then receive your test results within the turnaround time guaranteed by your chosen provider. Remember to consider the results turnaround time as well as how recently your destination requires you to have been tested when booking your slot.
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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Other 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 at local Boots stores. 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.
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
Airline contact details
For any questions about your flight, please contact your airline
Special assistance
Information for passengers who require special assistance at the airport
Security information
Advice for going through airport security
Travelling with children
Make your journey as smooth as possible if you're travelling with babies, toddlers or children
COVID insurance cover
Insurance cover for travelling in the new normal to your favourite destinations
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