HOW TO GET TESTED BEFORE FLYING

MORE and more countries, including Italy, Cyprus and Barbados, are requiring travellers to submit a negative Covid-19 PCR test result before arrival. Here’s how to do this:

FIRST, check i f this i s required by your destination at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

THE timeframe for having your test ranges from seven days to 72 hours before travel or arrival — check what applies for you and factor in time zones, too. Age limits for children vary.

TESTS for travel aren’t available on the NHS. You need to visit a private clinic or use an online service that posts out a kit. Search ‘how to take a coronavirus self-test swab’ on YouTube for a helpful NHS video. Some labs have reduced services at weekends. If time is tight, deliver your sample in person or by courier rather than relying on the post.

PRICES vary significantly. Your airline may have a tie-in with a test provider — British Airways uses CityDoc ( citydoc.org.uk), where the cost for passengers is from £93. Nomad Travel ( nomadtravel. co.uk) has clinics in six UK cities with fees from £160. If you’re in a rush, a same- day test at fleetstreetclinic.com in London costs £495.

YOUR result and a test certificate will be emailed to you, generally within 48 hours (remember to check your spam folder). If it is negative, print the test certificate, fill in any other online forms required, and enjoy your holiday.

IF YOUR test is positive, cancel your trip. You may be able to re-book or make a claim if your insurance has Covid-19 cover — some Post Office policies do ( postoffice.co.uk/travel-insurance).