Scotland permits private PCR tests for returning travellers

Published on Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Travellers arriving in Scotland will be able to use private sector tests.

It allows people to book tests from approved providers for the required tests after arriving in Scotland.

It expands options that is currently limited to the NHS home PCR tests via the UK Government’s website.

It takes effect in early September and is possible due to auditing the performance and reliability of private testing providers.

Providers that don’t meet or maintain performance standards will be removed.

“The step provides more choice and flexibility for travellers and will provide a boost for the tourism and aviation sector,” said Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Humza Yousaf.

“We have had regular engagement with the UK Government to understand the measures being taken to ensure test results will be communicated rapidly and reliably to both individuals and to contact tracing services.”

“We have also been reassured that any positive results will be genomically sequenced to quickly identify any variants of concern.”