COVID-19 test before flights from Airport

This might come across a bit harsh, but I wish people would stop travelling unless its essential travel. Last year I missed my sisters 50th Birthday and my dads 80th Birthday.

To book your swab test call the Public Health Helpline on 111 or +356 21324086 if you have a foreign number. The operators will take note of your personal details and you will be given an appointment to undergo this test closest to your place of residence.

Covid Test provided by the Government of Malta is free.

Just an update on my original post in January :

In the end I decided not to go on holiday in the Spring, due to
all the bother involved with dealing with the covid restrictions.

However as the covid climate appears to be improving I'm now
planning to holiday in the UK this August.  I note that the UK
Government state that 2 covid tests are required on entry.

One has to be taken before flight departure and the other 2
days on arrival in the UK.  Also the covid tests cannot be taken
by the state. They have to be paid for at a private health clinic.

Can anyone recommend a private clinic in Malta or Gozo which offers pre-flight covid-19 tests ?  Also I'd like an idea of how much a covid-19 test would cost.  - Thanks.

BlueOctupus wrote:

Just an update on my original post in January :

In the end I decided not to go on holiday in the Spring, due to
all the bother involved with dealing with the covid restrictions.

However as the covid climate appears to be improving I'm now
planning to holiday in the UK this August.  I note that the UK
Government state that 2 covid tests are required on entry.

One has to be taken before flight departure and the other 2
days on arrival in the UK.  Also the covid tests cannot be taken
by the state. They have to be paid for at a private health clinic.

Can anyone recommend a private clinic in Malta or Gozo which offers pre-flight covid-19 tests ?  Also I'd like an idea of how much a covid-19 test would cost.  - Thanks.

You can get a Rapid Antigen Test, which as I understand it is acceptable for boarding here, at the airport. The company is in the new Multistorey car park on the left as you drive round towards the terminal. Test results by email within 15 to 30 minutes.
There is a chain of pharmacies in Malta who also do them plus a facility in Victoria. Tests at the airport are €35.
The PCR test in the UK you can find government suggested places on the UK. Gov website and I believe on the Malta British High Commission website. Remember it has to be booked and paid for before travel and you will need proof.
Do not forget you need to complete the location form online before travel.

Hi F0xgl0ve,

  Thank you for your excellent advice.  Testing at the airport
  would be convenient and the price is quite reasonable.

  The rules for the different types of test and when they should be
  taken are so confusing for travellers at the moment.  I've
  researched the information on numerous Government websites
  but  many  of the answers I need for my questions just don't exist.

  It's good that I can ask questions on this brilliant forum and find
  the answers from  members with great knowlege and expertise
  like yourself !