How long before flying do I need to take my test? 21 March 2022 19:58 Updated Please perform your test in line with guidance from your country of travel. The large majority of countries require you to swab 48 hours before arrival, however some are as short as 24 hours. Related articles How long will my results take? Do LivingCare provide fit to fly certificates? What date/time will be published on my certificate for travel? Can the antigen/lateral flow tests be used for flying both into and out of the UK? Is your pre-departure Antigen/RAT/ lateral flow test on the EU's common list of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests?