Activate your COVID-19 travel test Kit
You need to activate your PCR test kit below before you take your travel test. You must do this otherwise we cannot send your result to you. If you’re under 16 years old, an adult will need to activate your test from their ZAVA account.
Please note that travellers entering the UK no longer need to take any COVID-19 tests, either before travelling or after arriving in the country. This applies to both vaccinated and non vaccinated travellers, as of 18 March 2022.
Activate your test kit
To activate your test, you will need your:
- passport
- test kit number (8 digits long, beginning with ‘P’). This is printed on the barcode stickers included with your kit.
- test booking reference number (beginning with ‘ZVAGB’). Check the email we sent you after ordering your test.
- Royal Mail tracking ID. This is under the barcode on the prepaid envelope included with your kit.
If you're taking a test after arriving in the UK, you will also need details about your journey. For example, your flight number and date of arrival.
When to activate your test
You should activate your test at the same time you take your test.
Tip: the day you enter the country is considered ‘day 0’. If you have a Day 2 test, you need to activate and take this on or before ‘day 2’.
How to activate your test
Click the 'Activate now' button above when you are ready to take your test. You can also activate your test from your account.
You will need to complete a short questionnaire. This should take no more than 2 minutes. You can take your test after you have done this.
Why do I need to activate my test?
You must activate your test so we can send your result (and certificate, if required) to your ZAVA account.
Activating your test kit links it to your account so when we get your result, we know this belongs to you.
I cannot activate my test
If you cannot activate your test or you need help, contact our Customer Support team on 020 3588 0292. Or send us a message via your account. Our lines are open 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturday, and 10am to 4pm Sunday.
How do I take my test?
Taking a PCR swab test is simple. Follow the instructions included with your test kit to collect your sample correctly.
- Adults aged 18 and over can take their test on their own, or with help if they need more support.
- Adolescents aged 12 to 17 can take the test on their own, but should do so with adult supervision. An adult may conduct the test if necessary.
- Children under 12 should have their test taken by an adult. Children under 5 cannot use this test.
Follow your kit instructions to pack your test sample securely. Post your test back to our lab using the prepaid envelope and a Royal Mail priority post box.
When will I get my result?
You should get your result within 48 hours of Royal Mail receiving your test sample.
We will email you when this is ready to view in your account. We will also explain what to do next depending on your result (for example, if you need to isolate).
If you're applying for a certificate (and your result is negative), we will provide this to you too.
Make a note of your Royal Mail tracking ID number so you can track your sample after returning it. We will ask for this when you activate your test. Post your test before the last priority collection to avoid delays.
In partnership with SYNLAB
ZAVA has partnered with one of Europe’s leading medical diagnostics providers SYNLAB to offer COVID-19 testing. SYNLAB is a UKAS accredited private provider listed on GOV.UK for COVID-19 testing.
