How long does it take to get a house viewing appointment?

Thats very cool. I hope there is a viewing for tomorrow

It can be on the same day; it depends on the sellers as well as the potential buyers.

Also, remember you may not be the only one interested, so if you delay too much someone could be putting in an offer before you've even been for a viewing.

It depends on the estate agent, seller, how much interest the property has attracted and if the sellers want a quick sale.

In my experience pre-covid it usually took 18-48 hours to get a physical viewing on weekdays, unless seller were willing to offer an evening viewing option.
Plenty of estate agents do try to vet potential buyers in line with seller instructions to avoid giving viewings to those who are timewasters not looking to buy or individuals that do want to buy but don't have access to any funds to pay the deposit let alone the price that the seller is looking for.

Thanks, we've managed to get a viewing for this week. Will I need to wear a face covering?

Like to look around a house when you're looking to buy? It's not likely to be straight away on the day you phone asking for a viewing is it? Well I'm hoping it isn't cos I take around an hour to get ready to go out so if it's booked straight away then I don't know how I'll make the viewing. I hope it's the next day or in the afternoon so I can be told there's a viewing and can get ready in time.