new travel rules and PCR could anyone clarify? Post Reply

[coffee cake]

Hi apologies for being a bit dim but regarding travel does anyone know for sure if you have to either:

(1)
take a PCR test upon return from overseas on day 2 (this is what the SKY website says) 

'Compulsory PCR tests are back for those arriving in the UK from abroad and travellers will be required to take a test two days after returning and must self-isolate until they get a negative result..'

or

(2)
do you have to take a PCR test upon return from overseas within 2 days  (this is what The daily Mail
website says) 

'The new curbs in England, which came into force at 4am today, mean all fully vaccinated travellers must return to taking costly PCR tests within two days of arriving in the UK

Sorry to ask as I appreciate that there are many bigger issues but I could do with some clarification.

Thanks!

[chorister]

Forget Sky, the Daily Mail or any of the rest of the press and go straight to the horse's mouth

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

[coffee cake]

 Fabulous! Thanks Chorister. Should have thought of that.

[crackers]

Yes but still not clear from govt site whether it must be taken ON day 2: “you must take a PCR test before the end of day 2” - that is, can it be taken on day 1 as soon as you arrive back? Anyone done this recently who can clarify?

[LZR1910]

I arrived into the country just after the changes. You have to book the test before arriving as the reference is required on the passenger locator form which is mandatory.
I had to show a negative PCR test to the airline before boarding the flight as per the airlines requirements.
I booked my test for the same day I arrived which according to the government is Day 0. (In other countries, arrival day is Day 1.)
The negative results came within 24hrs and I was free from isolation.
Hope that’s helpful.

[dudette]

I think it’s up to day 2 (ie you can take it on day 0, 1 or 2). Otherwise you wouldn’t be able to do it at the airport when you arrive. It certainly used to be the case and I haven’t read anything saying it’s changed.

[LifestyleMum]

I heard clearly, tests to be taken 48hrs prior to entering uk.

Hope that helps.

[waltzer]

Thanks LZR910 and dudette. Helps a lot with planning well sort of as things change so rapidly 
Happy travels anyone who is braving it.

[dudette]

I heard clearly, tests to be taken 48hrs prior to entering uk.

Hope that helps.

The OP is referring to the Day 2 tests you have to do after you arrive in the U.K. As you say, you now ALSO have to do one before you leave the country you’re in - joy of joys!! Such a fun way to spend a holiday - scouting around for somewhere to get the tests done and working out how to get the results into your passenger locator form.

[crackers]

Thanks Dudette and others. I found the relevant bit on the Gov site and you’re right, you can take the ‘Day 2’ test on day zero, one or two on arrival back into the UK. I did it earlier this month flying back in from Malaga and it was all surprisingly easy as they have a super speedy test centre at the airport for the pre flight test (they email the results and you just show this at the check in desk). It’s the Day 2 test in the UK that needs to go on your PLF. So it wasn’t at all as onerous as it sounds!

[crackers]

Though have to say, it seemed a bit of a joke as I was coming from southern Spain with low virus levels into London with raging virus levels! 🙄