Day 2 test - do I need to book it before leaving the UK or just before returning?

rexmedorum

If I understand it correctly, coming back from an amber country (& fully vaccinated) after 19 July I need to have a day 2 test booked to put on the passenger locator fom, before travveling home? Is that correct?

I do not need it before leaving the UK and make the booking online while I'm abroad?

The reason I'm asking is that I'm looking to go for quite a while to visit relatives and rules may very well change again in the mean time.

Sandtree

correct, return by your return it needs booking 

mar7t1n

I already have a PCR kit, unused from a previous trip. Can I use this as my Day 2 test?

Ben1989

mar7t1n said:

I already have a PCR kit, unused from a previous trip. Can I use this as my Day 2 test?

That needs clearing up with your supplier. We cannot advice on that. I travelled recently and our Day 5 (TTR) ended up being late. I asked if we could use the Day 8 test as we already had those and they strictly said no as there's something inbuilt into the barcodes for processing.

neilsaver1975

We're travelling to Spain on 16/10 and returning 23/10.

UK Gov has said it will be replacing the need to do PCR with LFT for Day 2 at some point in October.

Question is : Can I order the test (either PCR or LFT) while on holiday as it's possible I won't know if the rules will change until after I'm in Spain?

NSG666

neilsaver1975 said:

We're travelling to Spain on 16/10 and returning 23/10.

UK Gov has said it will be replacing the need to do PCR with LFT for Day 2 at some point in October.

Question is : Can I order the test (either PCR or LFT) while on holiday as it's possible I won't know if the rules will change until after I'm in Spain?

That's what we are going to do returning from Portugal later this month. Perhaps best to research where you can buy either before you go then all you have to do on hols is buy the appropriate one just before you fill in your passenger locator form.

There was a link on another thread to a BBC news article saying LF tests were being delayed due to a shortage - why they couldn't just say you can use either so at least some could save a few quid is beyond me.

silvercar

We bought our day 2 tests, from nationwide pathology, 3 days before our return. Bought online and they arrived at our home before we did. The code came instantly via email.

silvercar

Once LFTs are allowed, I’m sure that PCRs will also be accepted. They are of a higher accuracy, so no reason that they wouldn’t also be accepted.

silvercar

mar7t1n said:

I already have a PCR kit, unused from a previous trip. Can I use this as my Day 2 test?

Only day 2 tests can be used for day 2, as they are the only tests that will be genome sequenced if found to be positive and that is factored into the price and the administration of the kits.

ginger_chocolate

I ordered mine while I was abroad. When I came home it was there waiting for me. 

superbigal

The no stock of Lateral flow is complete Schapps Bullsheeet.
His "mates" have huge stocks of PCRs that they need to sell.

The govt has promised all these testing start ups they won't be left with huge stocks even though  they have profited so much in the last few months.
Shysters