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What is the Process for travel / PCR tests ?

StuieUK34
Posts: 2,109 Forumite


Hi all,
Might seem a repeat thread, but after reading different info pages on different websites, including the GOV website, i am slightly confused!
For ref, we are both "Fully Vaccinated" + Both use the NHS App (aka: Covid Pass / Domestic Pass / Travel Pass), in England......
We are doing 5 nights in Lanzarote (spain) - Amber list at the moment, although its probably irrelivant if Green or Amber.........
Everything i have read this morning, basically says:
We do NOT need to take a PCR test on the way to Lanzarote. (we need to complete the form via Spanish App, and show the QR code on NHS app to show we are jabbed)...
**** (if for instance, we did need a PCR test on the way out, we would use the kit from Randox, which is: Pre-Departure PCR test of which swabs are delivered to Randox Labs, results/certificate received by email 72hrs before departing ) ****
But, the Return to the UK, this is puzzling me!
I see info that says, we must take a TEST 2 days BEFORE arrival to the UK. Doesnt state whether a PCR test is required, or RAT is allowed...(flow test, the free thing the NHS gives out, but cant be used for holidays as no theres no money to be made using NHS endorsed free devices)
I then see 'Day 2' & 'Day 8' Test kits ???
So, would that mean taking a Test 2 days before coming home, then another test 2 Days after arriving home, then another test 8 days after arriving home ??
I also read that due to being vaccinated, we wouldnt need the 8 day test, only the 2 day...
But which 2 Day Test do we take ? the 2 Day before we come back to the UK, or the 2 Day After we arrive ?
Randox list a 'Amber Fully Vaccinated Travel Pack' , which has 1 PCR Test to take before Leaving the UK , and 1 'Day 2' PCR test....
If taking a test 2 days before coming back to the UK, where would we post this off to, to get the results back within 48hrs of flying ???
A RAT (lateral flow test), i know you can do yourself , but if you do this, how do u get the results to show an airline/airport, etc !
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm !
Might seem a repeat thread, but after reading different info pages on different websites, including the GOV website, i am slightly confused!

For ref, we are both "Fully Vaccinated" + Both use the NHS App (aka: Covid Pass / Domestic Pass / Travel Pass), in England......
We are doing 5 nights in Lanzarote (spain) - Amber list at the moment, although its probably irrelivant if Green or Amber.........
Everything i have read this morning, basically says:
We do NOT need to take a PCR test on the way to Lanzarote. (we need to complete the form via Spanish App, and show the QR code on NHS app to show we are jabbed)...
**** (if for instance, we did need a PCR test on the way out, we would use the kit from Randox, which is: Pre-Departure PCR test of which swabs are delivered to Randox Labs, results/certificate received by email 72hrs before departing ) ****
But, the Return to the UK, this is puzzling me!
I see info that says, we must take a TEST 2 days BEFORE arrival to the UK. Doesnt state whether a PCR test is required, or RAT is allowed...(flow test, the free thing the NHS gives out, but cant be used for holidays as no theres no money to be made using NHS endorsed free devices)
I then see 'Day 2' & 'Day 8' Test kits ???
So, would that mean taking a Test 2 days before coming home, then another test 2 Days after arriving home, then another test 8 days after arriving home ??
I also read that due to being vaccinated, we wouldnt need the 8 day test, only the 2 day...
But which 2 Day Test do we take ? the 2 Day before we come back to the UK, or the 2 Day After we arrive ?
Randox list a 'Amber Fully Vaccinated Travel Pack' , which has 1 PCR Test to take before Leaving the UK , and 1 'Day 2' PCR test....
If taking a test 2 days before coming back to the UK, where would we post this off to, to get the results back within 48hrs of flying ???
A RAT (lateral flow test), i know you can do yourself , but if you do this, how do u get the results to show an airline/airport, etc !
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm !
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Comments
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PCR test before returning, several on the island in resorts doing them for 30 Euro or less.
PCR test for day 2 after returning has to be pre booked and entered on the locator form
Ex forum ambassador
Long term forum member1 -
Browntoa said:PCR test before returning, several on the island in resorts doing them for 30 Euro or less.StuieUK34 said:A RAT (lateral flow test), i know you can do yourself , but if you do this, how do u get the results to show an airline/airport, etc !
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm !1 -
Sandtree said:Browntoa said:PCR test before returning, several on the island in resorts doing them for 30 Euro or less.StuieUK34 said:A RAT (lateral flow test), i know you can do yourself , but if you do this, how do u get the results to show an airline/airport, etc !
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm !
The first one ( i have looked on the internet ) you do yourself ,swab your nose , put the swab in the test tube ,add the liqued ,shake and pour onto the test device ,photo the result and send to the company who give you a pass on your phone to use at the airport.
the second one you swab and post off the test result to the lab.
I think this is how it works as we do not have them yet .1 -
Cheers for the replies...
Out of curiosity, if a person had to do a: PCR test before going out + PCR TEST before coming home + Day 2 test + Day 8 Test......
That sounds like it could be quite expensive ?!!!
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StuieUK34 said:Cheers for the replies...
Out of curiosity, if a person had to do a: PCR test before going out + PCR TEST before coming home + Day 2 test + Day 8 Test......
That sounds like it could be quite expensive ?!!!1 -
in a weird way of saying it, i dont mind the costs as such, meaning i wouldnt want to buy Test kits that arn't needed....
My assumption from reading what i read is that i dont need a PCR test on way out, but i might need a PCR or RAT test 2 days before i come home, and i will need a 'Day 2' test done 2 days after i get home (not sure if the Day 2 kit is a PCR or RAT kit...)If your paying £20, guessing your flying with Tui or Jet2 ?0 -
The Day 2 test refers to the one you must take when back in UK .
However it must be purchased before you fly back as you will need it for your Passenger Locator form - without this you maybe prevented from boarding the plane home .
You must purchase your Day 2 test from the list of suppliers on the Government website , it is sent to a lab for to check for variants and the results are uploaded to the NHS Test and Trace system
There is an article explaining everything clearly here:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/how-to-find-the-cheapest-private-coronavirus-tests-for-travel/
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It's 3 days before travel to the UK, not 2 days. RAT is accepted. I did a RAT before travel back.
So when preparing to come home you need:
- PCR or antigen test (up to 3 days before travel)
- A booked Day 2 PCR test (plus Day 8 if not vaccinated) from the list of approved suppliers
- Passenger locator form completed1 -
Cheers Ben...
Makes sense..
So a RAT or PCR test, i guess i can do at a pharmacy in Puerto Del Carmen (Lanzarote), guessing thats about 30 euro or so, but if taking a local test before i travel home, who gives the results and who do you show the results ?
I did read yesterday, that you can buy the RAT kit (exact same kit the NHS issue for free) and take with you, and do a video call with a UK nurse who validates the '3 day before you fly home' test kit, dont suppose anyone tried that ? (dont mind a trip to local spanish pharmacy though.. )
I'll go via Randox for the 'Day 2' test which i will get before going away (did read i need the ref number to use on the PLF ) .....
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onashoestring said:The Day 2 test refers to the one you must take when back in UK .
However it must be purchased before you fly back as you will need it for your Passenger Locator form - without this you maybe prevented from boarding the plane home .
You must purchase your Day 2 test from the list of suppliers on the Government website , it is sent to a lab for to check for variants and the results are uploaded to the NHS Test and Trace system
There is an article explaining everything clearly here:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/how-to-find-the-cheapest-private-coronavirus-tests-for-travel/0
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