Fit to Fly (back to UK) & PCR on Return -- Questions

Vini_2

2 questions.

1. Can the government issued Lateral Flow tests be taken with you when travelling and used as a 'fit to fly' return test?

2. Assuming you can get a booking, could you get an NHS PCR test and use that as the Day 2 'arrival back in the UK' test?


I'm looking at booking a last minute getaway to the Balearics as some mindful/reset/r&r, but there's so many conflicting information online! I suspect/hope the answer is yes to at least the Lateral Flow option. I just figured as PCR tests are a lot easier to come by these days, that they might be an option?

Caz3121

1. when you say government issued what are these? are they supervised tests. Many are validated via a video call to ensure that the test is performed correctly so a valid certificate can be issued. Probably simpler to get an in person local test whilst you are overseas
2. You need to book your day 2 test with one of the providers listed on the government website and enter the booking reference on your PLF 
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19

Vini_2

By gov issued I mean(t) the NHS supplied ones.

I’ve not read anything that suggested the fit to fly test needed to be supervised, but had wondered.

I had hoped I could just take a box of the Lat Flow tests we order here in the UK. Take a lat flow, and record the outcome in the NHS app ‘as proof’.

Vini_2

This is why I hate browsing on my phone…

it’s there, in plain text…

”NHS tests

NHS tests cannot be used for the purpose of pre-departure testing before travel to England.

You cannot take an NHS test abroad with you to use on yourself before you return.”

Thanks for taking the time to reply though @Caz3121

Ben1989

Just to touch on your second point. You also cannot use the symptom PCR (NHS) tests when you get home for Day 2.

Two reasons:
1) You strictly can't.
2) You require a PCR booking reference inputted into your Passenger Locator Form before leaving for the UK. This is given when you order the test. You cannot leave it blank and your form will be incomplete and thus be denied boarding.

Cheap last-minute getaways aren't a thing at the moment. Qured pre-departure tests are £39 and Randox Day 2 tests are £48. There are discount codes out there too if you look hard enough.

Spendless

As above you can't use the NHS tests for going on holiday. You have to buy them from an approved supplier.. My teenager has just returned from an Amber country and as she's only had one jab so far is currently quarantining. I've worked out it's cost us £235 for fit to fly in UK. test when abroad, day 2 and day 8 testing and an additional day 5 test to release as she needs to take an exam during quarantine so paying to release her early. In addition she was randomly selected for testing by the Greeks on arrival (that was free). OK some of the tests we haven't gone for the cheapest option, because some we wanted the easiest, but others we got a discount on. I talked her out of going away last year like she initially wanted to, saying this year would be easier! 

MoJoeGo

Ben1989 said:

Just to touch on your second point. You also cannot use the symptom PCR (NHS) tests when you get home for Day 2.

Two reasons:
1) You strictly can't.
2) You require a PCR booking reference inputted into your Passenger Locator Form before leaving for the UK. This is given when you order the test. You cannot leave it blank and your form will be incomplete and thus be denied boarding.

Cheap last-minute getaways aren't a thing at the moment. Qured pre-departure tests are £39 and Randox Day 2 tests are £48. There are discount codes out there too if you look hard enough.

Depends on your definition of 'cheap' of course, but yes, the tests are an additional cost that have to be factored in to the overall price when you are planning your trip. Plus you need to be organised enough to get the tests, and the associated paperwork, completed in good time. 

It's certainly not deterring me, but I can see why many people can't be bothered this year - it's actually more effort to go abroad than it was for us in 2020.

Mrsn

MoJoeGo. 

It's certainly not deterring me, but I can see why many people can't be bothered this year - it's actually more effort to go abroad than it was for us in 2020.

For us as 2 adults and 2 kids far too stressful with testing etc, we have twice changed our booking dates (originally booked December 2019...) so very much hoping Easter 2022 will be ok 🤞🏻.

Spendless

I also feel I can't be bothered with it, for 2 adults. Costly and stressful because if you test positive going, when you get there  or before you come back then you're either not going or you're under whatever rules the country you've visited have before you can come back. Add in that the UK Government can change the rules at any point over visiting countries abroad and I feel it's too much money to spend to be stressed about. I'd even want to see what summer 2022 looks like before considering booking for 2023. Having said that I don't blame anyone for going if that's what they want to do and especially if it's a re-arranged trip from last year.  

jimi_man

If you’ve been double jabbed then it’s a lateral flow just before you return £33 and a day 2 pcr which is £48.  £81 in total. Doesn’t seem too excessive to me - especially when you factor in that the flights are a lot cheaper at present for this time than normal. 

Vini_2

Thanks all, I think I got "confused" by everything, amongst the hype of potentially getting this "last minute gig" booked. That said, they never make things that easy do they. I was up until 2am last night picking it all apart (whilst still trying to book something), and I concluded;

To enter Spain (as it currently stands), I need;

- Proof I'm double jabbed (I've got the NHS QR Codes from the App)
or
- Negative Test prior to arriving (I'll be doing a Lat Flow anyway for my own peace of mind)
and
- Complete the Spanish FCR in the 48 hours prior to arriving

Then, for return to the UK;

- A negative (paid for test), 2/3 days prior to departing. Which I'll be booking in resort as they seem to be around €30/£25.
and (because I'm double jabbed)...
- A Day 2 test after arrival. I've gone for a Randox with voucher (£43).

and I'll be doing Lat Flow for a good week or so afterwards.

Think that's everything covered. £80 isn't ideal, but equally, after the 18 months we've had and after taking the decision to treat myself, its par for the course given the situation.