Day 2 tests: What if no results yet when I leave the UK again on Day 4?

[Deleted User]

Hi all. Thanks in advance for any help.

My question is about Day 2 tests after travel into the UK, and whether I need a result before I leave the UK again.

I'm a UK citizen living in Hungary (amber list). Two vaccine doses. Now travel restrictions have eased I'm coming to the UK on Friday for the first time in 18 months, to see family. Plan to leave on Tuesday (Day 4). I have my pre-departure test. I can order a Day 2 test for home testing, but I'm anxious about the postal service: suppose I do the test on Saturday morning and post it then, there's a good chance it won't be delivered to the lab until, say, Tuesday, and I won't get results until after I leave the UK.

Am I going to be asked about my results when I try to leave the UK? What will happen if I don't have a result yet? Anything??

(I have everything for travel back to Hungary. Permanent residency plus vaccine.)

Ben1989

You don't need to quarantine as you're double vaccinated coming from an amber country so free to do what you want, including flying back to Hungary. However, as you've said, you still need to take the Day 2 test. You will not be asked about it, whatsoever. The main concern comes if you test positive and you will not know.

If you're conscious get a supplier with expedited delivery. For instance, with Randox, you drop the test at one of their drop boxes and get the result the following evening. £48 if i recall correctly

Edit: to add. The Day 2 test is UP to Day 2. So you can take it on Day 0 (arrive day), Day 1 or Day 2.

[Deleted User]

Thanks Ben. Yeah, I know about quarantine etc, my only worry is leaving the UK without yet having the result. You're certain I won't be asked?

Ben1989

I've edited my above post which will give you peace of mind.

silvercar

tsp said:

Thanks Ben. Yeah, I know about quarantine etc, my only worry is leaving the UK without yet having the result. You're certain I won't be asked?

You’ve fulfilled your legal obligations, by buying a test, entering details on the PLF before arrival, taking the test and posting it back. If the result doesn’t reach you before you leave that isn’t your problem.

[Deleted User]

Thanks both for the reassurance

Sandtree

tsp said:

Thanks Ben. Yeah, I know about quarantine etc, my only worry is leaving the UK without yet having the result. You're certain I won't be asked?

You are leaving the UK so not the UK's problem... all you will be asked is by the airline's check in desk to ensure you meet the requirement of Hungry's policy for entering the country.

Obviously if the result comes in as positive when you are in Hungry you would then need to follow their local rules about testing positive