Day 2 Lateral Flow Tests for Vaccinated Travellers

Former_MSE_James_F

Vaccinated travellers entering England from abroad will be able to take a day two lateral flow test instead of a more expensive PCR test from Monday 24 October, in a move by the UK Government to make going abroad cheaper and easier ahead of October half-term.

Read the full story here:
'Covid: Lateral flow tests to replace PCRs for vaccinated travellers from October 24'

Click reply below to discuss. If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply.

Wrister

We return to UK from Spain on 30 Oct and have spare PCR test-at-home kits unused after earlier rule changes. Fully vaccinated. Will we still be able to use them instead of ordering the lateral flow tests?  

Wrister

Found this on Daily Telegraph online: "Double-jabbed travellers that have already bought a PCR for travel after October 24 do not need to buy another test."  Anyone seen official advice to this effect?

leopoldo_2

Wrister said:

Found this on Daily Telegraph online: "Double-jabbed travellers that have already bought a PCR for travel after October 24 do not need to buy another test."  Anyone seen official advice to this effect?

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/lateral-flow-tests-to-be-introduced-for-vaccinated-international-arrivals

It says so on here too.

onashoestring

Wrister said:

We return to UK from Spain on 30 Oct and have spare PCR test-at-home kits unused after earlier rule changes. Fully vaccinated. Will we still be able to use them instead of ordering the lateral flow tests?  

If you have already booked a  Day 2 PCR tests you can use that - 

superbigal

Anyone speculate/read if this will kick in at 4am on Sunday 24th or at 00.01 ?
I land at 01.50 so it makes a difference.

sheramber

According to this page it is from 4 am

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/02/coronavirus-travel-help-and-your-rights/

qwertymnbvcxz

Bit unsure here. I'm sure others may be curious about this to:

We arrive back to the UK on the 23rd. Our day 2 test will thus be the 25th. To do the locator form I need to have booked a PCR test at this moment, however when I actually am supposed to take the PCR it'll be equally allowable to book the cheaper lateral flow test. 

Can I simply cancel my PCR for a refund and book the cheaper lateral flow, as long as it's done on day 2?

Be great if anyonene can clarify my options, as it'll help me and most likely many others, thank you.

onashoestring

Most providers do not allow you to cancel and get a refund . The only one I am aware of that does allow you to do this is CTM the Government’s provider - their cancellation policy is you have to cancel before the kits have been delivered and at least 24 hours prior to your planned arrival into the UK.

In the past the rules have applied according to the Day you arrive in UK , however The uk Gov website says From 22 October you will be able to book an antigen lateral flow device (LFD) test instead of a PCR for your ‘on arrival test’

sheramber

The rule change os for people arriving on 24 October. As you arrive on 23rd you will need to follow the existing rules.

jrf23

sheramber said:

The rule change os for people arriving on 24 October. As you arrive on 23rd you will need to follow the existing rules.

I’ve read it slightly differently and would love to confirm this.

Here’s the guidance from the gov website:

”Eligible fully vaccinated passengers arriving in England from countries not on the red list can take a lateral flow test on or before day 2 of their arrival from 24 October, rather than PCR tests – cutting the cost of tests in time for travellers returning from half-term breaks. These can be booked from 22 October.”

I read that as from October 24, day 2 tests can be the new ones ordered on 22nd. So, if you travelled on 22nd you could order the new test and do it on 24th as that would be your day 2. Does anyone agree?