Rules changed whilst I am overseas

luiza8

We left the U.K. on the 8th November. We booked and paid for the day-2 lateral flow tests to be completed when we return. 

The entry requirements to the U.K. have recently changed and require all travellers to take a PCR test upon arrival into the U.K. this must be booked BEFORE travelling. 

What should we do as we are already travelling and the rules have changed. If I book a PCR test now, for my arrival, I will be out of the country and can’t satisfy the requirement of being in the country when I book and pay for it. 

Thanks for any help. 

eskbanker

Surely in this case the requirement is to book the test before travelling back to the UK?

Edit: yes, assuming England:

If you are fully vaccinated

This is what you need to do if you qualify under the fully vaccinated rules for travel to England.

Before you travel to England – fully vaccinated

Before you travel to England you must:

• book and pay for a COVID-19 PCR test – to be taken when you arrive in England
• complete a passenger locator form – to be completed in the 48 hours before you arrive in England

emmajones1976

Where does it say you have to be in the country to book it? You can book it whilst abroad, which will provide you with a code for your passenger locator form.

I think you have misunderstood things.

sheramber

Booked before you travel back to UK so you have the code to put on the PLF.

Before you travel to England you must:

• book and pay for a COVID-19 PCR test – to be taken when you arrive in England
• complete a passenger locator form – to be completed in the 48 hours before you arrive in England

Sandtree

luiza8 said:

What should we do as we are already travelling and the rules have changed. If I book a PCR test now, for my arrival, I will be out of the country and can’t satisfy the requirement of being in the country when I book and pay for it. 

Thats not a requirement. Have travelled a fair bit in the last 18 months and due to uncertain return dates have paid for all our day 2 tests whilst abroad. The only requirement is that its from a supplier on the governments list and booked before you return to the UK

michael1234

luiza8 said:

We left the U.K. on the 8th November. We booked and paid for the day-2 lateral flow tests to be completed when we return. 

The entry requirements to the U.K. have recently changed and require all travellers to take a PCR test upon arrival into the U.K. this must be booked BEFORE travelling. 

What should we do as we are already travelling and the rules have changed. If I book a PCR test now, for my arrival, I will be out of the country and can’t satisfy the requirement of being in the country when I book and pay for it. 

Thanks for any help. 

I feel your pain - I'm in exactly the same position. Damn annoying but as others have said you can buy them whilst abroad and get the code for your PL. If you're very lucky your LF test provider mighit allow an "upgrade" to PCR - neighbour was able to do that.

At least for you its just a question of more money. In my case, the sudden change means I have to rebook my booster vaccination which was due the day after I arrived. So I'll need to wait another 3 weeks which is a shame as I need to go away again and the vaccination booster protection would have been helpful.

CKhalvashi

Some providers are offering an upgrade package to PCR, so this may be an avenue worth pursuing.

As an aside, as a frequent traveller on business I've only once booked a test before leaving the UK for return, and in this case I was only away for 2 nights/3 days, so booked the night before I went. I've always done it the night before filling in the PLF in any other case.

The testing companies don't set rules for entering the UK, the government does, so you will be firmly stuck against the contract with them in relation to refunds if this is not applicable.