where are the testing centres??

Brie

I wanted to see where the nearest testing sites are so that I can go and get a pre flight test.

The only filter I can find narrows it down to SW England which is fine but then includes all the postal tests and no indication of which ones can be pre booked for testing onsite.

https://www.find-travel-test-provider.service.gov.uk/providers

Does anyone know how to filter this further to someplace Dorchester/Bournemouth/Southampton?

Or is it really easy to book a test at the airport? (not that I actually want to leave it that late)

Sandtree

Its easy to book a test at the airport, just need to check whos operating at your terminal and their hours of operations etc. Wont be the cheapest option. 

Dont think anyone has bothered trying to pull together a map of all clinics and given many are popups etc then it'd have been hard to keep it up to date. I was going to suggest looking at one of the big providers like Randox but it appears they've nothing near your area.

Is it a PCR, LatFlow or something else you need?

Most private clinics in London are offering them and so would imagine that is the same elsewhere but be aware that some clinics are simply doing the swab for you (or just supervise you doing it on yourself) and then they're just sticking it in the post/giving it to a courier the same as you would/could if its a PCR test.

A simple google shows up the likes of Bournemouth Covid-19 Testing - The Regenerative Clinic

Brie

Thanks @Sandtree

I must admit I find the whole thing very confusing.  I'm hoping to fly to Canada and think (but am not sure) that I need more than a lateral flow test.  I'm triple jabbed but believe from the Can.gov website that this is irrelevant as is the passport I use.  

Sandtree

Brie said:

Thanks @Sandtree

I must admit I find the whole thing very confusing.  I'm hoping to fly to Canada and think (but am not sure) that I need more than a lateral flow test.  I'm triple jabbed but believe from the Can.gov website that this is irrelevant as is the passport I use.  

Entry requirements - Canada travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Looking at the FCO, but if you have a Can.Gov website use that instead, it says anti-gen tests (aka lateral flow tests) are not acceptable. 

There is a link to COVID-19 vaccinated travellers entering Canada - Travel restrictions in Canada – Travel.gc.ca which says you need a PCR, NAT/NAAT or LAMP test... PCR are going to be the most widely available in the UK, I have seen some offering LAMP too but they didnt seem to take off in the UK... havent heard of NAT/NAAT tests before.

Not recommending the previously linked to clinic, they were just the top of Google, but they offer within the hour, same day and next day PCR test so would cover your needs... naturally the quicker you need it the more they charge.

Brie

@Sandtree
Thanks again.  All the jargon that differs from one country to the next and the variations on what passport one uses begins to make my head hurt.  And then I try to book tickets for a flight and the website keeps falling over.  Sigh.

bagand96

The following website is really useful:

Covid Testing Network - Compare Travel PCR tests near me (covid19-testing.org)

It asks you a few initial questions about your travel plans so it can tell you which tests you require, then you can go on to compare providers.  You can search for local test centres by postcode, or select at airport/at home.

Sandtree

Brie said:
And then I try to book tickets for a flight and the website keeps falling over.  Sigh.

On that front I would only be booking directly with the airline or an agent that I trust massively  and certainly not Expedia or some random online travel agent... many stories of people having trouble getting monies back from them after flights cancelled etc 

Brie

@Sandtree
no worries on that front!  I was book direct so I know exactly what I'm getting and who I'm dealing with.  it's usually very straightforward as I only need the flight, not hotels or any of the other add ins.