Jun 4, 2020, 5:57 am
Last edit by: NewbieRunner
Mod note on thread engagement:
A reminder that this thread is about the self-isolation requirements for UK arrivals.
It is a help/Information resource for those travelling or returning to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland from outside the UK. Let's concentrate on news, questions and answers that are relevant and on-topic and stay away from speculations about the spread of the virus, the performance of politicians and other topics which are more suitable for OMNI.
Please stay within these requirements to avoid issues.
A reminder that this thread is about the self-isolation requirements for UK arrivals.
It is a help/Information resource for those travelling or returning to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland from outside the UK. Let's concentrate on news, questions and answers that are relevant and on-topic and stay away from speculations about the spread of the virus, the performance of politicians and other topics which are more suitable for OMNI.
Please stay within these requirements to avoid issues.
LATEST UPDATES
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-t...virus-covid-19
18 March travel to the UK changes
If you will arrive in the UK from abroad after 4am, Friday 18 March, you do not need to:
- take any COVID-19 tests – before you travel or after you arrive
- fill in a UK passenger locator form before you travel
This will apply whether you are vaccinated or not.
You also will not need to quarantine when you arrive, in line with current rules.
Other countries still have COVID-19 entry rules in place. You should check travel advice before you travel.
If you will arrive in England before 4am, 18 March, you must follow the current rules as set out in this guidance.
*****
The following historical information is retained for the time being.
The Passenger Locator Form for passengers arriving into the UK can be found here:
https://visas-immigration.service.go...r-locator-form
This can only be completed once you are within 48 hours of arrival in the UK.
Exemption list from quarantine requirements - specific details:
https://www.gov.uk/government/public...k-border-rules
England
Statutory instrument for individual passengers arriving in to England: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/582/contents (this html version is updated, but may not have the very latest updates for Statutory Instruments released in the last few days)
Test to release for England only from 15 December, see post 4776 https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/32841066-post4776.html
Statutory instrument for transport providers http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2.../contents/made
Scotland
Statutory instrument for individual passengers arriving in to Scotland: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2020/169/contents (this html version is updated)
Wales
Statutory instrument for individual passengers arriving in to Wales: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2020/574/contents (this html version is updated) &
Welsh language version: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2...0200574_we.pdf
Northern Ireland
Statutory instrument https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2021/99/contents (this html version is updated)
PRACTICAL GUIDANCE FOR QUICK RELEASE FROM SELF-ISOLATION (based on November 28th updates)
[This section has been moved lower down in the wiki post following the change in self-isolation rule on 7th January 2022[
Any PCR test noted as a UK Government Day 2 test will be accepted for release from self isolation as soon as you get the negative result. If it is any other PCR test (eg "Fit to Fly") and not advertised specifically as a Day 2 test then it won't be valid.
This means that you can:[list]
- Book a suitable Day 2 PCR test before you travel and use the booking reference for the test on the PLF (Passenger Locator Form).
- On your day of arrival go to your scheduled test.
- Proceed to you place of self-isolation and await the result, which will hopefully be same / next day.
Alternatively:- Book any Day 2 PCR test before you travel even if you do not intend to use this test, and use the booking reference for the test on the PLF to ensure entry to the UK.
- Note that you are not strictly required to have a PCR booking before arrival, but your carrier might not know that so you run the risk of being denied boarding
- On your day of arrival (or before end of Day 2) go to a walk-in test centre and take a different test to the one you booked.
- Proceed to you place of self-isolation and await the result, which will hopefully be same / next day.
If you are leaving the UK before the end of day 2 then you do not need to take a test, but are required to self-isolate for the duration of your trip (since you do not have a negative result). Also, if you are self-isolating while waiting for a result (and hence have not been informed of a positive result and need to isolate) you may travel to leave the country.
If you take a test and it is positive for any variant of COVID you will be required to isolate for 10 days from the date of the test.
Whether you take a test or not you may be contacted by the UK Test and Trace system at any time if it becomes apparent that you have been in contact with another case. This is very unlikely to happen before day 3 if it is in relation to your flight to UK. Depending on the suspected / identified variant for that case and if you are fully-vaccinated by an accepted programme (see below for links to what this means and valid exemptions) :- Omnicron or not fully-vaccinated: You will be required to isolated for 10 days, including a bar on travel to leave the country. A negative Day 2 test does not release you from this requirement.
- Other and fully vaccinated : You will not be required to isolate.
- Book any Day 2 PCR test before you travel even if you do not intend to use this test, and use the booking reference for the test on the PLF to ensure entry to the UK.
- Proceed to you place of self-isolation and await the result, which will hopefully be same / next day.
- On your day of arrival go to your scheduled test.
Test Providers for Day 2/8 tests & Day 5 Test to release
This section is for FTers to post their experience with specific providers (good or bad). Keep it brief and to the point. Please mention how the service is provided and your FT name.
DNA Workplace - Postal - Test kits arrived with me on time. Royal Mail slow for return. 5+ days for Day 2 result. #DaveS
DNA Workplace - Postal - Test kits both arrived on time, video of tests required, results by late evening Day 3 and Day 9. #TSE
ExpressTest Gatwick - Drive through - Tested early at 1000 a few times for TTR. Results came through in evening. #DaveS
NowTest - Postal - Day 2 kit arrived on time, day 8 did not. Will update with result arrival times when applicable. #wilsnunn
Collinson - Postal - Day 5 Test to Release kit arrived in time. Results and release by end of day 6. #tjcxx
CTM - Postal - Days 2/8 kits arrived together in time. Both sent results 2 days after posting. #tjcxx
Qured (Oncologica) - Postal -Day 2/8 kits arrived late. Results 3+ days from posting. #Gagravarr
Qured (Oncologica) - Postal - Day 2/8 kits arrived on time. Day 2 result on Day 5 and Day 8 result on Day 10 - happy customer! #EddLegll
Qured (Ocnologica) - Postal - Day 2/8 kits arrived on time. Day 2 result on Day 5 (after bedtime; ironically after my TTR result). #KSVVZ2015
Anglia DNA - Postal - Day 2/8 kits arrived early. (Both were labelled Day2). Results on Day 4 and Day 9. Cheapest on the list at the time, and good service/result. #tjcxx
Qured - Pre-flight test booked and bought through BA. Very efficient service. Highly recommended. #lhrsfo
Randox - Days 2 and 8. Booked two days before return, using BA discount. Kits already arrived on return. Slightly confusing instructions but manageable. Used Randox dropbox and results next day. Good. #lhrsfo
Randox - Day 2 (also used as pre departure test for a London to Milan flight). Used a drop box and results arrived at midnight the next day. #11101
Randox - Day 2 test centre - 2h30 queues outside the test centre in Waterloo. Results of antigen arrived 45 minutes later. #11101
Collinson - Test to Release at LHR T2. Good trip out! Very efficient service and well organised. Used BA discount. Results by end of day. Excellent. #lhrsfo
DAM - Test to Release in Fulham (they have many locations) - the cheapest fast turnaround TTR we have found. They promise 24 hours but in reality me, my wife, and my son (on different days) have received results inside of 12 hours. Very efficient staff as well. Princes outside of Central London as low as 99 GBP. Fulham is 129 GBP. #KSVVZ2015
Boots/Source Bioscience - days 2&8. Both packs sent in the same mail, waiting at the isolation address. Dropped off at postbox at 4pm, result back next day between 4 and 5 pm, very effective. Bought from Boots, Ł160, but same package sold directly bu Source Bioscience is just Ł120. Aaargh! Instructions said nasal and throat swabs, did only nasal and marked accordingly, no issues. #WilcoRoger
Collinsons/Stansted walkin TTR - test taken 1:30 pm, email with results 10:10 pm same day If the BA20OFF doesn't work (didn't work for us) there's another discount on the airport's site #WilcoRoger
Ordered Day-2 kit from Chronomics a week before our return for Ł18.99. Duly dispatched day we were returning to UK, so arrived on day following return. Reasonably simple process to do test and upload -ve result picture. Not sure where +ve result would have led to... #EsherFlyer
Hale Clinic testing centre (near Oxford Circus) - While not the least expensive, appoint schedules are accurate and results returned in promised timeframe. I've used the clinic for Day 2 tests (twice) and antigen test for US (once). I would def utilize again. #ecaarch
Halo at T5 (Sofitel) - Day 2 PCR spit test. Took the test 7pm, results arrived 7am the next day. No queues but a slightly awkward process to follow.
Useful data sources:
New cases per 100k - 7 days: https://covid19.who.int/table
New tests per 1000 - 7 days: https://ourworldindata.org/coronavirus-testing
Vaccination doses per 100: https://ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations
Sequenced samples uploaded to GISAID: https://www.gisaid.org/index.php?id=208
NHS Track & Trace data (positivity rates for arriving passengers are published every three weeks, so if you can't find the data in the current release it will be in one of the previous two) https://www.gov.uk/government/collec...weekly-reports https://assets.publishing.service.go...ut_week_50.ods
UK daily COVID data https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/?_ga...827.1594116739
Risk assessment methodology to inform international travel traffic light system
Data informing international travel traffic-light risk assessments
Testing Terminology
Notes which may assist with understanding which tests to use and with "reuse" of UK tests for other countries regulations:
- LFT: Lateral Flow Test - A rapid antigen test using nasal / throat swab typically performed by the traveler at home, hotel, etc using simple disposable device. Usually tests the "outer shell" of the nucleus (which causes the symptoms and is reasonably stable across variants) and not the "spikes" (which allow new variants to invade more easily), so gives a positive result for many variants. (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-...d_antigen_test)
- PCR: Polymerase Chain Reaction - A laboratory based test which looks at the nucleus of the virus to determine which specific variant it is. After a positive LFT test ("I have some form of COVID") a PCR test ("You have the Gamma variant") allows identification and tracking of new variants to see if they are likely to become a "variant of concern". (See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymerase_chain_reaction)
- NAAT: Nucleic Acid Amplification Test - A general class of laboratory based tests which includes PCR, LAMP, etc tests. (See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019...b/naats.html)
UK arrivals - pre-departure, quarantine and post-arrival [currently no requirements]
Apr 25, 2021, 9:34 am
#7141
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: M&S Elite+
Posts: 3,645
https://www.heathrow.com/company/loc...ort-28-02-2021
Apr 25, 2021, 9:42 am
#7142
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 93
Hi all, check in at Virgin Atlantic in USA took ages as they went through all my paperwork. I was entering the UK as a seafarer exemption. The print out from the govUK site helped sway Virgin to let me check in without the day 2 and 8 testing package. Lots of people turning up for check in did not have PLF's or testing packages so were being sent off to sort it out. I had a PLF and a PCR test done within past 3 days (got this done for free at my regional airport, results back in 16 hours, not bad at all).
On arrival into LHR into T2 today, no lines at all. People in high viz jackets asking if anyone had come from a red list nation but I had not so ignored them. I was then sent off to E gates as I have a British passport. Before the E gates, the UK border force had desks to check everyone's paperwork. I told the lady I was exempt as a seafarer and she did not ask to see any paperwork related to my job, she only asked for the PLF and the covid test (which seafarers actually are exempt from needing) but I had both so showed her, and then she waved me to the E gates. I was through in 5 minutes.
I am staying in UK now but do not need to quarantine due to my job. As my plans changed I shall be here now for a few days before proceeding to the gulf so apparently I need to do 3 LFDs on days 2, 5 and 8 which I can get for free somewhere. Asked in boots at T2 but they did not seem to have a clue what I was talking about. If I order online does anybody know if it will arrive by day 2? This will be from the free LFD ordering site. Thanks.
On arrival into LHR into T2 today, no lines at all. People in high viz jackets asking if anyone had come from a red list nation but I had not so ignored them. I was then sent off to E gates as I have a British passport. Before the E gates, the UK border force had desks to check everyone's paperwork. I told the lady I was exempt as a seafarer and she did not ask to see any paperwork related to my job, she only asked for the PLF and the covid test (which seafarers actually are exempt from needing) but I had both so showed her, and then she waved me to the E gates. I was through in 5 minutes.
I am staying in UK now but do not need to quarantine due to my job. As my plans changed I shall be here now for a few days before proceeding to the gulf so apparently I need to do 3 LFDs on days 2, 5 and 8 which I can get for free somewhere. Asked in boots at T2 but they did not seem to have a clue what I was talking about. If I order online does anybody know if it will arrive by day 2? This will be from the free LFD ordering site. Thanks.
Apr 25, 2021, 10:14 am
#7143
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: London
Programs: HertzPresCircle, Virgin Atlantic Gold,Hil-Diam, Europcar Elite Vip, Emirates Gold, MarriottTitanium.
Posts: 419
Hi all, check in at Virgin Atlantic in USA took ages as they went through all my paperwork. I was entering the UK as a seafarer exemption. The print out from the govUK site helped sway Virgin to let me check in without the day 2 and 8 testing package. Lots of people turning up for check in did not have PLF's or testing packages so were being sent off to sort it out. I had a PLF and a PCR test done within past 3 days (got this done for free at my regional airport, results back in 16 hours, not bad at all).
On arrival into LHR into T2 today, no lines at all. People in high viz jackets asking if anyone had come from a red list nation but I had not so ignored them. I was then sent off to E gates as I have a British passport. Before the E gates, the UK border force had desks to check everyone's paperwork. I told the lady I was exempt as a seafarer and she did not ask to see any paperwork related to my job, she only asked for the PLF and the covid test (which seafarers actually are exempt from needing) but I had both so showed her, and then she waved me to the E gates. I was through in 5 minutes.
I am staying in UK now but do not need to quarantine due to my job. As my plans changed I shall be here now for a few days before proceeding to the gulf so apparently I need to do 3 LFDs on days 2, 5 and 8 which I can get for free somewhere. Asked in boots at T2 but they did not seem to have a clue what I was talking about. If I order online does anybody know if it will arrive by day 2? This will be from the free LFD ordering site. Thanks.
On arrival into LHR into T2 today, no lines at all. People in high viz jackets asking if anyone had come from a red list nation but I had not so ignored them. I was then sent off to E gates as I have a British passport. Before the E gates, the UK border force had desks to check everyone's paperwork. I told the lady I was exempt as a seafarer and she did not ask to see any paperwork related to my job, she only asked for the PLF and the covid test (which seafarers actually are exempt from needing) but I had both so showed her, and then she waved me to the E gates. I was through in 5 minutes.
I am staying in UK now but do not need to quarantine due to my job. As my plans changed I shall be here now for a few days before proceeding to the gulf so apparently I need to do 3 LFDs on days 2, 5 and 8 which I can get for free somewhere. Asked in boots at T2 but they did not seem to have a clue what I was talking about. If I order online does anybody know if it will arrive by day 2? This will be from the free LFD ordering site. Thanks.
The Free LFD takes 2 days so far when i order. So order today, get it tuesday. Order tuesday get it thursday etc. Order coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) One package contains 7 tests
Apr 25, 2021, 10:17 am
#7144
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: M&S Elite+
Posts: 3,645
Hi all, check in at Virgin Atlantic in USA took ages as they went through all my paperwork. I was entering the UK as a seafarer exemption. The print out from the govUK site helped sway Virgin to let me check in without the day 2 and 8 testing package. Lots of people turning up for check in did not have PLF's or testing packages so were being sent off to sort it out. I had a PLF and a PCR test done within past 3 days (got this done for free at my regional airport, results back in 16 hours, not bad at all).
On arrival into LHR into T2 today, no lines at all. People in high viz jackets asking if anyone had come from a red list nation but I had not so ignored them. I was then sent off to E gates as I have a British passport. Before the E gates, the UK border force had desks to check everyone's paperwork. I told the lady I was exempt as a seafarer and she did not ask to see any paperwork related to my job, she only asked for the PLF and the covid test (which seafarers actually are exempt from needing) but I had both so showed her, and then she waved me to the E gates. I was through in 5 minutes.
I am staying in UK now but do not need to quarantine due to my job. As my plans changed I shall be here now for a few days before proceeding to the gulf so apparently I need to do 3 LFDs on days 2, 5 and 8 which I can get for free somewhere. Asked in boots at T2 but they did not seem to have a clue what I was talking about. If I order online does anybody know if it will arrive by day 2? This will be from the free LFD ordering site. Thanks.
On arrival into LHR into T2 today, no lines at all. People in high viz jackets asking if anyone had come from a red list nation but I had not so ignored them. I was then sent off to E gates as I have a British passport. Before the E gates, the UK border force had desks to check everyone's paperwork. I told the lady I was exempt as a seafarer and she did not ask to see any paperwork related to my job, she only asked for the PLF and the covid test (which seafarers actually are exempt from needing) but I had both so showed her, and then she waved me to the E gates. I was through in 5 minutes.
I am staying in UK now but do not need to quarantine due to my job. As my plans changed I shall be here now for a few days before proceeding to the gulf so apparently I need to do 3 LFDs on days 2, 5 and 8 which I can get for free somewhere. Asked in boots at T2 but they did not seem to have a clue what I was talking about. If I order online does anybody know if it will arrive by day 2? This will be from the free LFD ordering site. Thanks.
https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus...ral-flow-tests
In theory they should be available from most pharmacies. You might be lucky and have them arrive in time if you fill the form now. They are posted with Tracked 24.
Apr 25, 2021, 10:23 am
#7145
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,686
I am staying in UK now but do not need to quarantine due to my job. As my plans changed I shall be here now for a few days before proceeding to the gulf so apparently I need to do 3 LFDs on days 2, 5 and 8 which I can get for free somewhere. Asked in boots at T2 but they did not seem to have a clue what I was talking about. If I order online does anybody know if it will arrive by day 2? This will be from the free LFD ordering site. Thanks.
https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/
List view is sometimes clearer.
Apr 25, 2021, 10:47 am
#7146
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NYC, LON
Programs: *
Posts: 2,767
Hi all, check in at Virgin Atlantic in USA took ages as they went through all my paperwork. I was entering the UK as a seafarer exemption. The print out from the govUK site helped sway Virgin to let me check in without the day 2 and 8 testing package. Lots of people turning up for check in did not have PLF's or testing packages so were being sent off to sort it out.
Why do you need these? Is this a different requirement for people who don't need to quarantine?
Apr 25, 2021, 11:03 am
#7147
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,868
Interesting. May be worth then avoiding British airlines with overzealous agents that may see themselves as extension of the UK government. There is no obligation to have the PLF completed before you leave the US. Just has to be done before crossing UK border. Same with day 2 and 8 tests - they can be ordered when you arrive in UK and are necessary to cross the border.
You are right that the obligation as a passenger is to have a completed PLF when you reach immigration in the UK, but the operator also is explicitly legally liable to ensure you have done your PLF by that point too. So it isn't unreasonable that they would want to see it at check in or boarding which will be the two easiest points to check this. You may be right that you can complete the PLF later, but I honestly don't know why you wouldn't complete it before check in as a way to ease progress if asked for it at check in.
On the day 2&8 test package the obligation on the passenger is to posses one on arrival or as soon as they arrive, Airline agents are just following what is in TIMATIC which says it is needed for the UK. The issue raised a few times is that it does not give any detail on not needing one if your stay is less than 2 days which can cause issues. To be fair the airline check in agents are merely trying to ensure passengers than embark their plane are going to be in conformance with entry requirements at their destination.
Only a negative PCR is necessary for check-in as that can only be done prior to departure.
Apr 25, 2021, 11:14 am
#7148
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 93
Interesting. May be worth then avoiding British airlines with overzealous agents that may see themselves as extension of the UK government. There is no obligation to have the PLF completed before you leave the US. Just has to be done before crossing UK border. Same with day 2 and 8 tests - they can be ordered when you arrive in UK and are necessary to cross the border. Only a negative PCR is necessary for check-in as that can only be done prior to departure. I traveled to UK last week with United Airlines and check-in took two minutes - all they asked for was my PCR test result.
Why do you need these? Is this a different requirement for people who don't need to quarantine?
Why do you need these? Is this a different requirement for people who don't need to quarantine?
Regards the day 2, 5 and 8 LFD tests, this is just for people who are exempt from the day 2 and 8 PCR testing package due to their occupation. You have to do 3 LFD tests instead of 2 PCR, main benefit though is they are free.
Also thank you to itisme, Corporate Wage Slave and DaveS for advice regards the tests. As I am worried about ordering online not arriving in time, I will use the map to find a local pharmacy to pick some up from tomorrow.
Apr 25, 2021, 11:23 am
#7149
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NYC, LON
Programs: *
Posts: 2,767
I honestly don't know why you wouldn't complete it before check in as a way to ease progress if asked for it at check in.
requirements at their destination.
Maybe, but I can't see you would get anywhere arguing that with a check in agent, and since you will need to do a PLF and possibly book a day 2&8 package anyway why you wouldn't have done these already and just show the agent.
requirements at their destination.
Maybe, but I can't see you would get anywhere arguing that with a check in agent, and since you will need to do a PLF and possibly book a day 2&8 package anyway why you wouldn't have done these already and just show the agent.
All I say is the prolonged check-in process reported at the Virgin check-in is entirely manufactured by Virgin and is not required for departure from the US. There are numerous people who arrive UK without filling PLF and they are just asked to go to the side and do so. You can also purchase day 2 and 8 tests from Collinson on arrival at LHR if you didn't do so prior. There is absolutely no requirements on the airlines that you should have these before boarding. The requirements are for valid travel documents and a negative PCR within the stipulated guidelines.
Apr 25, 2021, 11:34 am
#7150
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,868
I of course agree. It is best to have everything prepared beforehand in case you encounter over-zealous check-in agents who have their interpretation of the rules. So even though it took me two minutes to check-in with the United desk, and all I provided was my PCR result, I did have everything else just in case they asked.
All I say is the prolonged check-in process reported at the Virgin check-in is entirely manufactured by Virgin and is not required for departure from the US. There are numerous people who arrive UK without filling PLF and they are just asked to go to the side and do so. You can also purchase day 2 and 8 tests from Collinson on arrival at LHR if you didn't do so prior. There is absolutely no requirements on the airlines that you should have these before boarding. The requirements are for valid travel documents and a negative PCR within the stipulated guidelines.
All I say is the prolonged check-in process reported at the Virgin check-in is entirely manufactured by Virgin and is not required for departure from the US. There are numerous people who arrive UK without filling PLF and they are just asked to go to the side and do so. You can also purchase day 2 and 8 tests from Collinson on arrival at LHR if you didn't do so prior. There is absolutely no requirements on the airlines that you should have these before boarding. The requirements are for valid travel documents and a negative PCR within the stipulated guidelines.
Just to add some more detail to my earlier point, the legal obligations for operators to ensure you have a PLF and negative test can be found here which is a useful link if you are suffering from insomnia
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/38/contents
Apr 25, 2021, 5:28 pm
#7152
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: RBKC
Programs: AA EXP and Eurostar Carte Blanche
Posts: 3,848
You are right that the obligation as a passenger is to have a completed PLF when you reach immigration in the UK, but the operator also is explicitly legally liable to ensure you have done your PLF by that point too. So it isn't unreasonable that they would want to see it at check in or boarding which will be the two easiest points to check this.
Apr 25, 2021, 7:41 pm
#7153
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: RSW & HDS (Naples, Florida & Hoedspruit, South Africa); frequently flying via JNB, EWR, IAD, ORD
Programs: UA Platinum, Star Alliance Gold, Hilton Silver, AA
Posts: 396
I of course agree. It is best to have everything prepared beforehand in case you encounter over-zealous check-in agents who have their interpretation of the rules. So even though it took me two minutes to check-in with the United desk, and all I provided was my PCR result, I did have everything else just in case they asked.
All I say is the prolonged check-in process reported at the Virgin check-in is entirely manufactured by Virgin and is not required for departure from the US. There are numerous people who arrive UK without filling PLF and they are just asked to go to the side and do so. You can also purchase day 2 and 8 tests from Collinson on arrival at LHR if you didn't do so prior. There is absolutely no requirements on the airlines that you should have these before boarding. The requirements are for valid travel documents and a negative PCR within the stipulated guidelines.
All I say is the prolonged check-in process reported at the Virgin check-in is entirely manufactured by Virgin and is not required for departure from the US. There are numerous people who arrive UK without filling PLF and they are just asked to go to the side and do so. You can also purchase day 2 and 8 tests from Collinson on arrival at LHR if you didn't do so prior. There is absolutely no requirements on the airlines that you should have these before boarding. The requirements are for valid travel documents and a negative PCR within the stipulated guidelines.
Apr 25, 2021, 11:46 pm
#7154
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,686
Yes, and that's buried upthread. There is some specification as to the documentation required, which some antigen test providers seem to struggle with. But from day 1 the Border Force has been looking at whether some sort of trustworthy test was does broadly witin the right dates, rather than checking whether the machine name was written out on the certificate. AIrlines may be more precise, but there has never been a requirement for this to be a PCR test, so airlines won't be requiring that. But nevertheless, if a PCR is available in your location at a sensible price, then for your own benefit it is worth going for that.
Apr 26, 2021, 4:17 am
#7155
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: UK (currently)
Programs: BA Gold (and many other greater and lesser distinctions)
Posts: 7,200
Is it currently permitted to travel to Scotland (from the EU) in order to visit a family member who is not ill: i.e. non-essential, non-compassionate travel that could (?) be classified as tourism.
The Scottish Gov website is unclear. There is a subtle difference between outbound travel
"Under current COVID-19 restrictions, IT IS ILLEGAL to travel abroad for holidays and other leisure purposes."
and inbound travel
"You SHOULD ONLY TRAVEL to Scotland if you have an essential reason to do so. At the moment, HOLIDAYS ARE NOT A LEGAL REASON to travel. (my caps and bolding).
The confusion is increased by the fact that the link to "essential reasons to do so", links to a set of "essential reasons" relating to a quite different issue.
Is the inbound formulation "should only travel" just discouragement (as its wording would suggest) or the expression of a legal prohibition (as the reference to 'a legal reason') would suggest? If anyone can clarify I would be very grateful.
The Scottish Gov website is unclear. There is a subtle difference between outbound travel
"Under current COVID-19 restrictions, IT IS ILLEGAL to travel abroad for holidays and other leisure purposes."
and inbound travel
"You SHOULD ONLY TRAVEL to Scotland if you have an essential reason to do so. At the moment, HOLIDAYS ARE NOT A LEGAL REASON to travel. (my caps and bolding).
The confusion is increased by the fact that the link to "essential reasons to do so", links to a set of "essential reasons" relating to a quite different issue.
Is the inbound formulation "should only travel" just discouragement (as its wording would suggest) or the expression of a legal prohibition (as the reference to 'a legal reason') would suggest? If anyone can clarify I would be very grateful.
