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, £160, but same package sold directly bu Source Bioscience is just £120. 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 £18.99. 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]
#7801
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
Programs: Master of the Privy Purse des Muccis
Posts: 17,915
Hi,
I would check the hotel hoppa schedule to see if it is running.
if not phone the hotel for the local taxi company who can meet you after arrivals cost was about 20 gbp for a Mercedes class car .the black cabs as the hilton is outside the fare zone can be gbp 50plus.
will post more details if needed after work this evening
Regards
tbs
#7802
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: M&S Elite+
Posts: 3,657
So I have a couple of questions regarding the testing I need to do. I am traveling SNA-ATL-MAN on 31 May (arr June 1).
They are offering Covid tests at SNA now. It is a "BD Veritor Plus System rapid antigen test". Is this a valid test to enable me to fly to the UK?
I would like to take my Day 2 test on arrival if at all possible. Does anyone know of a provider at MAN? I am stayng not far from MAN and would like to use a walk in service for day 5 and 8.
Do I both need to book and pay for the Day 2 / 8 and 5 (TTR) tests before traveling?
If I pass Day 5, do I need to take day 8?
Sorry to ask all these but the rules change so fast I am sure someone on FT has an answer based on experience! I think it means nothing, but I have dual UK/US nationality and am fully vaccinated.
Thanks all!
They are offering Covid tests at SNA now. It is a "BD Veritor Plus System rapid antigen test". Is this a valid test to enable me to fly to the UK?
I would like to take my Day 2 test on arrival if at all possible. Does anyone know of a provider at MAN? I am stayng not far from MAN and would like to use a walk in service for day 5 and 8.
Do I both need to book and pay for the Day 2 / 8 and 5 (TTR) tests before traveling?
If I pass Day 5, do I need to take day 8?
Sorry to ask all these but the rules change so fast I am sure someone on FT has an answer based on experience! I think it means nothing, but I have dual UK/US nationality and am fully vaccinated.
Thanks all!
You do need to pay for the day 8, however you could delay taking it and potentially use it for your return flight. The day 8 test must be taken on or after day 8, but the law does not say how long after. If you have used the day 5 TTR, then you should be free anyway.
#7803
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,967
you will need to fill in a passenger locator form before arrival and also have a test within 3 days prior to arrival in the Uk.
#7804
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Exec Club, SIA KrisFlyer, Qantas FF, Emirates Skywards
Posts: 1,850
I don't doubt that there are a lot of fake tests out there but the vast majority of people are probably getting reasonably accurate, real tests. If that prevents people boarding planes with COVID (an environment which is safer than a lot would imagine it to be but still quite risky if you have a bunch of people removing their masks at once in close proximity for a meal service, etc.), that seems to be quite a reasonable goal.
I disagree with a lot of the government's approach to travel restrictions as you know. Testing, however, is not one of them. I would support even more testing (daily even!) if we could scrap self-isolation and hotel quarantine.
I don't think that the government's goal is to hurt the travel sector. I think they are doing what they think will protect the country with a bit of what will poll well in the red belt, etc. mixed in there. But in terms of a cautious reopening, I don't think they are trying to make things as easy as possible as a primary goal.
I disagree with a lot of the government's approach to travel restrictions as you know. Testing, however, is not one of them. I would support even more testing (daily even!) if we could scrap self-isolation and hotel quarantine.
I don't think that the government's goal is to hurt the travel sector. I think they are doing what they think will protect the country with a bit of what will poll well in the red belt, etc. mixed in there. But in terms of a cautious reopening, I don't think they are trying to make things as easy as possible as a primary goal.
I'm completely fine with testing every day for 2 weeks if you want on someone's return - just make it affordable. I have no problem with testing as much as possible. My point is testing in a different country can be unreliable, and if you can do it 72 hours before a flight - what is the point? Did you know that you can even take a test before you leave the UK as your pre-departure if you're staying overseas less than 72 hours? Tell me you think that makes sense?
If you really want travel to return safely, and you want the industry to get back on its feet - actually facilitate safer travel and make it easier for people to do. This way, you get a higher level of compliance, boost the industry and get literally tens of thousands of people back into work. I'm yet to actually see one bit of evidence that the government wants the travel sector to succeed. Especially after a green list that has 2 or 3 places you can realistically travel to.
#7805
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 4
Tbs you are awesome thank you so much. We will contact the Hilton.
#7806
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
Programs: Master of the Privy Purse des Muccis
Posts: 17,915
Hi,
Not to alarm you but the hotel website says it is not open right now . are you travelling this Friday or next month.
I think it should open soon as many uk restrictions are lifted from next week 17th may
Regards
Tbs
Ps I am sure you are also aware of the greek entry requirements including the negative pcr test and the greek passenger locator form or plf and the timing requirements for submitting the form.
Not to alarm you but the hotel website says it is not open right now . are you travelling this Friday or next month.
I think it should open soon as many uk restrictions are lifted from next week 17th may
Regards
Tbs
Ps I am sure you are also aware of the greek entry requirements including the negative pcr test and the greek passenger locator form or plf and the timing requirements for submitting the form.
Last edited by The _Banking_Scot; May 12, 2021 at 9:24 am
#7807
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
Programs: BA Silver, TK E+, AA PP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 13,048
Apologies for just asking the question instead of reading through 500+ pages...
The whole green, amber, red system seems totally designed for British residents and their holidays. But assuming that you live in a GREEN country and want to go to London for a few days... it appears to me that the only requirements are:
Am I missing something that people living in the UK are far more aware of? Such as many of the testing providers take too long to provide results?
The whole green, amber, red system seems totally designed for British residents and their holidays. But assuming that you live in a GREEN country and want to go to London for a few days... it appears to me that the only requirements are:
- To do a lateral flow test less than 72 hours before departure
- Book a PCR test for your arrival date (or stay overnight near LHR/LGW and book a test for Day 2)
Am I missing something that people living in the UK are far more aware of? Such as many of the testing providers take too long to provide results?
#7808
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: M&S Elite+
Posts: 3,657
Apologies for just asking the question instead of reading through 500+ pages...
The whole green, amber, red system seems totally designed for British residents and their holidays. But assuming that you live in a GREEN country and want to go to London for a few days... it appears to me that the only requirements are:
Am I missing something that people living in the UK are far more aware of? Such as many of the testing providers take too long to provide results?
The whole green, amber, red system seems totally designed for British residents and their holidays. But assuming that you live in a GREEN country and want to go to London for a few days... it appears to me that the only requirements are:
- To do a lateral flow test less than 72 hours before departure
- Book a PCR test for your arrival date (or stay overnight near LHR/LGW and book a test for Day 2)
Am I missing something that people living in the UK are far more aware of? Such as many of the testing providers take too long to provide results?
#7809
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Exec Club, SIA KrisFlyer, Qantas FF, Emirates Skywards
Posts: 1,850
Apologies for just asking the question instead of reading through 500+ pages...
The whole green, amber, red system seems totally designed for British residents and their holidays. But assuming that you live in a GREEN country and want to go to London for a few days... it appears to me that the only requirements are:
Am I missing something that people living in the UK are far more aware of? Such as many of the testing providers take too long to provide results?
The whole green, amber, red system seems totally designed for British residents and their holidays. But assuming that you live in a GREEN country and want to go to London for a few days... it appears to me that the only requirements are:
- To do a lateral flow test less than 72 hours before departure
- Book a PCR test for your arrival date (or stay overnight near LHR/LGW and book a test for Day 2)
Am I missing something that people living in the UK are far more aware of? Such as many of the testing providers take too long to provide results?
#7810
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
Programs: BA Silver, TK E+, AA PP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 13,048
#7811
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Earth
Posts: 912
You need the most in depth and expensive test on return because you might be a carrier, but do feel free to roam Piccadilly Circus for 3-4 days while you wait for the results. It’s hard not to wonder what the UK government is up to with that type of logic.
#7812
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Finland
Posts: 1,212
Children covid tests?
Sorry its slightly OT but am travelling to LHR early June with my children and I cannot seem to locate info on what the restrictions are for children at the moment in terms of testing etc. Could anyone please point me in the right direction? Another question, do you get proper certificates for the day 2/8 tests? i.e. ones that would be sufficient in order to fly to another country after UK? Again, any advice or directional pointing would be most appreciated. Thanks!
#7813
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,967
for pre arrival tests it is children under 11 who are exempt.
for the day 2&8 tests you need to get them for any child age 5 or older.
not sure about certificates, hopefully someone else can help on that.
for the day 2&8 tests you need to get them for any child age 5 or older.
not sure about certificates, hopefully someone else can help on that.
#7815
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Exec Club, SIA KrisFlyer, Qantas FF, Emirates Skywards
Posts: 1,850
I agree. It's a disgrace, and it is absolutely destroying the travel industry. It's this approach that will see our economy continue to struggle for many, many years after this is all said and done due to the millions of people that will be jobless because their jobs no longer exist.