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, £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]
Jun 10, 2021, 1:28 am
#8446
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 35
I did indeed order my day 2 test soon as I got home, but RT DIAGNOSTICS never sent me my test kits, nor do they respond to emails or phone calls. I went ahead and got a TTR test with Collinson and have since ordered another day 2 and day 8 test from Randox. My intention was never to remain in the UK, and I cancelled my trip entirely so I could comply fully with the law. I missed 1 phone call, whilst at the airport trying to get my ticket rebooked as the ground staff put me down as a no show.
I have now paid for multiple tests that I have not received and doing my best to comply, but it is unfortunate I have to continue isolating because RT Diagn failed to send me my tests. Its beyond unfair I am unable to take advantage of the 5 day TTR because of company error. I will be honest I am inclined to break my isolation because I have done everything I am meant to, and it was never my INTENTION to remain in the UK, beyond day 2. I had planned and prepared to depart the UK.
Any constructive advice would be welcome. I appreciate some will do things differently. but these rules are new and there is no point of contact to call and ask what to do in any given situation.
I have now paid for multiple tests that I have not received and doing my best to comply, but it is unfortunate I have to continue isolating because RT Diagn failed to send me my tests. Its beyond unfair I am unable to take advantage of the 5 day TTR because of company error. I will be honest I am inclined to break my isolation because I have done everything I am meant to, and it was never my INTENTION to remain in the UK, beyond day 2. I had planned and prepared to depart the UK.
Any constructive advice would be welcome. I appreciate some will do things differently. but these rules are new and there is no point of contact to call and ask what to do in any given situation.
Jun 10, 2021, 2:09 am
#8447
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 963
I did indeed order my day 2 test soon as I got home, but RT DIAGNOSTICS never sent me my test kits, nor do they respond to emails or phone calls. I went ahead and got a TTR test with Collinson and have since ordered another day 2 and day 8 test from Randox. My intention was never to remain in the UK, and I cancelled my trip entirely so I could comply fully with the law. I missed 1 phone call, whilst at the airport trying to get my ticket rebooked as the ground staff put me down as a no show.
I have now paid for multiple tests that I have not received and doing my best to comply, but it is unfortunate I have to continue isolating because RT Diagn failed to send me my tests. Its beyond unfair I am unable to take advantage of the 5 day TTR because of company error. I will be honest I am inclined to break my isolation because I have done everything I am meant to, and it was never my INTENTION to remain in the UK, beyond day 2. I had planned and prepared to depart the UK.
Any constructive advice would be welcome. I appreciate some will do things differently. but these rules are new and there is no point of contact to call and ask what to do in any given situation.
I have now paid for multiple tests that I have not received and doing my best to comply, but it is unfortunate I have to continue isolating because RT Diagn failed to send me my tests. Its beyond unfair I am unable to take advantage of the 5 day TTR because of company error. I will be honest I am inclined to break my isolation because I have done everything I am meant to, and it was never my INTENTION to remain in the UK, beyond day 2. I had planned and prepared to depart the UK.
Any constructive advice would be welcome. I appreciate some will do things differently. but these rules are new and there is no point of contact to call and ask what to do in any given situation.
Practically, if you get to day 5 take a TTR and it’s negstive I think the chance of being fined for ending self isolation at that point is next to zero. Sure it may technically be a breach but I really have a hard time seeing an officer issuing a fine to someone who has a day 5 negative test. And of course the chance of it ever reaching an officer is very small anyways!
Jun 10, 2021, 2:27 am
#8448
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: UK
Programs: BAEC GGL, HHonors Diamond, IHG Uninspired, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, UK AMEX Plat
Posts: 2,152
I did indeed order my day 2 test soon as I got home, but RT DIAGNOSTICS never sent me my test kits, nor do they respond to emails or phone calls. I went ahead and got a TTR test with Collinson and have since ordered another day 2 and day 8 test from Randox. My intention was never to remain in the UK, and I cancelled my trip entirely so I could comply fully with the law. I missed 1 phone call, whilst at the airport trying to get my ticket rebooked as the ground staff put me down as a no show.
I have now paid for multiple tests that I have not received and doing my best to comply, but it is unfortunate I have to continue isolating because RT Diagn failed to send me my tests. Its beyond unfair I am unable to take advantage of the 5 day TTR because of company error. I will be honest I am inclined to break my isolation because I have done everything I am meant to, and it was never my INTENTION to remain in the UK, beyond day 2. I had planned and prepared to depart the UK.
Any constructive advice would be welcome. I appreciate some will do things differently. but these rules are new and there is no point of contact to call and ask what to do in any given situation.
I have now paid for multiple tests that I have not received and doing my best to comply, but it is unfortunate I have to continue isolating because RT Diagn failed to send me my tests. Its beyond unfair I am unable to take advantage of the 5 day TTR because of company error. I will be honest I am inclined to break my isolation because I have done everything I am meant to, and it was never my INTENTION to remain in the UK, beyond day 2. I had planned and prepared to depart the UK.
Any constructive advice would be welcome. I appreciate some will do things differently. but these rules are new and there is no point of contact to call and ask what to do in any given situation.
Your other option is to head to a nearby airport, and do the day 2 test in person with Collinson or ExpressTest. Costs more, but you don't have to wait for dispatch + posting, and you'll get a result quicker.
FWIW I've not had any issues with RT Diagnostics, but I haven't needed to contact them either. A lot of companies seem to be fine when everything works, but struggle when there are problems.... If it has been 5+ days with no test and no response probably just start a chargeback with your credit card to recover the cost.
Jun 10, 2021, 5:47 am
#8449
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Brighton, UK
Programs: BAEC GGL, HH Diamond, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 51
I have been trying to get an answer to this on the government website but failed to find something definitive.
I am due to fly to Madiera on 24th June for three nights returning on 27th June. I'm aware of the PCR test to fly, test whilst there by video call and the eating regime on my return. The complication is I have a second Covid injection on 30th June and are due to fly to Tenerife on 1st July. I then will have another video test and the 2/5/8 day PCR on my return.
So my questions are;
1. Can I attend my Covid injection whilst in quarantine?
2. Can I depart the UK again whilst in quarantine?
3. Can I use my Day 2 PCR test from Madiera as my fit to fly test for entry in Tenerife (hotels require it I believe)
Adding Madiera to the Amber list has complicated things a little so I am trying to find out what is possible. BA luckily cancelled my original Tenerife flight and move it to 1st July so Ive got an opportunity to move it FOC. I am thinking actually both trips might make sense so close and reduce the number of tests if I change Tenerife to a date in the future.
I am due to fly to Madiera on 24th June for three nights returning on 27th June. I'm aware of the PCR test to fly, test whilst there by video call and the eating regime on my return. The complication is I have a second Covid injection on 30th June and are due to fly to Tenerife on 1st July. I then will have another video test and the 2/5/8 day PCR on my return.
So my questions are;
1. Can I attend my Covid injection whilst in quarantine?
2. Can I depart the UK again whilst in quarantine?
3. Can I use my Day 2 PCR test from Madiera as my fit to fly test for entry in Tenerife (hotels require it I believe)
Adding Madiera to the Amber list has complicated things a little so I am trying to find out what is possible. BA luckily cancelled my original Tenerife flight and move it to 1st July so Ive got an opportunity to move it FOC. I am thinking actually both trips might make sense so close and reduce the number of tests if I change Tenerife to a date in the future.
Jun 10, 2021, 6:17 am
#8450
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: 17,916
I have been trying to get an answer to this on the government website but failed to find something definitive.
I am due to fly to Madiera on 24th June for three nights returning on 27th June. I'm aware of the PCR test to fly, test whilst there by video call and the eating regime on my return. The complication is I have a second Covid injection on 30th June and are due to fly to Tenerife on 1st July. I then will have another video test and the 2/5/8 day PCR on my return.
So my questions are;
1. Can I attend my Covid injection whilst in quarantine?
2. Can I depart the UK again whilst in quarantine?
3. Can I use my Day 2 PCR test from Madiera as my fit to fly test for entry in Tenerife (hotels require it I believe)
Adding Madiera to the Amber list has complicated things a little so I am trying to find out what is possible. BA luckily cancelled my original Tenerife flight and move it to 1st July so Ive got an opportunity to move it FOC. I am thinking actually both trips might make sense so close and reduce the number of tests if I change Tenerife to a date in the future.
I am due to fly to Madiera on 24th June for three nights returning on 27th June. I'm aware of the PCR test to fly, test whilst there by video call and the eating regime on my return. The complication is I have a second Covid injection on 30th June and are due to fly to Tenerife on 1st July. I then will have another video test and the 2/5/8 day PCR on my return.
So my questions are;
1. Can I attend my Covid injection whilst in quarantine?
2. Can I depart the UK again whilst in quarantine?
3. Can I use my Day 2 PCR test from Madiera as my fit to fly test for entry in Tenerife (hotels require it I believe)
Adding Madiera to the Amber list has complicated things a little so I am trying to find out what is possible. BA luckily cancelled my original Tenerife flight and move it to 1st July so Ive got an opportunity to move it FOC. I am thinking actually both trips might make sense so close and reduce the number of tests if I change Tenerife to a date in the future.
1. Yes you can
2 Yes you can
3 Should be possible ( within the timescales for the test)
Regards
TBS
Jun 10, 2021, 7:10 am
#8451
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Bristol
Programs: BA Silver, Hilton Gold, Caesars Diamond
Posts: 921
Randox day 2+8 tests arrived promptly in the mail £120. Dropped the day 2 back to the drop box at 3pm, it was in the lab by 5am, and the result came back just after 1pm. Good stuff
Im going to drive 100miles to LHR for the Collinson TTR on Saturday so I can definitely be free for the pub/England game on Sunday, otherwise their £48 TTR package seems decent based on the above times.
I assume after day 5 release I can ignore all T+T phone calls? Don’t want to know someone at the other end of my flight had Covid while I was walled around in a half empty CW cabin nowhere near anyone while vaxxed. And the phone calls being the same every day are becoming tedious
Im going to drive 100miles to LHR for the Collinson TTR on Saturday so I can definitely be free for the pub/England game on Sunday, otherwise their £48 TTR package seems decent based on the above times.
I assume after day 5 release I can ignore all T+T phone calls? Don’t want to know someone at the other end of my flight had Covid while I was walled around in a half empty CW cabin nowhere near anyone while vaxxed. And the phone calls being the same every day are becoming tedious
Jun 10, 2021, 7:32 am
#8452
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC, Eurostar
Posts: 3,293
Jun 10, 2021, 7:38 am
#8453
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,976
Jun 10, 2021, 9:21 am
#8454
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 33
I have a question for a relative going into quarantine in London, and trying to figure out which day I should fly out to meet her.
Looking at the gov.uk website, the managed quarantine is 11 nights, 10 days, not counting the day of arrival, ie 10 solid days in quarantine, with release on day 11.
But when booking on the CTM website, it counts day 0 as day 0, and then 11 days in quarantine, leaving on day 12.
Which one is showing the true state of affairs?
Thanks
Looking at the gov.uk website, the managed quarantine is 11 nights, 10 days, not counting the day of arrival, ie 10 solid days in quarantine, with release on day 11.
But when booking on the CTM website, it counts day 0 as day 0, and then 11 days in quarantine, leaving on day 12.
Which one is showing the true state of affairs?
Thanks
Jun 10, 2021, 10:33 am
#8455
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,976
I think I am losing the will to live here! As we know if you are in England for no more than 2 days after your day of arrival you do not need to book a day 2 test. That was clear in the law. However, I have just noticed some changes on 8 June which inexplicably have now deleted this provsion and I don't think it has simply been moved elsewhere.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/...nts/2021-06-08
Up to 8 June
From 8 June
Surely the intention can't be going back to forcing everyone to buy the test package even though they will leave before they are required to take them?
Looking at the explanatory note in the amending SI it seems this is the case though!
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/670/note/made
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/...nts/2021-06-08
Up to 8 June
6.—(1) This regulation applies to a person (“P”) specified in paragraph (1) of regulation 5 (requirements relating to tests) who—
(a)intends to remain in England for two days or more after the day of their arrival; or
(b)intended to remain in England for less than two days after the day of their arrival but in fact remains in England for two days or more.
(a)intends to remain in England for two days or more after the day of their arrival; or
(b)intended to remain in England for less than two days after the day of their arrival but in fact remains in England for two days or more.
6.—(1) This regulation applies to a person (“P”) specified in paragraph (1) of regulation 5 (requirements relating to tests)(other than a person specified in paragraph (6) of that regulation).
(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Looking at the explanatory note in the amending SI it seems this is the case though!
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/670/note/made
Regulations 3 and 4 have the effect that persons arriving in England intending to stay for short periods of time must nevertheless obtain testing packages in the same manner as those visiting for longer periods.
Jun 10, 2021, 10:42 am
#8456
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 963
I think I am losing the will to live here! As we know if you are in England for no more than 2 days after your day of arrival you do not need to book a day 2 test. That was clear in the law. However, I have just noticed some changes on 8 June which inexplicably have now deleted this provsion and I don't think it has simply been moved elsewhere.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/...nts/2021-06-08
Up to 8 June
From 8 June
Surely the intention can't be going back to forcing everyone to buy the test package even though they will leave before they are required to take them?
Looking at the explanatory note in the amending SI it seems this is the case though!
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/670/note/made
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/...nts/2021-06-08
Up to 8 June
From 8 June
Surely the intention can't be going back to forcing everyone to buy the test package even though they will leave before they are required to take them?
Looking at the explanatory note in the amending SI it seems this is the case though!
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/670/note/made
Jun 10, 2021, 10:50 am
#8457
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 710
One could infer that the UK government is either trying to discourage short visit/transit situations, or that they are seeing too many instances where people are trying to game the system by claiming they will be in country for less than they intend to be.
Jun 10, 2021, 10:51 am
#8458
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,976
This was the case when they started this back in Jan/Feb but it seemed like an oversight at the time and they added an amendment to make it clear you didn't need any if staying no more than 2 days.
For reasons which make sense to no one they are going back to the original position now and you need to buy tests regardless of the length of your stay!
A transit passenger is exempt from buying any post arrival tests, but this really only covers those doing same day transits:
For reasons which make sense to no one they are going back to the original position now and you need to buy tests regardless of the length of your stay!
A transit passenger is exempt from buying any post arrival tests, but this really only covers those doing same day transits:
12.—(1) A transit passenger.
(2) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1), “transit passenger” means a person who on arrival in the United Kingdom—
(a)passes through to another country or territory outside the common travel area without entering the United Kingdom; or
(b)enters the United Kingdom for the sole purpose of continuing a journey to a country or territory outside the common travel area and—
(i)remains within their port of entry until their departure from England, or
(ii)travels directly from their port of entry to another port of departure in England.
(2) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1), “transit passenger” means a person who on arrival in the United Kingdom—
(a)passes through to another country or territory outside the common travel area without entering the United Kingdom; or
(b)enters the United Kingdom for the sole purpose of continuing a journey to a country or territory outside the common travel area and—
(i)remains within their port of entry until their departure from England, or
(ii)travels directly from their port of entry to another port of departure in England.
Jun 10, 2021, 11:02 am
#8459
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: UK (currently)
Programs: BA Gold (and many other greater and lesser distinctions)
Posts: 7,208
This was the case when they started this back in Jan/Feb but it seemed like an oversight at the time and they added an amendment to make it clear you didn't need any if staying no more than 2 days.
For reasons which make sense to no one they are going back to the original position now and you need to buy tests regardless of the length of your stay!
A transit passenger is exempt from buying any post arrival tests, but this really only covers those doing same day transits:
For reasons which make sense to no one they are going back to the original position now and you need to buy tests regardless of the length of your stay!
A transit passenger is exempt from buying any post arrival tests, but this really only covers those doing same day transits:
Jun 10, 2021, 11:48 am
#8460
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 963
I can see some sense in this. First, general deterrence to make travel more difficult. Secondly, and perhaps more logically, perhaps there have been issues with people lying about their future travel plans (i.e. bogus cheap tickets that are then binned). It should also speed up the Border process, as agents won't have to spend valuable time double checking whether onward travel is or is not genuine.