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UK arrivals - pre-departure, quarantine and post-arrival [currently no requirements]

Old Jun 4, 2020, 5:57 am
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
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.

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.

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)
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UK arrivals - pre-departure, quarantine and post-arrival [currently no requirements]

 
Old Jul 8, 2021, 5:12 am
  #9196  
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
 
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Originally Posted by paulaf
We have already delayed our return as having a good holiday and yes it is unfair as the rules have since changed. Don't think I'll be able to convince hubby!
So if they did not change the rules it would become fair again? I think that's an unrealistic perspective.
renila, DYKWIA, 8420PR and 3 others like this.
corporate-wage-slave is online now  
Old Jul 8, 2021, 5:13 am
  #9197  
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Changes of rules and country status always have some notice period and existing rules always apply up to the effective date. Had the OP's origin changed status from amber to red say, or additional tests being imposed, I am sure the OP would not be arguing it was unfair they weren't subjected to those changes by returning before the effective date.

Fairness is very much in the eyes of the beholder
renila, kilo, Fritz and 3 others like this.
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Old Jul 8, 2021, 5:15 am
  #9198  
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 7,168
Originally Posted by corporate-wage-slave
Key points

- Currently England only, devolved Nations will make their own rules
- Red = no changes to existing rule, countries can be made Red
- Green = no changes

Amber multiple changes for people arriving on or after 19 July 2021.
- Those vaccinated in the UK, both vaccines, with a lag of two weeks thereafter won't need to self isolate
- All children under 18 are all exempted from self isolation, not just those accompanying parents / carer
- Pre flight tests still required
- PCR Day2 tests still required.
- No testing required for under 4 years, only PCR day2 for ages 5 to 18 years
- Overseas vaccinations not in scope, but a future announcement will be made. so those vaccinated overseas will currently need to self isolate but will have TTR option on day5
- Those who participated in the vaccine trials in the UK can participate in this scheme
- PLF will be amended to include vaccine statements
- Airlines will be expected to check vaccine status at check-in on the return to the UK.
In essence Amber countries are now Green for those vaccinated in the UK.

30 countries accept the NHS App and/or the NHS letter (see Vaccine Passport thread in the UK and Ireland Destination Forum).
Great, thank you C-W-S for the update. It really makes travelling a lot easier, at least for me, however pricey tests still are... but better than the current system for sure.

I guess the next steps will be to recognise foreign vaccination certificates and simplify arrivals from Green countries I guess?
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Old Jul 8, 2021, 5:54 am
  #9199  
HB7
 
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Originally Posted by corporate-wage-slave
Key points

- Currently England only, devolved Nations will make their own rules
- Red = no changes to existing rule, countries can be made Red
- Green = no changes

Amber multiple changes for people arriving on or after 19 July 2021.
- Those vaccinated in the UK, both vaccines, with a lag of two weeks thereafter won't need to self isolate
- All children under 18 are all exempted from self isolation, not just those accompanying parents / carer
- Pre flight tests still required
- PCR Day2 tests still required.
- No testing required for under 4 years, only PCR day2 for ages 5 to 18 years
- Overseas vaccinations not in scope, but a future announcement will be made. so those vaccinated overseas will currently need to self isolate but will have TTR option on day5
- Those who participated in the vaccine trials in the UK can participate in this scheme
- PLF will be amended to include vaccine statements
- Airlines will be expected to check vaccine status at check-in on the return to the UK.
In essence Amber countries are now Green for those vaccinated in the UK.

30 countries accept the NHS App and/or the NHS letter (see Vaccine Passport thread in the UK and Ireland Destination Forum).
CWS - Grant Shapps said some tests were as "cheap as a tenner" - is this true? I know if anything he was referring to antigen tests, but what are the cheapest tests for return to UK pre-departure? I thought Qured at 33 quid was the cheapest?
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Old Jul 8, 2021, 5:58 am
  #9200  
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: UK
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Posts: 1,018
Originally Posted by paulaf
Some good news finally. If you arrive back before 19th say on 15th do we have to do 4 days or 10 days quarantine? Seems unfair we would still be stuck in yet a new arrival wouldn't be.
You could always do a day trip to somewhere abroad on the 19th.
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Old Jul 8, 2021, 6:09 am
  #9201  
 
Join Date: May 2000
Posts: 748
Originally Posted by enviroian
so a UK citizen could visit an Amber country and return to England w/o isolation if double jabbed but if someone from the same Amber country goes to the UK double jabbed they have to isolate?
what, you dont see the logic of this proposition?!
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Last edited by prof; Jul 8, 2021 at 6:37 am
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Old Jul 8, 2021, 6:12 am
  #9202  
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 7,168
Originally Posted by HB7
CWS - Grant Shapps said some tests were as "cheap as a tenner" - is this true? I know if anything he was referring to antigen tests, but what are the cheapest tests for return to UK pre-departure? I thought Qured at 33 quid was the cheapest?
Arithmetic isn't his forte. He also said that they provided 7bn in support to the industry while the reality is about 1/3 less (see Robert Boyle's blog)...
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Old Jul 8, 2021, 6:15 am
  #9203  
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Originally Posted by corporate-wage-slave
Key points

- Currently England only, devolved Nations will make their own rules
- Red = no changes to existing rule, countries can be made Red
- Green = no changes

Amber multiple changes for people arriving on or after 19 July 2021.
- Those vaccinated in the UK, both vaccines, with a lag of two weeks thereafter won't need to self isolate
- All children under 18 are all exempted from self isolation, not just those accompanying parents / carer
- Pre flight tests still required
- PCR Day2 tests still required.
- No testing required for under 4 years, only PCR day2 for ages 5 to 18 years
- Overseas vaccinations not in scope, but a future announcement will be made. so those vaccinated overseas will currently need to self isolate but will have TTR option on day5
- Those who participated in the vaccine trials in the UK can participate in this scheme
- PLF will be amended to include vaccine statements
- Airlines will be expected to check vaccine status at check-in on the return to the UK.
In essence Amber countries are now Green for those vaccinated in the UK.

30 countries accept the NHS App and/or the NHS letter (see Vaccine Passport thread in the UK and Ireland Destination Forum).
You have got to be kidding with respect to no overseas vaccinations? I am a UK resident. Just because I was vaccinated in New York - same Pfizer - same protocol - I will be told to self isolate when I return post July 19 but if I got it here I wouldn't? That's total and complete BS when I freed up two jabs for someone else in the UK. How long do you think this will be the case? If this will be more than a few weeks - then I will go get a third shot and a fourth shot here.

Last edited by KSVVZ2015; Jul 8, 2021 at 6:20 am
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Old Jul 8, 2021, 6:25 am
  #9204  
 
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Can anyone confirm they have had succes with a Rapid Antigen test being accepted on arrival to the UK? I am considering this option instead of a PCR while transiting from Malaga-LHR-Denver

I believe the US and Uk are both ok with this test as of right now.

Testing website for Malaga airport
https://travelcovidtestcenter.com/

Any stories please, good and bad.
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Old Jul 8, 2021, 6:28 am
  #9205  
 
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Originally Posted by inthemix
Can anyone confirm they have had succes with a Rapid Antigen test being accepted on arrival to the UK? I am considering this option instead of a PCR while transiting from Malaga-LHR-Denver

I believe the US and Uk are both ok with this test as of right now.

Testing website for Malaga airport
https://travelcovidtestcenter.com/

Any stories please, good and bad.
I have travelled from Germany to the UK several times and used an antigen test to board the flight every time with no issues. You just need to make sure that the certificate has the following information on it in English, French or Spanish:
  • your name, which should match the name on your travel documents
  • your date of birth or age
  • the result of the test
  • the date the test sample was collected or received by the test provider
  • the name of the test provider and their contact details
  • confirmation of the device used for the test, or that the test was a PCR test
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Old Jul 8, 2021, 6:28 am
  #9206  
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 7,168
Originally Posted by inthemix
Can anyone confirm they have had succes with a Rapid Antigen test being accepted on arrival to the UK? I am considering this option instead of a PCR while transiting from Malaga-LHR-Denver

I believe the US and Uk are both ok with this test as of right now.

Testing website for Malaga airport
https://travelcovidtestcenter.com/

Any stories please, good and bad.
I used a rapid antigen test (Qured) for my return to the UK. The important requirement is that the results show your name, DoB, passport number and that the thing has some specific thresholds for accuracy (you can find the info on gov.uk). The result can be in Spanish AFAIK.
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Old Jul 8, 2021, 6:28 am
  #9207  
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 709
Originally Posted by KSVVZ2015
You have got to be kidding with respect to no overseas vaccinations? I am a UK resident. Just because I was vaccinated in New York - same Pfizer - same protocol - I will be told to self isolate when I return post July 19 but if I got it here I wouldn't? That's total and complete BS when I freed up two jabs for someone else in the UK. How long do you think this will be the case? If this will be more than a few weeks - then I will go get a third shot and a fourth shot here.
Frustrating, but understandable. It's about the integrity of the vaccination record. NHS records reasonably accurate. US CDC cards, not so much.
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Old Jul 8, 2021, 6:29 am
  #9208  
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Originally Posted by KSVVZ2015
You have got to be kidding with respect to no overseas vaccinations? I am a UK resident. Just because I was vaccinated in New York - same Pfizer - same protocol - I will be told to self isolate when I return post July 19 but if I got it here I wouldn't? That's total and complete BS when I freed up two jabs for someone else in the UK. How long do you think this will be the case? If this will be more than a few weeks - then I will go get a third shot and a fourth shot here.
I think I did point out the advantages of getting your NHS number and vaccines in England. At least your wife will find it easier to travel. I imagine this aspect is unofficially a bargaining chip in the travel task force between UK and USA, so I think it's a month or so off. So the UK recognises CDC cards, the USA recognises AZ. And I'm sure the airlines / tourism sector will be applying pressure too
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Old Jul 8, 2021, 6:32 am
  #9209  
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Originally Posted by glbltvlr
Frustrating, but understandable. It's about the integrity of the vaccination record. NHS records reasonably accurate. US CDC cards, not so much.
Really? Is there any evidence of mass fraud of CDC cards? Never mind mass fraud of CDC cards of people using them to travel? I don't think so....

And its not a foolproof system - to the extent there are 2 or 20 or 200 people from the US who would fake a CDC card to avoid UK quarantine who would enter in August, they probably aren't going to be the type who will quarantine anyways. So what's the point? (Admittedly that's a question you can ask about most actions this government has taken since BoJo realized COVID wasn't a random Chinese thing)

Originally Posted by corporate-wage-slave
I think I did point out the advantages of getting your NHS number and vaccines in England. At least your wife will find it easier to travel. I imagine this aspect is unofficially a bargaining chip in the travel task force between UK and USA, so I think it's a month or so off. So the UK recognises CDC cards, the USA recognises AZ. And I'm sure the airlines / tourism sector will be applying pressure too
You did point as much out And I did get an NHS number. But based on when I became eligible - the US promised a much faster timeline - that became business critical due to the entry requirements on the continent.

In all seriousness - what is your estimate as to how long this lasts? Because I will go get more jabs if I need to which is a truly perverse outcome if that's what it comes to.
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Last edited by NewbieRunner; Jul 8, 2021 at 4:26 pm Reason: Merge consecutive posts by same member
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Old Jul 8, 2021, 6:36 am
  #9210  
 
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Originally Posted by KSVVZ2015
You have got to be kidding with respect to no overseas vaccinations? I am a UK resident. Just because I was vaccinated in New York - same Pfizer - same protocol - I will be told to self isolate when I return post July 19 but if I got it here I wouldn't? That's total and complete BS when I freed up two jabs for someone else in the UK. How long do you think this will be the case? If this will be more than a few weeks - then I will go get a third shot and a fourth shot here.
Are you registered to a UK GP? If so, there's a way for them to update your vaccine records so that they show up in the NHS system (or at least this is definitely true in the case of "one dose in the UK, one dose abroad", but I assume the protocol would be the same if you got them both abroad?). I got Dose 1 in the UK and Dose 2 in the US -- had to email proof of Dose 2 (aka the CDC card) to my GP, along with some basic info, but it worked out and the NHS app now shows both jabs for me.
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