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]
Dec 8, 2021, 4:46 am
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: M&S Elite+
Posts: 3,645
I don't suppose the guidance for the test providers makes any more sense than it does for the rest of us.
Dec 8, 2021, 7:45 am
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: 63,726
I ordered a Chronomics kit that gives a LFT for pre-departure back to the UK, and the 2 day PCR.
We arrive back into the UK on 31/12/2021. On the confirmation, it says that the 2 day PCR won't be despatched until 31/12/2021 "as per regulations". Is that correct - because I guess it would mean that the test kit won't arrive until at least 04/01/2021 given it's New Years day and a weekend?
Have I messed up here? I do have the code of course...
We arrive back into the UK on 31/12/2021. On the confirmation, it says that the 2 day PCR won't be despatched until 31/12/2021 "as per regulations". Is that correct - because I guess it would mean that the test kit won't arrive until at least 04/01/2021 given it's New Years day and a weekend?
Have I messed up here? I do have the code of course...
However you do quite a bit of travel, compared to the general public, so in your shoes I would have one lateral flow kit with certificate kit, and at least one day2 PCR kit, always around so you can be flexible. Indeed if you have 2 or more LFDs available then you have more flexibility if there is a late flight cancellation, you can just quickly do a new test and get a new certificate. For the pre-departure, you may as well go cheap, e.g. SimplyTestMe or Klarity or Randox. The latter can just be picked up at local petrol stations. For day2 then you are on a continuum with the boundaries of "cheap" and "convenient", with perhaps 24 to 48 hours of self isolation between these extremes. Convenient is say £60 (Halo), cheap (Randox) is say £35. There again if you were planning a quiet weekend at home after arrival in the UK, then maybe a 2 day postal kit works fine for you.
Dec 8, 2021, 8:22 am
Join Date: Dec 2020
Posts: 73
Thanks - super helpful. Just to check when then buy the LHR test online (which didn’t require any passenger details oddly) you just get the PLF code by then download the app? Is that where you put all of the details and so what’s required please? Thanks
We came back from the USA into Heathrow yesterday, having pre booked the Halo pcr day 2 test at the Sofitel. We had changed our arrival date but this wasn't a problem. It was very convenient for T5 arrivals - we pushed our baggage trolleys straight into the Sofitel, where there is a dedicated area set aside for testing - it was well signposted. We had to produce 4ml of spit - it doesn't sound much but it can take quite a surprising amount of time after a dehydrating flight! The whole process was very efficient and we much preferred it to a swab up the nose. We took the test around 12 noon, and one result was back by 3pm and the second by 6pm - both negative. The cost was £59 - you get the code for the plf when you make the booking. They seem to charge the same for walk-ups - I overheard someone wanting a test having not made a booking and he was charged £59.
We were very impressed by the ease of testing and the relatively low cost - we would definitely use them again. One warning - you're not supposed to eat or drink anything, not even water, in the 30 minutes before the test.
We were very impressed by the ease of testing and the relatively low cost - we would definitely use them again. One warning - you're not supposed to eat or drink anything, not even water, in the 30 minutes before the test.
Dec 8, 2021, 8:30 am
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: 63,726
When you start the Halo app up (it's not a real app, it's just a mobile friendly website), then you add in your address, flight number and other details. You need to do this before you arrive at the Sofitel, but it's fairly straightforward. You continue with the app during the testing process, and it's also in the app you will find out the result of the test.
Dec 8, 2021, 8:35 am
Join Date: Dec 2020
Posts: 73
The Halo receipt - search for "Halo HQ" - has the booking reference in it, it is in bold and starts HALOV. You need this for the PLF.
When you start the Halo app up (it's not a real app, it's just a mobile friendly website), then you add in your address, flight number and other details. You need to do this before you arrive at the Sofitel, but it's fairly straightforward. You continue with the app during the testing process, and it's also in the app you will find out the result of the test.
When you start the Halo app up (it's not a real app, it's just a mobile friendly website), then you add in your address, flight number and other details. You need to do this before you arrive at the Sofitel, but it's fairly straightforward. You continue with the app during the testing process, and it's also in the app you will find out the result of the test.
Dec 8, 2021, 10:33 am
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EP, MUCCI, Proudly BA Blue,.
Posts: 885
It depends on whether you can convince the check in staff for the first flight. They could be obstinate and just treat it as a flight to the UK only which is understandable as they could take the flack if you did not board the next flight. It would be wise to have a backup plan involving getting a cheap day 2 test and filling a PLF at the check in counter. I am assuming you will have a pre-departure test for your final destination. Also assuming you have the right to enter the UK. If it is the same airline for both flights, see if a sales office can do something to combine the bookings.
Dec 8, 2021, 10:35 am
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EP, MUCCI, Proudly BA Blue,.
Posts: 885
Yay, that kind of thing really grosses me out--I'm very droplet sensitive, LOL. I'm kind of having regrets right now, but I"m sure it will be fine. It's just the scary Omicron transmissibility news stories that are getting me. I think I prefer the nasal swab, too. Didn't really think about it before I booked 
Thanks for the info. At least I'll be prepared!
Thanks for the info. At least I'll be prepared!
Dec 8, 2021, 10:38 am
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,881
I have the same situation - onward travel from BCN through LHR from LAX. Everyone in my family is on different PNR's, and also AA from LAX and then BA to BCN. I'm not taking any chances. I have an almost 5 hour layover in T3 (BA LHR-BCN is T3...right???) so will just eat the cash and do a Day2 test in the parking lot or wherever it is from ExpressTest.
Tbh you might be best of trying to go without it - the PLF won’t need one if you say you are transiting. The only issue is if your airline thinks you do, so just have the details of the cheapest one you can find to hand to book at check in if necessary.
Dec 8, 2021, 10:39 am
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EP, MUCCI, Proudly BA Blue,.
Posts: 885
Has anyone had the experience of booking multiple day2 tests under the same "reservation" (meaning putting down multiple names and paying for them all at once in a lump sum) then getting an email confirmation with only one PLF reference number? This is what I got from Hasu Diagnostics for my family of three, and they swear the same number will work on three different PLF forms "because the UK Government recognizes you all traveling as a family." Hmmm. This makes me nervous!
Dec 8, 2021, 10:40 am
Join Date: Oct 2019
Programs: OW Emerald / BAEC Gold
Posts: 470
I have the same situation - onward travel from BCN through LHR from LAX. Everyone in my family is on different PNR's, and also AA from LAX and then BA to BCN. I'm not taking any chances. I have an almost 5 hour layover in T3 (BA LHR-BCN is T3...right???) so will just eat the cash and do a Day2 test in the parking lot or wherever it is from ExpressTest.
Dec 8, 2021, 10:42 am
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,706
Has anyone had the experience of booking multiple day2 tests under the same "reservation" (meaning putting down multiple names and paying for them all at once in a lump sum) then getting an email confirmation with only one PLF reference number? This is what I got from Hasu Diagnostics for my family of three, and they swear the same number will work on three different PLF forms "because the UK Government recognizes you all traveling as a family." Hmmm. This makes me nervous!
Dec 8, 2021, 10:43 am
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 18,600
Thanks
Dec 8, 2021, 10:44 am
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EP, MUCCI, Proudly BA Blue,.
Posts: 885
If you are connecting I wouldn’t bother doing you day 2 test.
Tbh you might be best of trying to go without it - the PLF won’t need one if you say you are transiting. The only issue is if your airline thinks you do, so just have the details of the cheapest one you can find to hand to book at check in if necessary.
Tbh you might be best of trying to go without it - the PLF won’t need one if you say you are transiting. The only issue is if your airline thinks you do, so just have the details of the cheapest one you can find to hand to book at check in if necessary.
Dec 8, 2021, 10:44 am
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,881
Actually good point Casey! You don’t even need a PLF for an airside transit if that’s what is being done.
If doing a landside same date transit (perhaps need to collect and re check bags) you need a PLF but you do not need a day 2 test.
If doing a landside same date transit (perhaps need to collect and re check bags) you need a PLF but you do not need a day 2 test.
Dec 8, 2021, 10:50 am
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: M&S Elite+
Posts: 3,645
If you cancel the test and take a credit from ExpressTest you can still use the code. You can then use the test and code again at a later date.
