Covid testing for amber list country?
Discussion
So, i need to travel to an amber list country in early july.
Hss anyone done tniis?
I'm concerned about the testing results turn around.
Where have you been getting your pre departure from uk tests?
The test date usually has to have been within 3 days of arriving in the amber country.
So, how did you do it to ensure your test arrived on time?
did you go to a private test centee?
Thanks
Hss anyone done tniis?
I'm concerned about the testing results turn around.
Where have you been getting your pre departure from uk tests?
The test date usually has to have been within 3 days of arriving in the amber country.
So, how did you do it to ensure your test arrived on time?
did you go to a private test centee?
Thanks
Purely anecdotal but I had good results with Randox. Its an at-home kit which you send back via a drop box. Box got collected at 5pm, I had an email very early the next morning saying it had reached their lab in Belfast, and results were emailed before midday the same day.
This was using ryanair discount so the test was 60 quid so among the cheapest too.
This was using ryanair discount so the test was 60 quid so among the cheapest too.
Edited by NextSlidePlease on Monday 7th June 23:34
I’m glad you’ve posted this topic Phil, as I’m hoping to get out to Spain in the next week or two to make a start on sorting my Fathers estate out and to bring him back home.
Unfortunately I can only get out there for a week and the turn-around time for tests was a concerning factor.
Are the only tests permitable the ones that go right up your nose / right to the back of your throat and make you puke?
Unfortunately I can only get out there for a week and the turn-around time for tests was a concerning factor.
Are the only tests permitable the ones that go right up your nose / right to the back of your throat and make you puke?
philv said:
For france, test has to have been within 48 hrs.
Feel a little uncomfortable about results not coming back in time.
It seems it is possible to drop off at the laboratory for a quicker turn around.
France accept antigen tests, which can be done at local pharmacies and you get the result within the hourFeel a little uncomfortable about results not coming back in time.
It seems it is possible to drop off at the laboratory for a quicker turn around.
I've used Randox for day 2 and 8 on my return to the UK. Dropped off mid-afternoon at my local drop box, had email the next morning that they are processing and email results in the evening.
Not sure where you are but also used LivingCare in Leeds for my Day 5 and pre-departure tests with results in 24 hours.
Returning from overseas, KLM have a good list of testing locations for travel.
https://www.klm.nl/en/information/faq/covid-test-l...
Not sure where you are but also used LivingCare in Leeds for my Day 5 and pre-departure tests with results in 24 hours.
Returning from overseas, KLM have a good list of testing locations for travel.
https://www.klm.nl/en/information/faq/covid-test-l...
So I got phoned everyday from 0330 number, very politely, no knocks on the door and did a test to release on day 6 (the first day you land is day 0) and results back on day 7!
Missed a few calls as in the bath, sleeping, working on the lawn, gardening, etc
Missed a few calls as in the bath, sleeping, working on the lawn, gardening, etc
Edited by tescorank on Tuesday 8th June 08:00
I am currently in the UK having returned from my home in France on 28th May.
We used BioGrad as we could go to Manchester Airport to get tested by them and ensure things did not get lost in the post. We paid the extra for a 5-day test and release and that was their failing. Day-2 test arrived in 14-hours so we had a load of appointments that had to be cancelled. You cannot get through by phone, or email, but a rant on Twitter worked immediately.
The Govt side of things are a joke. Someone phoning you daily to read you a script threatening big fines. No intelligent question to see what you were actually up to. No one came knocking on the door but as a fully vaccinated retired couple, they probably have better targets to check up on.
All in all, we felt it was a waste of time and effort. Arriving with a negative PCR test followed by a second on Day-5 achieves much the same result. If someone then tests Positive thats when they need to swing into action on efficient checkups on what people are really doing.
Only one more test to go (our 5th in 3-weeks) to get back into France, no quarantine, no knocks on doors, no more tests. Just a clean health passport on our phones.
UK cost for two = £360 - £50 each test, if you are confident with postal service £60 otherwise
French costs are refunded, that includes for foreign travellers.
We used BioGrad as we could go to Manchester Airport to get tested by them and ensure things did not get lost in the post. We paid the extra for a 5-day test and release and that was their failing. Day-2 test arrived in 14-hours so we had a load of appointments that had to be cancelled. You cannot get through by phone, or email, but a rant on Twitter worked immediately.
The Govt side of things are a joke. Someone phoning you daily to read you a script threatening big fines. No intelligent question to see what you were actually up to. No one came knocking on the door but as a fully vaccinated retired couple, they probably have better targets to check up on.
All in all, we felt it was a waste of time and effort. Arriving with a negative PCR test followed by a second on Day-5 achieves much the same result. If someone then tests Positive thats when they need to swing into action on efficient checkups on what people are really doing.
Only one more test to go (our 5th in 3-weeks) to get back into France, no quarantine, no knocks on doors, no more tests. Just a clean health passport on our phones.
UK cost for two = £360 - £50 each test, if you are confident with postal service £60 otherwise
French costs are refunded, that includes for foreign travellers.
Edited by rdjohn on Wednesday 9th June 08:58
So similar to us, albeit Madeira was Green list when we booked 3 weeks ago. Still decided to come and typing this from a lovely balmy evening here.
We used our local private GP for the tests on the way out. MUCH more expensive than other options but we used them before for Cyprus last year and results back within 16 hours so felt it was the safest option.
For the way back, (when it was Green list), we used Qured with the BA discount, - BATRAVEL15. The lateral flow tests that are sent before your fly and done with a video call within 72 hours of flying back are sensibly priced, (details below), and we booked with 48 hours leeway in case of issues and we need to sort anything locally. The test arrived by post within 2 days but we did only book at around 8pm on a Sunday evening.
We booked a Day 2 test for our return but with it now being Amber list we need a Day 2 and Day 8 and also want a Day 5 test to release. We were going to keep our Day 2 then just book the others as we felt it was unlikely Qured would switch things BUT within 24 hours of the Amber list announcement we received an email saying we could cancel and receive a refund to rebook for a Day 2 and 8 package which saves a reasonable amount of cash. Was very impressed with this proactive approach even though they will get more money. No push to take a test to release either. Makes me feel very comfortable with their ethics and processes.
So down to the costs, (eek):
Private GP PCR - £150 each
Return to the UK - £39 each but with 15% off using above code that is £33.15
Day 2 and Day 8 package £199 each again plus 15% off with the above code this is £169.15
Test to release £99 so £84.15
Of course you have forced me to add up these figures and realise we are spending £872.90 on COVID tests to go on holiday but f*£k I needed a break outside the UK!!!
Hope this helps.
We used our local private GP for the tests on the way out. MUCH more expensive than other options but we used them before for Cyprus last year and results back within 16 hours so felt it was the safest option.
For the way back, (when it was Green list), we used Qured with the BA discount, - BATRAVEL15. The lateral flow tests that are sent before your fly and done with a video call within 72 hours of flying back are sensibly priced, (details below), and we booked with 48 hours leeway in case of issues and we need to sort anything locally. The test arrived by post within 2 days but we did only book at around 8pm on a Sunday evening.
We booked a Day 2 test for our return but with it now being Amber list we need a Day 2 and Day 8 and also want a Day 5 test to release. We were going to keep our Day 2 then just book the others as we felt it was unlikely Qured would switch things BUT within 24 hours of the Amber list announcement we received an email saying we could cancel and receive a refund to rebook for a Day 2 and 8 package which saves a reasonable amount of cash. Was very impressed with this proactive approach even though they will get more money. No push to take a test to release either. Makes me feel very comfortable with their ethics and processes.
So down to the costs, (eek):
Private GP PCR - £150 each
Return to the UK - £39 each but with 15% off using above code that is £33.15
Day 2 and Day 8 package £199 each again plus 15% off with the above code this is £169.15
Test to release £99 so £84.15
Of course you have forced me to add up these figures and realise we are spending £872.90 on COVID tests to go on holiday but f*£k I needed a break outside the UK!!!
Hope this helps.
dmilthorp said:
Flying out to Lanzarote 19th June, do we need to book our day 2 and day 8 test kits for our return before we fly out ? Reason being as we are out there for 3 weeks it may be put on the Green list while we are there so makes a difference regards test when back home.
Is there any reason why you couldn't just order what you need in the final week of your holiday?I thought a lateral flow test was like taking a breathalyser test. How wrong i was. A Portuguese nurse just rammed a swab so far up my nostril it hit the back of my throat, and then the eye watering experience was repeated on my other nostril for good measure.
The covid test centre in Albufeira was a very quick and efficient service though, in and out in no time, email result an hour later. 20 euros.
The covid test centre in Albufeira was a very quick and efficient service though, in and out in no time, email result an hour later. 20 euros.
NextSlidePlease said:
I thought a lateral flow test was like taking a breathalyser test. How wrong i was. A Portuguese nurse just rammed a swab so far up my nostril it hit the back of my throat, and then the eye watering experience was repeated on my other nostril for good measure.
The covid test centre in Albufeira was a very quick and efficient service though, in and out in no time, email result an hour later. 20 euros.
Must be a Portuguese thing. I'm currently working Portugal and had a PCR test the other day. I've had loads, and mostly it is mildly uncomfortable for a couple of seconds, but this one was similar to the above, really unpleasant. Ashamed to say I had a few choice words for the person doing it...The covid test centre in Albufeira was a very quick and efficient service though, in and out in no time, email result an hour later. 20 euros.
dmilthorp said:
Redwhitemonkey, that is what my question was about. Yes would be better to order test kits before flying home, just wondering if you need to show proof of ordering before you are allowed to fly out.
According to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-li... you only have to have booked and paid for tests to be taken after your arrival in the UK. Nothing about needing them to be booked before you leave the UK, which would make sense as how would the Government know how long you were going for and if you were coming back. I think you'd be safe ordering whilst on holiday as long as you have someone available to receive them if they arrive before you do.philv said:
With Randox, did you get an email confirmation straight away?
I ordered online but no email confirmation.
So cannot enter uk without it.
Yes, you get an email confirmation soon after making the order from Randox with the reference codes for the passenger locator form. I ordered online but no email confirmation.
So cannot enter uk without it.
Edit to say, check your junk box
Bump.
Due back in 7 days back to Blighty I want to get this right.
Just spoke to Randox and got straight through to them, they say if I order on line I’ll get the information in an email for my passenger locator info.
Can any of the few travellers out there confirm this is reasonable information?
Any advice would be welcome.
Obviously I’ve got my PCR booked prior for release in Spain .
Due back in 7 days back to Blighty I want to get this right.
Just spoke to Randox and got straight through to them, they say if I order on line I’ll get the information in an email for my passenger locator info.
Can any of the few travellers out there confirm this is reasonable information?
Any advice would be welcome.
Obviously I’ve got my PCR booked prior for release in Spain .
Jim H said:
Bump.
Due back in 7 days back to Blighty I want to get this right.
Just spoke to Randox and got straight through to them, they say if I order on line I’ll get the information in an email for my passenger locator info.
Can any of the few travellers out there confirm this is reasonable information?
Any advice would be welcome.
Obviously I’ve got my PCR booked prior for release in Spain .
Their advice is correct. They provide a number for use in the PLF. Due back in 7 days back to Blighty I want to get this right.
Just spoke to Randox and got straight through to them, they say if I order on line I’ll get the information in an email for my passenger locator info.
Can any of the few travellers out there confirm this is reasonable information?
Any advice would be welcome.
Obviously I’ve got my PCR booked prior for release in Spain .
Also, you only need a LFT or antigen test to return to the UK from Spain. It’s cheaper and quicker than a PCR test.
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