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LHR Transit, Antigen test OK?

We are transiting both going and leaving the EU through LHR in August/September. According to both UK gov and LHR websites we still need to be tested even if transiting airside. On the return, that’s fine as we need the antigen to get back to the US. Outbound though we are in transit to Switzerland and just need vaccine proof to enter there. But we have to be tested just to transit LHR so question: is antigen test OK or do we need PCR? Antigen’s are super fast here so would be easier to get that. Thanks.

Posted by
497 posts

Also is it 72 hours before Departure on actual US-LHR flight? Ask because we leave on a Tuesday morning, have a long layover in the US first before we get on the actual US-LHR-GVA flight. Not sure we can get Sunday testing here. Saturday testing might be too late.

Posted by
4616 posts

Good question- 72 hours before departure or 72 hours before entry into the UK? I sure hope things are easier by fall!

Posted by
497 posts

Thanks. This, however, and all the other sites I have seen do not say what TYPE of test. An antigen is a snap to get and cheap. A one hour turnaround PCR test which we would need if PCR is required is like $400. Because we leave on Tuesday and they don’t PCR test here on Sunday, a PCR test with a 2 day turnaround won’t work for us. My next stop is calling BA tomorrow and see if they know more. Tried US Embassy site too. All they say is a “test”. Not what type….

Posted by
85 posts

We are headed to France from San Diego via LHR on July 14th. To further complicate matters, we are landing at GVA as our family lives just 45 minutes away in Haute-Savoie. I can't tell you how much time I've spent I've spent reading government websites trying to understand what we need to do touching 3 different countries. If we had it to do all over again, we would have avoided LHR for sure. France and Switzerland require nothing extra from us as we are fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine. Unless by some miracle the UK drops the requirement of testing for vaccinated folks, our plan is to get the PCR test as that can be done up to 72 hours prior to departure. I believe the antigen tests can only be done 48 hours in advance. We are choosing the more expensive PCR test 2 days before departure from a testing site that guarantees results in 24 hours. This gives us an extra day of validity to transit at LHR just in case our flight is significantly delayed or cancelled until the next day. PCR in the San Diego area goes for about US$150-200 per test. I'd love to do the less expensive antigen test. But feel the extra 24 hours in validity could be worth it. Oh the joys of being an early adopter! BTW, the Sherpa website gives pretty accurate info on testing and vaccine requirements for destinations including transit points. Good luck cchapin100!

Posted by
11037 posts

The test must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.

This could include tests such as:

a nucleic acid test, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or derivative technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests
an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device
It’s your responsibility to ensure the test meets the minimum standards for sensitivity, specificity and viral load details. You must check with your test provider that it meets those standards.
You may not be able to travel if the test does not meet these standards. It’s your responsibility to ensure you get the right test that meets the above requirements.

This language in the link in Laura's post

Posted by
6178 posts

August/September is still far away. Just make sure you check the rules as they might change in a month or two.