Travellers heading to the UK will now have to have a Covid test before their departure in effort to limit spread of the virus, government has announced.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the tightened requirements will come into force from 04:00 on Tuesday.
from the link:
Travellers will be required to submit evidence of a negative lateral flow or PCR test to enter.
Thanks! From the BBC story at the link, it was unclear if this will apply to travelers from all countries, or just the "red" countries?
Because you note that this is breaking news, I assume that travelers from the USA now have to have a negative test... but somehow I thought that was already a requirement?
I know this is all new and still being worked out, but dang, it seems confusing and messy. Especially now, when we are almost 2 years into this pandemic. I feel like things should have been a little more sorted out by now. :-)
This could be positive from a travel point of view if it eliminates self-isolation until day 2 test results are back
They haven't said anything about changes to Day 2 testing which makes me think it's staying in place. Canada recently added arrival testing and isolation without removing the pre-departure test requirements. For us it means 4 tests for a two week trip. It's the last straw for us; I'm currently looking at cancelling our plans.
this is in addition to the Day 2 (take it asap to get out of quarantine sooner) and quarantine until your negative result is received.
Nothing going away, this is in addition
everything you need to know from the mouth of the horse
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england
It feels like we are Charlie Brown, getting ready to kick the ball and suddenly Lucy removes the ball and we flounder and fall flat on our backs. Sheesh. Our trip isn't until May but we are watching closely and hoping for minimal to no restrictions.
What happened to the goal being to prevent serious disease and hospitalization, not to prevent spread? It's soooo frustrating that they keep moving the goal post.
I swear they are targeting my travel with changes occurring day before or while in transit! We already added the new PCR for UK entry, changed a two day PCR to one day antigen for USA return, added antigen to entry to Ireland (which later was delayed until after we’d arrived) and added antigen priori to UK. Phew. Getting expensive! We’ve had a lovely weekend in Dublin so all worth it. Heading to Wexford/Cork prior to Wed London flight.
I'm a little confused about the new covid test requirements.
My daughter and I are traveling through England on our way to Amsterdam and Germany. We are not staying in England, just at the airport for a few hours.
Her plans are to take the LAMP test which I understand is an allowed test? But I also thought the UK is only now allowing the PCR or LFD test.
Anyone understand if the LAMP test qualifies? We are leaving Saturday!
Thanks, Collette
Well a few more stumbles I'm still fighting my way to SFO tomorrow... On Sunday, after a few hours of searching for a rapid antigen test site and not finding any fast enough or close enough or crazy pricey...I called our county's public info line, which here is 211. The nice woman spent several minutes and came up with a place half the price of what I was going to use, which had never showed up on my searches.. success! Went there this a.m., got the test. negative. Success! Went home to work on travel locator form and submit covid test results and finish packing. Then United Airlines rejected my document showing my covid test because they misread date of when I took test - in fairness the gal who did the form doesn't make a very good '6'. Much teeth-gnashing later, 3 phone calls, 4 tests and some emailing, they accepted my 3rd effort. finally, success. Now I've checked in. Flight appears to be still on track. I'm expecting the next wave of hurdles... but still hoping to be with my daughter soon. If I get there, I'll let you know re situation at Heathrow, test there etc..
It does feel as if the hurdles are trying to derail us. Let's see what's next....
I 'm a little confused about the new covid test requirements.
My daughter and I are traveling through England on our way to Amsterdam and Germany. We are not staying in England, just at the airport for a few hours.
You may fall under England transiting rules. If you are airside transiting you do not need to fill out the PLF
