Further New rules for entering UK, additional testing

Nigel, Thanks for keeping us informed.

well, there goes my Christmas travel plans.

update Edit in the OP

thanks Nigel, just heard of this a bit ago and am now working on the latest hoop for Tuesday flight. Should have anticipated this, as I know some of you did.
My biggest question now is, are most antigen tests the type the UK wants? with greater than 80 percent sensitivity and greater than 97 percent specificity etc... just want to avoid taking wrong one... anyone? thanks

The gov.uk website has a list of approved test suppliers.

So does anyone know where to get one in San Diego and does it have to be a special test? Also, anyone know of price. Thanks a lot

Jennifer this is before you go to the UK. Does the UK website do that?

nicolatwig, I think I leave a few days ahead of you... you could try to order a Binox test online and maybe it would arrive in time?
I'm finding pharmacies in Nor Cal don't have results fast enough, and tests not easily found on the shelves. So am looking at $130 for a rapid test at a pop-up covid test clinic that I'm 80 percent sure is what I need - trying to find out if that test meets UK standard, hence my question about whether most antigen tests meet the UK standard or is that some higher bar.

At SFO the antigen test is about $250.
I'm going to have cut back on pints and meat pies. :/
Good luck to us both!

Hi RandR, Did you check CVS or Walgreens for fast turn around results? It implies that health insurance will pay. If I leave Thus at 4 pm what is the earliest I can take a test? So many hoops....

==>"PCR or LFT taken a maximum of 48 prior to arrival with a negative result."<==

That is not what the UK Gov says --

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19

It actually says ==>"You must take the test within the 2 days before you travel to England."<==

Does anyone know if the antigen test to leave UK for USA has to be booked ahead of leaving for UK? I was thinking I'd get a Boots appointment or use the airport service but figure it out there - and pay for it after I know I'm actually getting into the country. Now I'm wondering if it is part of the travel form you fill out in advance... showing all tests have been booked. Maybe UK wouldn't track what's needed to leave the country and leave it to airline to verify test was done... ?
nicolatwig, did you see you would need to take test on Tues or Wed or you could do Thursday ahead of flight?
I have been trying to navigate Walgreens etc... and finding most pharms who offer service are far from my county.
still looking.

The UK doesn't care about the test you need to take to get back to the USA.

Randi - if you plan to get the test for return to the U.S. at the airport, then book it in advance since that testing site will be busier than others. If taking it in town, you may be able to walk in. You can ask when you get there. We plan on booking ahead once we’re there.

VAP. The government website has been updated since my post. I stated what the BBC were saying yesterday. They were obviously wrong.

they changed it on me too.

Beware, thing change. I'm sure the BBC didn't make it up, nor did the UK Government email I received. Politicians "clarify" things and change the rules frequently.

Actually, just watching this evening's BBC national evening news, they are still using 48 hours.

I'd advise checking the government website after the new rules take effect, giving time for the poor civil service webpage writers to get the most recent clarification and make any appropriate changes.

I, personally, if I were to travel (I'm not, I'm staying put at my house in England) I'd assume the more restrictive of the two choices. That way no trouble.

The Government has just emailed me the current requirements as they now stand. Note that it is 2 days for the pre-arrival test and 48 hours for completion of the PLF, and that transit passengers must isolate until they leave.

From the horse's mouth:

Before you travel to England – fully vaccinated
Before you travel to England you must:

take a COVID-19 test – to be taken in the 2 days before you travel to England
book and pay for a COVID-19 PCR test – to be taken after you arrive in England
complete a passenger locator form – to be completed in the 48 hours before you arrive in England
Read more about taking a COVID-19 test before you travel to England.

If you’re in England for less than 2 days, you still need to book and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 test. You must quarantine until you receive a negative test result, or until you leave England, whichever is sooner.

When you arrive in England – fully vaccinated
After you arrive in England you must take a COVID-19 PCR test. This is the test that you booked before travel.

You can take the test any time after you arrive and before the end of day 2 at the latest. The day you arrive is day 0.

You must quarantine in your home or the place you are staying while you await your test result.

Test results
If your test result is negative, you can end your quarantine.

If your test result is positive, you must self-isolate for 10 full days. The day of the test is day 0.

If your test result is unclear, you must self-isolate for 10 full days. The day you took the test is day 0.

If your test result is unclear, you can choose to take another private test. If the result of that test is negative, you can stop self-isolating.

If your PCR test result is delayed, you must quarantine until you receive a negative test result or until day 14 after arrival, whichever is sooner.

RandR I am taking the BinoxNOW test and have been told by United that it will work going into the UK and leaving. Cheaper than Boots and easier :) I have booked my PCR test with Eurofins. This is a drivethru and I will get results within 12 hours. Three friends have just taken this PCR test. Not helpful if you don't have a car or not getting picked up :) Use code BA2021 for a discount.

Thanks Nicolatwig, yes I did BinoxNow also at an Urgent Care and United accepted it... heading for airport soon.... !

Thanks for all the updates. Question for all you experts--we're going to be traveling from Paris to London on Jan. 2. I know I need a neg test 48 hours before going to London and then a Day 2 PCR once we arrive. For the negative test to get in to London, could I bring a BinaxNow test from the USA to France and take it at my apartment? My guess is no, but wanted to check.