I'll be traveling to London in November 2021. i am fully vaccinated. Can anyone confirm if I need to get a NHS COVID pass, or if taking my COVID-19 vaccine card, issued here is USA, is adequate? The information I'm finding is unclear, but it seems that only thing I have to do is register in advance for a COVID test on my second day in Londan, do the passenger locator form within 2 days of arrival in London and carry confirmation of vaccination with me for the trip (be able to show it at airport and other areas as needed).
Also looking for a testing site somewhere near Westminster Abbey. Have reached out to some companies, but if anyone knows of any in that area, let me know that too. Thanks in advance for any assistance! Much appreciated.
Posted by
Portsmouth
5555 posts
You won't be able to obtain an NHS Covid pass because unless you're a British citizen with an NHS number you won't have a record that will enable you to use the NHS app to show confirmation of your vaccine status.
Most places in the UK don't require you to show your vaccine status with the exception of some large music venues, sports matches etc. Scotland are more stringent with their requirements than the rest of the UK particularly in respect of mask wearing. If you are required to show your status then I expect that your vaccine card should suffice as you have no alternative.
Posted by
Freedonia
16421 posts
I just filled out my Passenger Locater Form (it should take about 5 minutes.). My flight is tomorrow.
You do not need to find a testing site. You can get a self-test kit sent to your hotel. When you pay for the test, you will be sent a number to put on the PLF.
Here's the company I used:
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Can anyone tell me general cost of companies sending 2day test to your hotel? Sounds like best way to go for convenience.
Posted by
Freedonia
16421 posts
Use this finder to see companies offering the test:
https://www.gov.uk/find-travel-test-provider
Most places charge between 65 and 69 pounds per test. Many use the company I linked to above to process the test. I went directly to that company and saved about 10 pounds.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7209 posts
I hope to go to London in January and plan on using the company that tests at the airport. It also has sites in town and I’ll make my reservation at the Paddington Station clinic for later in the day on the day I arrive. I’ll use the same clinic to get the antigen test for return to the U.S., unless I can get it at Boots. Express Test charges £69 for the day 2 test and £35 for the rapid antigen test.
Posted by
York
121 posts
Krismarie you need to complete the PLF 48 hours before you arrive in the UK
https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk
You will also have to arranged the day2 test, as you have to put the booking ref on the form.
I would hang fire with booking the test for a while though, as the government are due to make an announcement on possible new requirements towards the end of this month. This will hopefully result in only having to take a LFT not PCR which should be cheaper.
Once you book the test, my experience has been that they are received within a couple of days.