Ok I am finally after nearly after 2 years able to visit family in England again.
1. Should I book the pcr covid test ($130) through United who I’m flying with or direct at the airport? Or book through another company? Any suggestions. I believe I have to then book another test in for day 2 in England? Then another to return to the USA? This is all confusing.
2. I have British and American passports normally use British to enter uk should I still do so ? It’s confusing what to put on the locator form you have to complete.
These are frustrating confusing times and you can never reach anyone at the airlines. Any advice appreciated!!
Posted by
Freedonia
16421 posts
1) You can go to your local chain pharmacy and see if they offer the test. If not ask them where you can get one. It will more than likely be free through your insurance company. Remember, it must be done within 72 hours of your trip and have enough time to get the results.
You must also book and prepay for a test in England on or before Day 2 of your visit. Use this website to find a place for the Day 2 test:
https://www.find-travel-test-provider.service.gov.uk/test-type
You must also get a test for return to the U.S. I believe Boots offers the test but there are many places for it.
2) Always use your British passport to enter the UK and your American passport to re-enter the U.S.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks for the information!! I went to the local cvs yesterday to check about a test, the comment that worries me is they cannot guarantee 72hours as they are getting a lot more tests due to delta! Thought if I paid through the United site referral it might be more guaranteed? But their site uses Walmart!!
So heading to Walmart to see what they say. It’s all very sad this is the way of life now and do not see it changing much. Decided to cancel a concert I was going to the night before the test!!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34011 posts
keep checking for changes in UK/English colours and rules. The UK/England government is well known for changing covid rules dramatically on a whim with little or no notice, leaving people to try to rearrange things with only a day or two to do so.
You only have to ask a few Brits who had to return from Spain or France or Portugal or India.
Posted by
Missouri, USA and Essex, UK.
1055 posts
I am so glad you are getting to go home and visit family. I am a UK/US passport holder also and I had to cancel my July 15th trip. Boris didn't open soon enough for me and now I must return to work as school is back in session.
As far as CVS goes, I got a PCR test done before I went to the USVI this summer. I was nervous about their turnaround as well as the DIY drive-through experience. I just wasn't sure I was going to get the results in time and whether I had actually stuck the swab far enough up my nose. I ended up going to a good medical facility's urgent care in town and they had a nurse do it and turned the PCR test around for me in 4 hours. I did get the CVS results back within 48 hours but it was cutting things close.
You can enter the UK with your UK passport but you obviously enter the US with your US passport otherwise they won't let you in at this point in time. As. far as the 2-day testing goes, I have heard the list from the UK government has had a lot of complaints of tests kits not showing up, etc, so pick a well-known company even if it cost a little more. You will have to book this before you leave. As far as the return test, you may need to check locally once you on on the ground in England. It makes for anxious travel when you have to jump through these extra steps, I know, But it will be worth it. Go and enjoy your family.
Margaret
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Many thanks. Hope you make it back soon. I wanted to get there before quarantine goes back in place!!