Well the government are certainly keeping us on our toes with the changing updates for returning to the UK.
As you may be aware, the UK inbound rules have changed again. From 4am on Tuesday 7 December, anyone travelling to the UK from countries not on the Red List will be required to take a pre-departure test whilst in their destination, regardless of their vaccination status.
The pre-departure test can be a PCR or a lateral flow but must be taken no earlier than 48 hours before departure. This applies to vaccinated passengers and children aged 12 and above.
When to take your test
From 4am on 7 December, you can take the test any time in the two days before your departure.
Type of test
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 PCR test
- a LAMP test
- an antigen test, such as an LFD (lateral flow device) test
You must check with your test provider that the test meets the standards. You may not be able to travel if it does not.
You must provide the original test result notification. Your test result must be in either English, French or Spanish. Translations will not be accepted.
Your test result can be provided as:
- a printed document
- an email or text message you can show on your phone - make sure your device is charged
It must include the following information:
- your name, which should match the name on your travel documents
- your date of birth or age
- the result of the test
- the date the test sample was collected or received by the test provider
- the name of the test provider and their contact details
- confirmation of the device used for the test, or that the test was a PCR test
If you do not present proof you tested negative, you may not be able to board your transport to England.
If you arrive in England without proof you tested negative, you could be fined £500.
However, as the prime minister set out on 27 November, all temporary measures will be reviewed after three weeks to ensure that they remain necessary and proportionate, and this will take place on 20 December.
In summary, from 7 December, to enter England you must:
- Provide a negative test result taken no earlier than 48 hours prior to departure time
- Complete Passenger Locator Forms (PLF) including the test details and the results
- On your return, take a PCR test on or before day 2. This can be taken at the airport when you arrive.
- On your return, isolate at home until you receive a negative test result.
For more information, visit www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england
