{"id":20306,"date":"2022-01-05T12:36:44","date_gmt":"2022-01-05T12:36:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/?p=20306"},"modified":"2022-03-08T12:14:07","modified_gmt":"2022-03-08T12:14:07","slug":"guide-to-covid-19-testing-for-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/guide-to-covid-19-testing-for-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"Covid-19 testing for travel – The Ultimate Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text]Following the October 4th 2021 simplification of travel rules from the government<\/a>, going on holiday became much easier. We have collected and simplified all information about the updated Covid-19 testing for travel guidelines to give you the confidence you need to travel again.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18229″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Do I need to take a PCR or\u00a0<\/span>lateral flow test for travel?<\/span> <\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Each\u00a0country differs\u00a0in whether they require you to take a lateral flow or PCR test to enter,\u00a0and each has its timeframe in which you must take it. Nearly all countries will request that the test is from an EU approved provider and NHS tests are not generally accepted.<\/p>\n

Both\u00a0lateral flow and PCR\u00a0tests\u00a0screen for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus, although they differ in\u00a0their\u00a0technique,\u00a0accuracy and time needed to receive results.\u00a0It is important to know\u00a0which is required\u00a0to\u00a0ensure adequate time to purchase\u00a0the right\u00a0test and obtain your results in the required timeframe.<\/p>\n

Lateral flow tests\u00a0from EU approved providers\u00a0are usually relatively cheap.\u00a0In the same\u00a0way\u00a0as\u00a0an NHS lateral flow test, you\u2019ll see the\u00a0results in less than half an hour.\u00a0You\u2019ll then be expected to upload\u00a0a photo of the test (often with a copy of your passport)\u00a0to a website for verification.\u00a0With some labs, verification is instant;\u00a0others will check the photo manually which takes a couple of hours. The lab will then issue you with a certificate.<\/p>\n

PCR tests are sent to a laboratory for testing, and it usually takes 1 to 3 days to obtain results. The PCR test is more accurate than the lateral flow test\u00a0and costs more.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Do I need a COVID\u00a0test to\u00a0depart\u00a0from the UK?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

You don\u2019t need a test to leave the UK,\u00a0but the country you are visiting may\u00a0require you to take\u00a0a\u00a0PCR or Lateral Flow\u00a0test to enter.\u00a0Before you leave the UK, the airline will check that you\u00a0take\u00a0the test and have the associated certificates.\u00a0Some destinations\u00a0do\u00a0not require children or those who are double vaccinated\u00a0to take a test at all.<\/p>\n

The types of tests, test certificates, and the time frame in which you must take the test also vary from country to country. We encourage you to review the latest travel guidelines for the country you wish to travel to by using the\u00a0Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office website<\/em><\/a>.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

What\u00a0type of\u00a0Covid-19\u00a0test do I need\u00a0to\u00a0return\u00a0to the UK?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The testing requirements were simplified on October 4th<\/sup> 2021 when the traffic light system was replaced by a two-tier system categorising countries as \u2018red-listed and \u2018countries open for travel\u2019.\u00a0 All countries were swiftly removed from the Red List, and you only had to take a lateral flow test on return to the UK.\u00a0 There was a slight backtrack on this as concerns around the Omicron<\/em> variant made news in late November 2021, however on 5th January 2022 the UK government thankfully dropped pre arrival tests and Day 2 PCR tests for all vaccinated travellers entering the UK.<\/p>\n

What test do fully-vaccinated travellers need to return from a country that is open for travel? <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Rules for fully-vaccinated travellers also apply to those who have not been fully vaccinated if they;<\/p>\n