Top tips for travelling this summer
With the summer in full swing and many looking forward to departing from the UK for their vacation, travelling in a pandemic remains a somewhat complicated affair.
There have been many changes recently with regards to eligibility to travel from and returning to the UK. In our latest blog we are offering our top tips on Covid-19 travel testing to make it as easy as possible for you to get away, hassle-free.
TIP ONE: Stay up to date
Check the government website. It sounds obvious but with frequent changes to the Red-Amber-Green government flight lists this will ensure you have the most up-to-date information on the status of your destination.
This will also ensure you know what tests are required for you to both leave the UK and enter your destination country but also re-enter the UK as hassle-free as possible.
TIP TWO: Know your tests
There are many different tests available for a variety of different travelling circumstances. They can be split in to two categories, those required to leave the UK and those required to return to the UK.
LEAVING the UK:
For leaving the UK you will need to prove you are fit to travel by taking one of the below tests. The main difference in the tests is the PCR test provides a much more accurate result however both tests are suitable for travel.
· Rapid (Antigen) Fit-to-Fly – Results within 30 mins
· PCR Fit-to-Fly – Results within 24hrs
Remember you MUST check the requirements for the country you will be entering to make sure you are taking the correct test.
RETURNING to the UK:
Returning to the UK becomes a little more complicated depending on where you are travelling from. Therefore, it is important to stay up to date with the flight list information on the UK Government website so you know which tests you will need to avoid hefty fines and potentially spreading the virus.
· Rapid (Antigen) Pre-Departure testing – For UK citizens re-entry into the UK, taken abroad before their return flight back to the UK - Results within 30 mins
· PCR Day 2 & 8 Testing – For international arrivals into the UK who are required to quarantine - Results within 24hrs
· PCR Test-to-Release - Taken on Day 5 of your re-entry to the UK for release from quarantine from an amber or red list country - Results within 24hrs
· PCR Green list (Day 2) – For those travelling to the UK from a Green list country, taken on Day 2 of your entry to the UK - Results within 24hrs
· PCR Day 2 for Fully Vaccinated Arrivals - For those travelling to the UK from any country and are fully vaccinated under the UK, EU or USA vaccination programs, to be taken on Day 2 of your entry to the UK - Results within 24hrs
TIP THREE: Don’t leave things to the last minute
Preparation really is key in this current climate. Knowing exactly which tests you need and where and when you will be getting them will help avoid any mishaps and ensure your journey and holiday are as worry free as possible.
TIP FOUR: Don’t forget your Pre-Departure Test
Pre-Departure testing is a rapid antigen test which can be taken with you on your holiday. Simply collect from your provider or have the test mailed to you before you depart the UK. Then, within the three days before your flight back to the UK, the test can be taken via video consultation with a qualified clinician for verification and a certificate emailed to you with the result. If negative, you are eligible to fly back to the UK.
Taking this test with you on your holiday and having a pre-booked slot for your video consultation is an excellent way to avoid airport queues, extortionate pricing and chaos on your return journey.
TIP FIVE: Don’t forget the children
Travelling abroad with children always adds an additional layer of complexity so it’s a good idea to be prepared with what Covid tests are required to be taken by the children. They differ across the UK, here are the rules for England.
Make sure you know what tests are required to enter another country – it is important to check foreign travel advice for the country.
If you are travelling back to England – children aged 10 and under do not need to take a test.
If adults are required to take Day 2 and Day 8 tests after arrival in England – children aged 4 and under do not need to take a test.
If you are quarantining after arrival into England and require a Test to Release (Day 5) test – children of all ages must take the test if adults in household are taking part in the scheme.
At Sloane Square Medical we provide the full range of Covid-19 tests with the exceptional service provided by our general practice. If you would like to book a test or speak with our team on which test would be right for you, visit the covid page on our site or call us on 020 7730 8835.