So the UK Government clearly wants to rip people off

[FrustratedTraveller]

Am due to fly to UK from Spain later this month. Will arrive on a Friday late afternoon, and will fly out around midday on the following Sunday, so definitely less than 48 hours in the UK. I'm fully vaccinated, have never had covid or even the slightest symptom and have just checked the UK covid testing rules for visitors to the UK. It says ...

"If you will be in England for less than 2 days you still need tobook and pay for a day 2 COVID-19 test. You only need to take the test if you are still in England on day 2."

In other words, you have to pay ££££s for a stupid test you won't even need to take.

Is it just me or is this just a government sanctioned rip off? So darned angry right now ... with all the hardship covid has caused and the financial difficulties I (and I guess a lot of other people) have had, this just seems outrageous or is it just me?

Pcr tests no longer required for fully vaccinated travellers

@stripedbananas hi, is that true now though? I thought that would only take effect sometime in October around the time of UK half term holidays.

This is an illustration of what’s wrong with the whole public reaction to the Government’s covid response - despite the plethora of problems it’s caused, people are only outraged when it’s an issue that directly inconveniences them and happy to go along with it when it only inconveniences others.

If you don’t like it, Don’t come.

That's not what I was saying @SweetBabyCheeses99 ... I know it is affecting me now, and have only just posted about it, but I do realise these crazy test charges and requirements have affected so many families and couples. I've not supported that either as it seems like these rip off charges seem to be the way the government is forcing people to spend money they can't afford on tests that either won't even be taken, or even if they are taken apparently only about 5% are even checked. They are ripping off everyone!

@underneaththeash a pretty harsh comment but can understand why you would say it .. and if I could avoid travelling I would, but it is a family thing I really must 100% attend.

@stripedbananas

Pcr tests no longer required for fully vaccinated travellers

That's not true.

From 4th October, fully vaccinated travellers to the UK no longer have to do a test before they travel, but the requirement to pay in advance for the 2 day test remains as it is now. No specific date yet but GS has said that from the end of October people will be able to pay for the cheaper LFT tests to use on day 2.

Am I missing something here but what about children and teenagers under 18 who aren't yet and possibly won't be offered a second vaccine ? New rules say those who are not fully vaccinated must quarantine for 10 days on return and take 2 tests. Having looked at the rules I can't see any exemption for under 18's.