This is stressing me out so much I feel sick and could really use some help. I have to travel abroad for work to an amber list country from the UK. I don't want to go but need to for work. I'm freelance so don't get any corporate support. Please could someone whose actually done this talk me throught the testing.
OUTWARD TESTING QUESTIONS
So I need a test within 48 hrs of travel. The airline has a page full of companies that offer suitable testing but I have a load of questions that aren't answered on the airline pages or by googling and am DESPERATE FOR HELP!
o How does the testing work physically? What do you actually physically do yourself? Do you mail it in? Attend at an clinic? If so, what is the timing of it? when do you need to post it orgo to the clinic? how do you get your results?
o When you get the results what do you have to do with them to send them to the airline? I've read about a verify app but my destination does not use this so what do you have to do with the results?
o What happens if there is a delay/you don't get the results back in time?
o Is there a table somewhere that shows what testing companies do what? How can you find out which companies do what - in terms of on site testing/ mailing in/ when you have to book etc? [The airline just has a list of links so you have to click through to every single one which is confusing and time wasting.]
o I've read lots of newspaper reports about bad testing companies - results not arriving on time/ not answering the phone/ not responding to email. I don't mind paying more - a lot even - if it is reliable and will cut down on the stress of it. Has anyone got any testing companies they have used for business travel (or even tourism) that they would recommend?
RETURN TESTING QUESTIONS
o I need a test prior to return travel to the UK. The airline talks about ordering a kit before you go and uploading results. How does this work? If you test yourself abroad, how do they 'assess' it? How do you get the "test stuff" to them.
o I need to test twice at home and need to pre-book these tests. Again, anyone got any companies they would recommend. I'm really not worried about the cost - I'd rather 100% reliable company with no agrro stres than paying a low rate.
Has anyone actually travelled to /from UK to amber list country who would be willing to walk me through this for a totally idiot? Please assume no knowledge as I really have none.