To ask about covid tests before re-entering the UK.

[Ciaram55]

Try as I might I still can't understand whether it's a normal lateral flow test to be taken in the country you're departing from (in this case Spain) rather than the PCR test. If it is a lateral flow test how do you show proof etc. I know it's a PCR after arriving in UK, just the one in Spain I'm confused about. itms. Be grateful for any help.

It’s not an NHS lateral flow test. You need to buy them from a supplier in advance (or int he country you are in) and will be observed doing them - either in person or on video - before being issued a travel certificate.

You buy a private test from a UK gov approved supplier and take it with you, uploading the result to get a certificate.

Observed by a pharmacist would that be?

You buy a private test. It's not observed but your have a upload a picture of the negative test which is verified and a certified. Then a pcr back home within 48 hours.

*you have to

I got my lateral flow done at a private clinic and they email the results so you can print or download to your phone. In Spanish it's called a test antígeno.

Either type of test is fine

Generally you’ll book one with a pharmacy or private provider.

@nobeer

I got my lateral flow done at a private clinic and they email the results so you can print or download to your phone. In Spanish it's called a test antígeno.

So is this test expensive?

The proof thing is weird - as in you do not have to take it at a clinic and have a certificate.
We’re in the same boat - different country- and will film ourselves taking the last flow including showing the test result. That’s all that is required other than the PCR by day 2 on arrival.
Make sure your Lat flow test meets the request though - this is from the Gov U.K. website reported types of tests :

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.

The test could be:

a face-to-face or in-person test
a self-administered test with video or photo verification

My Mum is in Spain for Christmas. She has a private lateral flow test to do 2 days before her return. She got an email address to send a photo of the test to to get a code to put on her passenger locator form. She also has a private PCR to do after her return to the UK and she has to isolate until she gets the result

Where we are the tests will be around
£9 per person. The tests we needed to take to fly out here had to be at a clinic and cost £50
Each.

It was 38€ so you might want to shop around. Most airports have test centres too. There has been a rush on LFTs in pharmacies over the last few days and 2 or 3 days ago most in the city where I live had run out. When do you travel?

The end of January

@nobeer

It was 38€ so you might want to shop around. Most airports have test centres too. There has been a rush on LFTs in pharmacies over the last few days and 2 or 3 days ago most in the city where I live had run out. When do you travel?

You can't use the NHS ones for travelling.

Antigen tests are around 40€ here. Most towns and cities will have a clinic that does them and you get the results within 20 minutes.

@nobeer

It was 38€ so you might want to shop around. Most airports have test centres too. There has been a rush on LFTs in pharmacies over the last few days and 2 or 3 days ago most in the city where I live had run out. When do you travel?

LFTs in pharmacies are just normal home tests and you can’t use those for travel either, even if you paid money for them.

So am I not allowed to take normal lateral flow tests with me?

@Ciaram55

So am I not allowed to take normal lateral flow tests with me?

Not NHS ones. You can buy them from certain private providers who will then issue a certificate for your flight.

It’s either that, or doing a test out there before flying back.

No not the nhs ones. You can purchase one from a government approved provider. Go on gov.uk website. Loads of info on there and approved suppliers.

Ok thanks.

You can order them from C19 or expresstest etc to take out with you to Spain. They cost around £25-£30. You’ll do the test, upload the result and they’ll then send you a ‘fit to fly’ certificate. You should also order your day 2 pcr’s in advance as you will need the reference number on your return passenger locator form.
There’s also lots of centres in Spain. We were there in august and booked our LFTs at a local clinic before flying out.

Thank you NotDonna

‘ LFTs in pharmacies are just normal home tests and you can’t use those for travel either, even if you paid money for them.’

That’s not true - you can use them as long as they fit the criteria
‘ The test must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.‘

We used Chronomics - UK government approved. Take LFT 48hrs before travelling back to the UK. Then PCR the day you get back. Just take the tests yourself and take photo of LFT and upload to the website. Send of PCR. They do a deal for both - discount if flying with BA or TUI

NHS tests cannot be used for the purpose of pre-departure testing before travel to England.

You cannot take an NHS test abroad with you to use on yourself before you return.

From the gov.uk website.