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Original poster

Pre-departure test! What does this mean!!

19 replies

LJZRBB · 09/05/2021 08:42

I cannot find anything on the internet. I am hoping for your opinions.

To return home to England you need to take a “pre departure” test. But WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?!?!

Can you take a bunch of the lateral flow ones (abroad with you to use) the ones we can order for free.

Or have you got to find somewhere in your destination to get a PCR test before you return to England?

I cannot find anything which says what kind of test is acceptable.

OP posts:
ItsCokeFFS · 09/05/2021 08:55

Or have you got to find somewhere in your destination to get a PCR test before you return to England?

This is certainly the case in France for anyone returning to the UK.
LFTs aren't accepted.

PCR tests here are free, but I don't know if that is the case for holidaymakers.

You also need to have booked and paid for at least 2 PCR tests for days 2 and 10 when you get back to the UK. You will need to prove this. Prices are, as far as I can see, extortionate.

You can do a test on day 5 for early release from isolating, but this has to be purchased in addition to the two that you have already paid for.

Ilikewinter · 09/05/2021 09:04

Dont understand how youve search the internet and found nothing....i searched "returning to the UK" and the gov.uk website with ALL the information is the first website that comes up

Overthebow · 09/05/2021 09:07

www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england

The information you need is on the government website.

The test must meet the standards set out, it is up to you to make sure it does. You also need proof of test such as certificate or email confirming results. Showing a lateral flow test would t be proof as anyone could have taken it.

User89044 · 09/05/2021 09:08

Do you need to take a test before departing the UK?

Original poster
LJZRBB · 09/05/2021 09:08

@Ilikewinter I don’t disagree with that. But my question was around the ambiguity of a “pre departure” test.

@ItsCokeFFS thank you. I should say I am talking about returning from a green country so no need for the two tests upon return.

It’s the testing you may need while on holiday I am unclear of.

OP posts:
Overthebow · 09/05/2021 09:09

Wouldn’t be proof*

Original poster
LJZRBB · 09/05/2021 09:09

@Overthebow yes and it’s easy to lie on them too!!

Hmmmm what a pain!

OP posts:
Overthebow · 09/05/2021 09:11

Meaning you need to find somewhere in the country you’re in to get a test that meets the specification set out on the government website, and get proof of the result of that test.

Original poster
LJZRBB · 09/05/2021 09:12

I thought that was the case deep down. Thanks @Overthebow

OP posts:
ItsCokeFFS · 09/05/2021 12:29

@LJZRBB

Green country. Lucky you!

I haven't seen my son for over a year.
Very much hoping France goes green before my first grandchild arrives!

Not sure about other places, but certainly in France there are testing "hubs" set up near to main airports/ferry terminals and these seem to be quite efficient.

Good luck.

Liliolla · 09/05/2021 13:03

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

JagerPlease · 09/05/2021 16:28

It'll definitely be a PCR test. I believe you also do need to book the day 2 test for when you return

Nootkah · 09/05/2021 16:44

Its all on the. gov website. Can be lateral flow, but it looks like it n3eds to be officially done and reported, rather than just taking a pocketful of UK freebies with you, as the way the reaults are reported has to follow a certain format and the free lateral flow results wouldnt cut it, neither would brandishing a negatuve lateral flow cassette

Pre-departure test! What does this mean!!
Pre-departure test! What does this mean!!
Pre-departure test! What does this mean!!
Pastanred · 09/05/2021 18:24

tui are offering the lateral flow as part of the £20pp testing package for green counties (inc pcr on return so good price really)

The pre departure can be an lft and it just has to be 'under supervision' so perhaps the tour operators will be in control of it

Aposterhasnoname · 09/05/2021 18:44

@JagerPlease

It'll definitely be a PCR test. I believe you also do need to book the day 2 test for when you return
Except it won’t.
BritinDelco · 09/05/2021 18:56

To get back into the UK you have to have an antigen or PCR test that meets the gov.uk criteria before departure from abroad to the UK

User6587324 · 09/05/2021 20:12

The TUI options look good and is an add on covid package at a reasonable price, one for green and one for amber, hopefully going forward this will become an option with other companies as it takes the worry out of sorting it out yourself

OhYouBadBadKitten · 09/05/2021 20:16

I've been wondering this. We have a rescheduled touring holiday through a very small company. We are trying to work out whether we will need to book flights for a day or two fter the tour ends.
How quickly are tests turned around in France?

Original poster
LJZRBB · 10/05/2021 09:25

I am realising now this is not worth the hassle.

The test for day two. You have to put the order number on your passenger locator form so there is no getting around that.

I can’t find anything on the destination I want to go to about where you can get a test and how much it will cost. Confused

OP posts:
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