I need to travel to Madeira (Green List currently) and have been trying to work out what in the world I need to do to get the right tests etc. I thought I'd share what I have worked out so far, so if anyone can corroborate my findings, that would be great! Or of course tell me I have it wrong before I go... that would be great too.
Other people might also find the below info useful as a starting point, as the info online is patchy and even the government website contradicts other info on other countries government websites, so it's hard to feel confident! Here is what (i think) I have found out so far. Please feel free to pitch in with thoughts /clarifications! This info below is based on travel to Madeira, so I looked at the Madeira government website and Portugal info on UK Government website. Yes, I have had all the fun last few days. But broadly I guess it relates to any Green List country atm. But best to check individual country websites too. Enjoy!
-
Before departure: You need a private PCR test taken 72 hours or less before you travel. These are available at Boots for £99 or you can get a home testing kit at Boots for £65. I had to travel quickly so opted for the in store test as they said it is quicker, as it doesn't require your sample to be posted back to the lab. For the in store testing, you book a test first, THEN you can book an appointment to be tested in a store, all via the Boots website. There are other private providers, but I feel like I trust Boots as a known entity - hopefully I'll be proved right! Results arrive 48 hours after the test, and are valid for 72 hours after THE TIME OF THE TEST. Not the time of you getting your result. Timing it right it tricky, especially if you have a life.
-
Whilst you are there: You also need to do a test whilst away, this should be 72 hours before flying back to UK. It says on UK gov website that you can use a lateral flow test for this (anyone have any alternate opinions on this?) It also says you can't use the NHS free lateral flow tests for this purpose (fair enough) BUT it's hard to find any paid for lateral flow tests out there and loads of the websites that do offer these look well dodgy. I used Trust Pilot website to find a reputable one and ordered from 'Hand Stations' which seems to supply mainly hand sanitiser but branched out to Lateral flow tests - that made sense to me and they had lots of positive reviews as a company. I got a pack of 2 for £16.99 + £4.99 for DPD next day delivery. They look good and are the 97% specificity required by UK gov (as I read on their website) so I assume they are ok. The arrived as promised next day so pleased with that. My local pharmacy had no idea where I could buy them from...and whilst I might be able to get them whilst away I wanted to be sure and the instructions to be in English!
-
Arriving back: You finally need to do a test on your return, within 2 days I think, and this must be a private PCR test. I brought the £65 boots home test kit for this purpose so I have that ready, can post off my sample on return and the result will come in 48 hours.
Phew.
I am putting this here as I couldn't find much info about the specific process and found the Gov website confusing. I also had the question around travelling with children, and this is REALLY hard to find a clear answer to. UK government website says that children under 11 are exempt from needing all this testing, but when I checked on the UK gov website about Portugal, it said only children under 2 were exempt. So I checked the Madeira Gov website and THAT says children under 11 ARE exempt. So as of now I am not paying hundreds more ££ for child testing. Anyone got and real life experience of this?