What tests are currently needed to enter and leave the uk?

[HeReWeGoAgAiN1112]

MIL is planning a visit next month. She’s asked for my help in working out testing logistics. I have no clue.

She lives in Croatia and is coming from either Holland (visiting family) or Croatia (where she lives).

She’s then picking up a relative from the Uk and taking them back to Holland for a week.

So, what does MIL need to do testing wise to arrive here and what does the other family member need to do to travel to Holland?

Thank you in advance 😊

As far as I know ( I checked about 10 days ago),.the Netherlands is not allowing travellers from the UK except under certain special circumstances.

Its changed again, sorry! From August 8th fully vaxed UK nationals will be allowed to enter, with a PCR test. Details here. www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/netherlands/entry-requirements

She needs to check the relevant govt websites for each step. Leaving Croatia to enter the Netherlands- the Croatian govt may have a requirement the Netherlands doesn't etc. Leaving the Netherlands to enter the UK and back again.

Thank you. I’m passing this back onto her! It’s too complicated 😂

It blooming is!
Good luck!

Has she been fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks ago? That will make her life easier!

She should check all this on the various government websites to be certain, especially since things change at short notice, but my understanding is, if she's fully vaccinated, she can travel around the EU with no problems - usually no test or quarantine required. To go to the UK, she'll need proof of vaccination (the EU covid certificate should now be accepted), a PCR test taken within 72 hours before she travels to the UK, and she'll need to book and pay for a (overly expensive...) day 2 test for when she arrives in the UK. Wherever she's traveling back to may require a PCR test before she leaves, too, and/or when she gets home.

I am travelling back to U.K. this week. You need a 72 hour test but don’t think it needs to be PCR unless you are coming from Spain. Can also be an antigen test.

The rules for visiting NL are slightly different.
There is a quarantine for non vaccinated people from countries outside of the EU.
(But there are exceptions for visiting family)

The tests required for entering NL from the Uk are either a PCR within 24 hours of departure, or a PCR 48 hrs before AND a rapid test 24hrs before.

It's confusing...and expensive...

Croatia was on the Dutch 'green' list last time I checked so that part should be simpler!

@cinnamonwoman Netherlands is super confusing. Have done it a few times and still get confused and it also keeps changing. We are on a very high risk list but from yesterday have come off the high risk list with a variant of concern!!! Goodness only knows now what that means but looks like nothing eg still need two tests and quarantine. What isn’t clear to me is whether U.K. are now allowed in for anything other than ‘special circumstances’.

@Blessex it's so frustrating! The uk had been completely banned except for extreme reasons for entry, now it's no longer in the 'variant of concern' category it means my family can finally visit us.

Double vaccinated British residents can now visit, but you can only avoid the 10 day quarantine for visiting family...(there are many other exemptions too www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad/self-quarantine/exceptions-mandatory-quarantine )

@Blessex

www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad/exemptions-to-the-entry-ban/eu-entry-ban-exemption-categories

Being double vaccinated is a non eu ban exemption category💉💉

@cinnamonwoman hooray and hooray for the vaccines !