Going to Spain

[onlyconnect]

I imagine this has been asked before but I can't find it.
I'm going to Spain in a couple of weeks' time. To return to England I have to take a test. On the government website it says that a PCR test is advised.
Does that mean it has to be PCR or can it be lateral flow? Has anyone returned from Spain with a lateral flow?
Also, what type does the day 2 test need to be?
Thank you anyone who can help.

I haven't been myself but someone posted an identical thread recently and they only needed a LFT

I flew back on Tuesday and only had an antigen test. This was accepted without problem.

I’d always advise checking the latest rules though before you fly home just in case they’ve changed.

Thank you!

There's a really good FB page called Covid 19 travel advice or something. I find it far easier to understand than the gov websites!

www.facebook.com/groups/192439932359902/?ref=share

The government recommends a PCR but it is not mandatory they will accept the lateral flow test which cost me £35.00.

I returned from Spain three weeks ago, also returned from Switzerland a week ago. The return to UK tests are dictated by the UK and antigen test is fine. Day 2 (which can actually be taken any time up to day 2, with day 0 being the day you land) has to be a PCR.

I took antigen tests with me on both my trips (not over the counter ones, PHE approved ones from c19testing.co.Uk). Have found them great, you do the test yourself and upload a photo of your result alongside your passport and they send you a certificate back within 12 hours but usually much sooner. £29 each.

PCRs I’ve done with Randox, £60 - once at the airport where they do it for you, once at home then dropped at the airport Dropbox (I live close by). Results back the following day when they did it for us, same day when I used the Dropbox and that was on a Sunday! They aim for 24hrs.

Have a look on the jet 2 covid requirements page. Even if you’re not flying with them, it’s very good. It lists the requirements clearly for every destination, with clicky links to the forms and recommended testing providers.

Check the gov.uk website advice. Iirc there is a Covid travel update due towards the end of next week as they are roughly every three weeks. Any changes will happen after that.

The gov.uk website also has links to other countries' official websites for travellers - just be careful as someone I know was about to put card details in on a third party website and realised in time it wasn't the official one for Spain, which is free.

@Geamhradh

There's a really good FB page called Covid 19 travel advice or something. I find it far easier to understand than the gov websites!

Thanks for that!

Tui offer lft for returning home and day 2 pcr for £20 pp for both tests so if booked with them use their tests

Otherwise in resort they’re widely available for around €30 and randox day 2 is £44