Day 2 test - booking needed before travel?

[Level75]

As the title reads really. I've read the . Gov site and I don't think I need evidence we've booked the day 2 test before we leave England, just in order to return. Does anyone have any experience of this? I don't want to get to the airport and not be allowed to leave without it.

The switch from pcr to lateral flow happens mid holiday for us and I don't want to pay for a pcr if I can book the lateral flow whilst on holiday.

You can book them right before you come back, I always do it the morning of the flight (don’t do it that late!). When you fly out you’ll only be asked to show the documents required by the country you’re going to.

I’ve flown many times between UK and various EU countries over this summer and it’s never been an issue.

Thanks so much @EileenGC

We booked before we flew but Eileen is right , we didn't need to show before we flew . You need to have got it booked before you complete the passenger locator form for your return to the UK as you need to include your booking ref. PLF needs to be done 48 hours or less before your flight . I wouldn't leave until right at last minute as it's a bit time consuming filling everything in.

It's a bit nonsensical though as you don't have to isolate before getting your result so if you do test positive you could already have passed it on .