Entry to countries requiring negative covid tests

[squirrelspatchcock]

I have also posted in Coronavirus topic, but think this might be a better place!

I'm due to travel to Hungary in a few weeks time. Entrance to Hungary from the UK requires 2 x negative Covid tests, taken 48 hours apart, and within 5 days of travel.

Has anyone done this? If so, what company did you use for the tests? I don't live in London so would probably be reliant on postal tests, but unsure whether I can achieve it with the time frame.

Any advice appreciated!

I have been looking as I will need the service shortly. I have found
wrenhealthcare.co.uk who are offering 24 & 48 test results with travel certificate, & will send a nurse to your home to administer the test.

I also have the issue of not living in central London!

Thanks iwantsomesun

They look quite good - I am apprehensive about using a postal service due to the timing involved. Do you have to provide one or two tests? There is always the worry that guidance will change again....

I'll be going to St Lucia. Their requirements are a negative test within 7 days of your flight departure (it was 5 days). My plan is to get tested as early as possible in the 7 day window so I have the documentation in plenty of time.

Hungary seems to have a very tight window, but if you got tested on day 1 & day 3 you should manage it. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Can you not just say you have a temperature and get an NHS one? They have drive in centres and you get the results the next day.

@rhowton
Unfortunately not. The NHS test just sends a text message - no date of test or identification checks, so they are not accepted for travel & can /will refuse you from boarding your flight. It has to be a certified Covid19 PCR test with travel certification.

Some countries do accept NHS tests. Cyprus, for example. You would need to check with the relevant High Commission or Embassy.

The NHS appointment confirmation email (yes, they do send emails) and the negative test result (again, yes, they do send emails) may need to be combined into a single document to be accepted.

Note, you do not need to lie to get an NHS test. Indeed, if you say you have symptoms, like a temperature, you should be isolating yourself at home for 14 days, not going on holiday!

To take an NHS test, your identity is verified, you need to take your driving licence or passport with you to the test.

Postal tests are no good because you can't prove when the swab was taken.

Thanks everyone! I think I will ring the GP and see if I can use a drive in centre, and if not, go with Iwantsomesun's suggestion. Not going to trust a postal service. Having such tight time requirements is quite stressful as there is plenty of opportunity for it to go wrong!

The other thing to do is to check out the Tripadvisor forum for the country you are visiting. There are probably other people in the same boat willing to share experiences.

Well if all goes to plan I will be going to Antigua in two weeks and they accept the NHS text and email.

You would get more help if you go on Tripadvisor and look at the Hungary forum, there will be loads of advice about it there OP.

Good luck and Happy Travels.