Testing for Greece

[Florabella]

Can anyone advise me on this? I understand the pcr test before you fly and the pcr on day 2 after you return, but I am not clear on whether the test before you fly home has to be pcr or if it can be lateral flow?

Also, all the cheaper places for pcr home tests seems to have bad reviews sbout not getting the tests or the results sent in time. I can imagine this will only get worse in August as demand soars. Does anyone have any recommendations? Just trying to work out whether to go ahead with our Greek holiday or cancel.

Thanks

[FizzyPink]

@blametheparents

I am worried about what will happen if we test positive before we leave Greece to travel back to the UK.
Obvs we won’t be able to travel, but I am worried about the sort of accommodation that we will be put in, or will we have to sort it out ourselves?
We will have appropriate insurance so that I know it will be paid for, but that doesn’t necessarily equal quality. 10 days in one room in a Greek quarantine hotel fill me with dread.

I’ve seen a few videos online by people who are in this situation in Ibiza and Majorca and they’re in a pretty bleak hotel for 10 days. It doesn’t seem like they have to pay for it but communication is terrible so they don’t know much about what is going on. Two girls I’ve seen have to stay for the whole 10 days despite already having done 3 days in their apartment.
They get 3 meals a day but it looks pretty horrendous and most of it unidentifiable.

It’s definitely made me think about taking my work laptop away with me so at least I’d still get paid if the worst were to happen.

[blametheparents]

I am worried about what will happen if we test positive before we leave Greece to travel back to the UK.
Obvs we won’t be able to travel, but I am worried about the sort of accommodation that we will be put in, or will we have to sort it out ourselves?
We will have appropriate insurance so that I know it will be paid for, but that doesn’t necessarily equal quality. 10 days in one room in a Greek quarantine hotel fill me with dread.

[AvonCallingBarksdale]

@Clymene that’s a good idea - I might get us to do that.

[PlumpCushion]

Trouble is, one of ours has a group birthday thing booked. And the other no longer lives at home and lives in a city centre with lots of cases. We’re doomed aren’t we?

[Clymene]

We are all isolating for a week before we go @PlumpCushion. If they're not prepared to do that, they don't deserve a holiday

[PlumpCushion]

Anyone else got teenagers? I’m absolutely paranoid that our teenagers are going to scupper our trip to Greece in two weeks time by mixing with groups and catching Covid (again!). I feel pissed off with them and it hasn’t even happened yet, lol!

[BlackLambAndGreyFalcon]

@FizzyPink can TUI give you any information about testing? We're travelling independently which is why I've booked a UK provider video call test to save the hassle of trying to find somewhere, but I can imagine in resorts there should be availability.

[FizzyPink]

Does anyone know how easy it is to get a pre flight test while in Greece? We’re staying in a TUI hotel in Zante and trying to work out whether to organise a test beforehand or if they’ll be easily available while we’re there.

[kindlekeeper]

Antigen tests done need to be supervised. We have travelled quite a bit and can be done a stay kgs photographed and uploaded.

Can’t remember Greek details of which exact list. Antigen tests a very recent change and we arrived shortly after. Details not forthcoming so pcr more reliably accepted. Maybe easier to navigate now

[PlumpCushion]

@kindlekeeper, what did you mean by approved antigen providers on the Greek list? That you couldn’t find A LIST or couldn’t access on THE list ?? (Didn’t know think there was an approved list)

[PlumpCushion]

@No1HolidayPlanner I think Randox only do return to UK tests for Portugal

They need to be supervised so either at an in resort clinic or video call appointment.

That’s what I’ve gleaned from my research today and from advice on MN

[kindlekeeper]

I’m in greeec. Unvaccinated have pcr. Antigen is ok too but we couldn’t find approved providers on the Greek list. All adults on our flight were tested in combination with passports and all other paperwork at the airport. Kids didn’t appear to be tested at all including teens. Long process and no access to drink or loos and not forewarned. Antigen test prior to returning. All worth it. Is fabulous here and pretty normal.

[BlackLambAndGreyFalcon]

We've booked Breathe Assured for our pre-flight LFT tests before the return flight and then with another company for the day 2 PCR tests and already have the LFTs to take with us and the reference number for the day 2 testing for our passenger locator forms.

To be honest the most important thing is the pre-flight test and having the reference number for the day 2 testing. If we don't have to quarantine (as we don't under the current rules) then it doesn't matter too much if the day 2 test doesn't get the results sent through in time (obviously it is better if it does, but it won't be the end of the world if it doesn't).

[No1HolidayPlanner]

We are going ahead with our holiday to Crete.. fingers crossed.

The test in Greece prior to returning can be Lateral Flow.. this can be done in resort or bring a test bought from a company like Randox.

Then the day 2 test once home needs to be purchased before you leave Greece as you need the reference number on your PLF.

I think I'll go to a clinic in resort, as they print it off and at least it's in my hand.. there are 4 of us.. I think it will give me peace of mind. 😊