Test to Return.. Hand luggae or Hold luggage

[Nootkah]

I have received my test to return tests. Each has the little vial of extraction solution. I had planned to take these in my hand luggage to minimise the risk of losing them, but that will mean they will need to go in my clear plastic bag of fluids wont it?

So, hold or hand?

I am not taking a hold bag, so mine will go in my hand luggage.

I'm finding the whole thing confusing. How's you fine out you needed "test to return" and how did you acquire them please? And please don't suggest the gov website, although I'm willing to accept its probably my own stupidity I just do not see clear guidance on it!

@dudsville It is all on the gov website 😊

You definitely need test to return. Everyone needs test to return whether coming back from red, green or amber.

You need to look at the section on "Entering the UK". It is here www.gov.uk/uk-border-control

Here is a screenshot also.

If you're looking to go away, you need to meet the overseas country's requirements to enter when you go, and UK (England, N Ireland, Scotland, Wales have slightly different requirements) requirementa on your way back.

What are the implications of the hold lugage going missing?
If its catastrophic, put the tests in your hand lugage.
If there are ways around not having the tests, hold is fine.
Not travelled in covid times, but the general rule of thumb: if its expensive or vital, it stays with you in the cabin.

Thanks, I miss spoke. I know I need to test to return, but I presumed I could book this locally where I'm going and have found a place offering pcr, etc., but you're both taking about buying tests here and taking them with you. That sounds more convenient!

@PeonyTime Good point. Not catastrophic, but would cost around £100 and be a faff to arrange to get tests locally. Hand luggage it is. Itll just be a faff and a little worry to open all the packages to get the little vials of fluid out.

@dudsville Yes Im taking them with me! Much less hassle than going and getting them done overseas. I got mine through Chronomics, Ive seen others are using Collinson. Basically just needs to meet criteria for test to return. Unfortunately this does mean going on the govt list of approved suppliers.

Oh good thinking - I'd never even considered where to pack the tests! Presumably I can just put the whole box in one of the clear plastic bags rather than having to dig out and separate the fluid vials? Mine came in quite a small box so would fit into one of those small plastic bags and I generally don't carry any other liquids through security.

I've got the chronomics tests. Haven't even opened the boxes, was just planning on putting them in hand luggage without opening.

Don't know what to do now. Shall I put the vials in plastic bags?