😕confused! Please help

[BLACKTUESDAY1]

getting a bit confused with what tests we will all need. Flying to Ibiza on 14 August (if it stays amber). Me and DH both double jabbed. DS 18 only had first jab, DS 15 unvaccinated. I have been googling but I am so confused 😕. Does anyone know what we need to do and roughly how much all required testing will cost....and how to do it all. Thinking of throwing the towel in at the moment....

My understanding is this: double jabbed need nothing for the outbound, non jabbed (and this includes those with only a single jab) need a PCR test within 48 hours of arrival. You will all need to have a test within 48 hours of your return flight - hotels will likely have a provider for this. This test can be a PCR or an antigen test.
You will all need to have pre booked a day two test in the uk. The non vaccinated will also need a day 8 test, in addition they can opt to do a day five test to end their quarantine early.
Your holiday company might be able to provide a package which simplifies things?

Thank you. That is much clearer than anything I've read. It's JET2 so can't see any testing packages being offered. So both ds's will need PCR 2 days before we travel, we all need PCR 2 days before we fly home and 2 days after we get back with the ds's then isolating ( they are okay doing this). Have I missed anything? Thank you for your help

Yes - that covers it. We really struggled to fine the information, and nearly failed to book the day two (which apparently would have prevented us coming back in the country), but am reasonably confident that this covers it - have a great time.

@BLACKTUESDAY1 @Disscombobulated

I think DS18 also needs a day 8 PCR as he is an unvaccinated adult returning from a amber country?

I dont think DS15 needs to isolate on return as he is under 18, and fully vaccinated, under 18 or involved in vaccine trial allows you to treat an amber country as green.

@BLACKTUESDAY1 @Disscombobulated

Also, the test to return can be a lateral flow. Cheaper and quicker.

It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documents. Gov.uk if the official source and rules can change at short notice.

Assuming you are on a direct flight and are travelling form England:

You need to fill in a pre travel declaration for and/or (I'm unsure if this bit is both or one or the other) a health form for the balearics and have proof of being double vaccinated or a negative test (PCR or LAMP not LFT)

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain
safetourism.illesbalears.travel/en

You all need a test with 3 days of returning home, PCR, LAMP or LFT. Private test, not NHS.

You need to complete a passenger locator form at gov.uk

You all need a booked day 2 test (which can be taken UP TO day two). Some airports do them on arrival but you must have this pre booked.

The teens will need to have prebooked day 8 tests and isolate for 10 days. The have the option of doing a further test to release test to end isolation early.

You have all been so helpful. Thank you for taking the time to reply. The tests before we fly back , shall I just book these out there or prebook? And the one we need on day 2 of returning , this has to be booked prior to departure? The isolating is no real issue for the teens, I just need to check they both need day 8 tests I think

If probably just pre book your return to the UK tests now so you are sorted as it's peak holiday season. There are some companies that you buy a lateral flow from before leaving the UK and do it on a video call with a professional but I'd probably just choose a local site. Make sure their turn around time is quick enough and it meets the specifications on gov.uk

Day 2 tests just have to be booked before you arrive in the UK but rather than spend all holiday doing admin I'd book everything before you go.

Sorry I mistyed, day 8 is only for the 18 year old.

Thank you all. That is a lot clearer now.....remember the good old days when you just had to remember your passport

If Ibiza goes to amber plus and you have to isolate on return, will you still be going?

Also bear in mind that Jet2 could cancel your holiday if this happens.

I'd probably hold off booking the tests for a few days in case this happens, because if your holiday is moved or cancelled, you probably won't get a refund on any tests you've paid for as some sources are reporting that Greece and Spain might be bumped up to this category.

news.sky.com/story/covid-news-live-latest-uk-updates-millions-could-have-holidays-and-family-reunions-ruined-if-spain-and-greece-moved-to-amber-plus-list-12358858

There seems to be a lot of arguments going on, the data is saying these countries should be amber plus, but the economic impact would be huge so they're pushing back.

But as we all know, things can change at very short notice.

@BLACKTUESDAY1

Thank you all. That is a lot clearer now.....remember the good old days when you just had to remember your passport

Remember too that you need 6 months left on your passport and the up to 9 months they previously added no longer counts so you need to have had a passport issued no more than 9.5 years before you return for adults and 4.5 years for children.

We are def going to hold off booking tests until after the government announcement which I think is 4/5 August as we won't be going if it moves to amber plus unfortunately. Should still be enough time to order tests hopefully if it doesn't. Our passports are all fine thankfully. We are hopeful we can go but also very realistic that we may not be able to. We keep having to remind the dcs of this though. I know nobody knows but does everyone think Spain and the islands will go amber plus or red or stay as they are?

Personal opinion is no, generally it's a reciprocal thing and both countries levy additional checks on each other. Spain want us more than the French do, the islands in particular are desperate for tourism. I could be totally wrong of course.

I really hope you're not wrong. What you have said does make sense