Some good news for the travel industry today with the Prime Minister confirming the rumours that the pre-departure testing for arrivals will be scrapped from 4am on Friday 7 January 2022 for those arriving in the UK after that time. The tests were originally introduced when Omicron first became a variant of concern a few weeks ago.
There was also more good news when it was confirmed that the isolation and day 2 PCR tests would also be removed. Currently, you need to take a day 2 PCR test and isolate until the results. Instead, we will be returning to the previous system where you only need to take a Day 2 lateral flow test and do not need to isolate for the results. This applies to fully vaccinated passengers & under 18s. If you test positive, then you will need to take a PCR to allow new variants to be identified. Tests have to be taken no later than the end of day 2, but you can even take them on arrival. NOTE: This applies from 4am Sunday 9 January 2022, not & Friday like pre-departure testing.
This has not only simplified travel, removing the fear of people being trapped abroad if they test positive but also allowing people to reduce the cost of trips, once more making short trips and weekend breaks feasible.
Grant Shapps also announced that the government will do a full review of travel measures by the end of January to ensure a stable system is in place for 2022. (I don’t think they can guarantee a stable system).
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What should I do if I have already a PCR test booked?
You will still be able to use a Day 2 PCR test but will not need to isolate for the results. However, if you would like to use a cheaper lateral flow test, you will need to see if your testing company offers a refund. Express test, for example, will allow you to get a voucher refund online which you can then use to book a different test. Simply log into your account to request an instant refund.
I can’t see any Day 2 Lateral flow tests for sale?
It will take a day or so for testing companies to rebrand their tests as Day 2 to give the correct reference number. You do not need to have a Day 2 test booked until you have to fill in your PLF to return to the UK. This is needed before you reach check-in. So if you are able to delay purchasing until later, you will be able to save money and book the lateral flow test for day 2.
To find the cheapest or nearest Day 2 lateral flow tests, try Covid Testing Network’s comparison site.
Can’t I just use a fit to fly lateral flow as Day 2?
To be allowed to enter the UK you need a specifically formatted Day 2 test booking reference. Only tests booked as day 2 will give the correct reference number. Without this, you will not be allowed to board your flight unless you are exempt from testing.
Shai Weiss, CEO, Virgin Atlantic said: “The removal of pre-departure testing before travel to the UK and costly PCR testing upon arrival is welcome progress and a necessary step towards frictionless air travel for our customers. Travellers can now book with confidence and look forward to reconnecting with loved ones and business colleagues. Meanwhile customer demand will be boosted in a critical booking window for the travel industry and vital testing capacity can be reallocated where it is needed the most – in hospitals, schools and crucial national infrastructure.
“Throughout the pandemic we have demonstrated that international travel can operate safely, taking full advantage of our world leading vaccine rollout. We want to thank the Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary of State for Transport – and their teams – for working with us to lead the way in returning travel at scale, and in turn, boosting prospects for economic recovery. We look forward to working together towards the next review at the end of January, when the ultimate goal will be removal of all testing for travel and developing a playbook for how to deal with any new variants.”
8 comments
I’ve already bought my Day 2 with Randox coupled with my Lateral flow that I was supposed to take before boarding on my return on 16 January. I fly outbound LHR to IST on 11th January.
I’m happy just to use these tests, particularly the PCR as the Day 2 – will the reference number that I obtained when I bought the kit a couple of weeks ago still be relevant for my PLF when I fill it in? It’s just a bit late now to try and change everything.
This is a step in the right direction and relief for many travellers. We are flying back from LA on Friday evening with British Airways. Our flight is to Edinburgh but via London Heathrow. Am I right in thinking English entry rules will apply?
Hi Michelle
Not clear if waiving the requirement for pre departure test defines fully vaccinated as 2 or 2 plus booster. Given many countries havent even rolled the booster out i assume (and hope) the former?
Yes it’s just the two doses at the moment
Well done Michele for the most informative and cogent analysis of these changes I have read in all media.
Thank you!
Great – so now we will have planes full of people who have Covid but want to fly home. Id much rather have the test to return than the day 2 tests. Sigh…..
Totally understand that although with it being up to 2 days before and the speed omicron comes on, you could well find that lots of people slip through the net anyway. But yes I agree in terms of feeling safe travelling it doesn’t really help matters!
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