UK arrivals: Day 2 tests can be cheaper lateral flow from Oct 24th

As rumoured over the passed few weeks, the UK governement have now confirmed that from 24th October 2021, fully vaccinated passengers and most under 18’s arriving in England from countries not on the red list can take a cheaper lateral flow test, instead of a PCR test, on or before day 2 of their arrival into the UK.

The government is able to make this change thanks to the success of the vaccination programme both in the UK and around the world, which has protected millions of people and reduced the risks of opening up international travel.

Eligible fully vaccinated passengers arriving in England from countries not on the red list can take a lateral flow test on or before day 2 of their arrival from 24 October, rather than PCR tests – cutting the cost of tests in time for travellers returning from half-term breaks. These can be booked from 22 October.

See official GOV.UK information.

See information regarding travalling and testing for children HERE.

Eligible travellers will be able to order cheaper lateral flow tests from private testing providers as an alternative to a PCR, offering faster results. The list of approved private providers will go live on GOV.UK on 22nd October.

Lateral flow tests can be ordered online, meaning the passengers will then to take a photo of their completed lateral flow test and the booking reference supplied and send it to the supplier, for them to verify the result. Alterntaively, passengers are also able to book to have a test which they can take on their arrival into the UK, at testing centres located in some airports.

Those that have already bought a PCR do not need to buy another test, these can still be used fro Day 2 testing. Lateral flow tests for international travel must be purchased/completed by a private provider – NHS Test and Trace tests cannot be used for international travel.

Anyone who tests positive from their Day 2 test will need to self-isolate and take a confirmatory PCR test. PCR tests can be accessed free of charge in UK by ordering in the usual way through https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ ?or by calling 119.? 

The government will extend regulations and publish protocol to allow some tests supplied to the private testing market that are pending validation to remain on the market in the short term. This is to address any potential shortage of supply while work continues at pace to ensure only high-performing tests are ultimately approved to remain on the UK market. The government will continue to publish a list of private testing providers who meet the minimum standards for the public to choose from, with PCR test options available as well.

All travellers entering the UK must still complete their passenger locator form prior to travel, including a Day 2 test booking reference number supplied bythe testing provider. Travellers will be able to upload a lateral flow test booking reference to the passenger locator form from 22nd October for arrival in the UK from 24th October.