28th May 2021
Where can I get cheaper PCR tests for the UK’s travel
traffic light system?
All passengers are required to take pre-departure private
PCR tests when arriving back into UK from all categories of the new traffic
light system.
It’s fair to say there is much confusion over what is
required when it comes to booking testing and where to go to do this, as well
as which standard of covid-19 test will suffice to grant you permission to gain
re-entry into the UK.
Firstly, let’s address the small matter of what needs to be
done before you leave the UK in terms of your destination country. You must
check the specific conditions of the country you are travelling to and what is
needed to cross border control on arrival. The Government website provides
all entry rules per country in response to Coronavirus (Covid-19). Here you
will find any updated changes and which rules need to be adhered to/proof of
testing or vaccination shown. While some countries may not require proof of a
negative covid test result, some parts of certain countries may require this
when checking into tourist accommodation.
So, you need to book covid tests for pre-departure of the
country you are staying in? What do you do next?
The Government is not accepting the NHS tests as proof and
therefore all covid-19 tests need to be booked privately.
Antigen tests, PCR tests…which ones are acceptable??
According to Gov.uk the test must meet certain standards to qualify.
Its states that the performance standard of the test must be
≥
97% specificity, ≥ 80% sensitivity of viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.
This means there is not one specific type of test that is
accepted and the options can include the following:
·
a nuclear acid test, including a polymerase
chain reaction or PCR test as we now refer to them
·
derivative technologies, including
loop-meditated isothermal amplification or LAMP tests
·
an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral
flow device
In light of the new travel covid testing requirements, many
companies now offer options to cover all criteria of countries placed in red,
amber and green categories. Airlines and travel companies have also teamed up
with such organisations to present those passengers with discounts and access
to cheaper private covid testing.
The airline has obtained a number of exclusive discounts and
options for all testing requirements across all three travel categories. These
include booking a PCR test for arrival into the UK or antigen tests via Qured that can be packed in your suitcase and
done via video call with a doctor at your convenience before departing the
country you are staying. Results come back generally in under an hour and at
around £39 is a cheaper option than the PCR tests and providing they meet the
testing standards, are accepted on arrival into the UK. They also have deals
with Let’sGetChecked,
Randox and many others. Click HERE
for the full list of suppliers and discounts.
Easyjet have teamed up with providers such as Collinson and Randox to provide at home testing where
possible and options for testing at many of the major airports they operate from.
They have a full Covid-19
travel hub on their website with lots of useful information and all the
discount codes for those passengers travelling or holidaying with the airline.
The airline provides useful information on their website of
locations for testing
centres in the UK, in many of the popular tourist countries and those they
fly to on the green list. They have also, like many of the other major
airlines, partnered with Randox
to provide exclusive discount packages for each of the green, amber and red
travel criteria.
Flights and holidays with Jet2 are currently not
recommencing until June 24th at a minimum. The airline is currently
in discussion with covid testing suppliers to be able to provide their
passengers with discounted offers once travel with the airline does restart.
TUI have partnered with Chronomics to provide their
discounted covid testing, for all passengers travelling for a package holiday
with the company. Chronomics are offering TUI passengers covid tests from just
£20 per person.
For those with flight-only option, accommodation only, and
again package holidays, the organisation has vetted and teamed up with Klarity,
Screen4 and Randox
to offer cheaper covid testing for their customers.
We hope you find all this information and links provided
useful in understanding the covid testing process for travel going forward and
remember if you are lucky enough to be taking to the skies and require travel
money for your holiday, be sure to head over to Currency Online Group for the
best rates on the currency market. Get more travel cash for your money and have
that extra drink on us!
©Currency Online Group
28th May 2021