LATERAL

FLOW TESTING

REPLACES PCR TESTING FROM 24TH OCTOBER

As of 4am on Sunday the 24th October coronavirus travel rules were relaxed for fully vaccinated passengers and most under 18s who are either UK residents or from countries which have an approved proof of vaccine certification, regardless of their individual vaccination status.

Eligible travellers arriving in England from a non-red list country can now book a lateral flow test instead of a PCR to take by the end of day two. The move which has come into force just in time for half-term holidays is a welcomed one with a lateral flow being considerably cheaper and simpler than the more expensive PCR. 

However, test provided by NHS Test and Trace will not be valid and the lateral flow tests must be purchased from a private provider.

THE DETAILS

  • You will still need to book your lateral flow test in advance and enter the booking reference into your Passenger Locator form.
  • You will be able to order a postal lateral flow test to take at home, but other methods will also be available, such as being tested in person on arrival at the airport.
  • The test must be taken as soon as possible and at the latest by the end of the second day following your arrival.
  • You will be able to send a picture of your lateral flow test as a minimum requirement to verify the test result. Other options will remain such as in person or video supervision for those that prefer this option.
  • Private providers are legally obliged to report results to the UK government. If a photo of the lateral flow test result is not uploaded, the government will be alerted and you will be registered as non-compliant and could be fined.
  • If you test positive you will need to isolate and take a confirmatory PCR test, at no additional cost. PCR tests can be accessed free of charge by ordering in the usual way through NHS Test and Trace – vianhs.uk/coronavirusor by calling 119.
  • If you have already bought a PCR, you do not need to buy another tests as a PCR can still be used by fully vaccinated passengers from the 24th October

THE PROCESS

p

1. TRAVEL GUIDANCE

Passenger researches current rules to enter the UK on Gov.uk and books either a lateral flow or PCR test with a provider.

U

2. complete pLF

Passenger completes their passenger locator form with their booking reference sent by the test provider.

Z

3. CHECKS & TRAVEL

Passenger locator form, test booking and proof of vaccination status checked by airline carrier prior to travel.

4. test TAKEN

Choice of test arrives at the home address on passenger locator form, taken and result shared via photo with provider.

5. NEGATIVE RESULT

The passenger will receive a message from the private provider that confirms the negative result and will not to take any action.

6. POSITIVE RESULT

The passenger will receive a message confirming a positive result and be sent a PCR test which they will need to take.

USEFUL LINKS

A few links to help get you going next time you travel.

Use the first link below to find government approved lateral flow test providers. There are currently 22 providers accredited and more will be added over the coming weeks. Prices currently range from around £15 – £39.

All tests privately provided for international arrivals must meet and maintain the minimum standards from 12 November 2021, use the second link below to find out more about these standards and what private sector providers must do to stay compliant.

TRAVELLER TOOLKIT

To help you navigate the changes of business travel, we’ve created the brand-new Traveller Toolkit. This invaluable online resource is packed full of easy-to-use guides and checklists for every stage of every journey. We detail exactly what you need to know and do before, during and after your trip.

You’ll also find innovative and interactive virtual trips, which walk you through each step of  being at the airport, on the train and in the hotel. You can even check the travel restrictions and health status of your destination with our comprehensive COVID-19 Country Tracker, updated five times daily to ensure you have the very latest information to help keep you and your travellers safe.

Travel is changing. With common sense and a good TMC behind you, travellers can have the confidence to once again take to the skies. It’ll soon be back business as (un)usual.

SUBSCRIBE

VISIT

Gray Dawes Group Alternative Logo

 

© Gray Dawes Group 2021