Navigating the minefield of tests and paperwork to drive to France

Derekoak

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We are double vaccinated since March. Our 2nd tests have the dreaded Indian batch numbers. Further research makes me think this is a storm in a teacup. It is probable that these batch numbers were made in India, maybe even from the same Brewing vats as the Covishield that is made for use in India and Africa. However they were labelled as Vaxevria and shipped to the Uk where they were batch tested by the MHRA along with all the European made Vaxevria. They are therefore as far as I can tell covered by the same regulations as any other Vaxevria. If you were injected in India with Covishield you may have a problem entering the Eu. The British government says no Covishield has been used in the Uk. They are right it is apparently all in the name and the batch testing .
On this basis we are investigating going to France.
As of 19th July the tests needed are a pretravel test in England, a pretravel test in France, and a day 2 PCR test on return. The pretravel tests in both directions can be lateral flow tests the French require this to be taken within 48 hours of travel there is some confusion whether the Uk is also 48 or 72 hours.
You cannot use NHS lateral flow tests. Several businesses offer such tests for around £30 per test c19testing.co.uk is one such which is on the government list. The way they work it is they send you the test in the post. You self administer and email a photo of the finshed test with your passport. They email back a certificate this should easily happen within 48 hours. They suggest you get 2 and take one with you to self administer before your return.
As far as the PCR day 2 test is concerned the simplest is a boots home test kit £65. This you post and get the result within 2 days. So it seems the cost per person is of the order of £125
 
I find this really odd. They've been giving them away like sweets at our boy's school, we've got loads of spare ones...
The lateral flow test is not as reliable as PCR, it is only used to keep down costs.
 
Antigen/rapid lateral flow are free at most pharmacist.

PCR you can get online from NHS, will arrive next day if booked early enough.
 
You cant officially use NHS tests to travel. They do ask at channel tunnel, for example. On return to UK the test has to be no more than 3 days before arrival. Note that can be more than 72 hrs depending on times of day. Tests are pretty easy to get in France and elsewhere, but the self teat is a good idea.

It sounds complex but actually pretty straightforward. I have now done the run from UK to Greece and back twice. Much easier in Europe as have yet to be asked for test results except boarding the ferry Italy to Greece.
 
Due to the increase in the Delta variant in France, the government are meeting on Monday to discuss if any new restrictions may need to be introduced. These could include border restrictions. I would wait till Tuesday to see what happens.
 
The day 2 tests have to have a registered number which is entered on the passenger location form when you renter UK. You cannot complete the form without this number. Do the boots home test PCR kit have a registration number? The gov.uk has specific day 2 tests (or 2&8) which all send a number to complete the PLF.
 
I live in South East Spain and have my European QR code in paper form.
I am not anticipating and problem or test requirement until we get to Roscoff when I presume that we shall need a PCR test taken within 2 days of boarding the ferry. My Sailing is not until 8th September, ( so we could be Áll Clear´ by then or not allowed to board the ferry at all.)
This will be my fourth time of trying to make this trip home. Each other time the Ferry has been cancelled.
The UK government seem to change the rules to suit where an individual Minister wants to go.
No thought has been given to ExPats wanting to visit family in the UK. I did see that Grant Shapps was going to ´Think about it´
 
The day 2 tests have to have a registered number which is entered on the passenger location form when you renter UK. You cannot complete the form without this number. Do the boots home test PCR kit have a registration number? The gov.uk has specific day 2 tests (or 2&8) which all send a number to complete the PLF.
You are right Ruth . That 65 pound test says not suitable for day 2 (and 8) tests and points you to a 99 pound test (or 160) . Until the 19th July day 2 and 8, after just day 2 for amber countries like France until the government changes its mind again.
I will look again in case Macron does not stick a spanner in the works this evening. I would not blame him.
Having looked Assured screening does a day 2 test with a booking number . At the moment for green countries. I assume after 19th for amber too. Says £49. This is take at home, post and results by email within 48hour of receipt. I would end up quarantining until about day 6.
 
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The lateral flow test is not as reliable as PCR, it is only used to keep down costs.

I'm sure that I read somewhere that if you test positive on a lateral flow test you should then go and get a 'proper' test done elsewhere, at a test centre etc.
 
I'm sure that I read somewhere that if you test positive on a lateral flow test you should then go and get a 'proper' test done elsewhere, at a test centre etc.
If you test positive from a lateral flow test you should report it (the tests should be reported if negative or positive) and then self isolate, but you can if you wish get it confirmed with a PCR test.
 
As far as going abroad goes lateral flow tests are not only cheaper, they are so much easier. They can be taken with you, self administered, the result is within 30 minutes and appears where you are, the result can be photgraphed and emailed to get a certificate by return email.
Pcr tests on the other hand have to be sent off by post and then processed in a lab. You have to go to a lab and pay extra for an express test and the result will still be slower, if posted there is a indeterminate delay which mucks up having proof of a negative test within 72 hours of travel.
On the other hand a day 2 pcr test on return does not affect travel just how long you must isolate. Mostly we have been staying away from people anyway, so that is not too onerous.
Lateral flow tests are not as accurate as Pcr but they must be accurate enough for the government's purpose as they are allowed.
 
Lateral flow tests are not as accurate as Pcr but they must be accurate enough for the government's purpose as they are allowed.

Here's the latest advice that I know of.

Do I need a test on arrival to the UK?​

Yes, although the number of tests you need will depend on the country or countries you’ve travelled from, and your vaccination status.


If you’ve been to a green list country, you’ll need to take one PCR test within two days of arriving back in the UK.

If you’ve been to an amber country, you’ll need to have pre-booked a package of two PCR tests, to be taken on days two and eight upon your return. Returning travellers must quarantine for 10 days at home, but can also opt to pay for an additional test on day five in order to end self-isolation early (should the result be negative, of course). However, from 19 July, fully vaccinated UK residents and those under 18 can swerve quarantine when returning from an amber list country. They face the same restrictions as green list travellers, and must simply take a PCR test on day 0, 1 or 2 of their arrival to the UK.

Those travelling from red countries must have pre-booked a mandatory 11-night quarantine hotel package, which will include two PCR tests, taken on day two and day eight.
 
Here's the latest advice that I know of.
Yes that is right that is the day 2 pcr test I was talking about. But there are also more practically difficult tests 1) before going abroad and 2) before returning. These are the ones that lateral flow antigen tests are so useful for. As they have strict time limits enforced at borders and ferry entry.
I was assumìng that you should self isolate on return until you knew your Day 2 PCR was negative.
 
Sounds like a good reason not to go to Ireland.
Oh yes they do! Presently booked to Rosslare next week. Full PCR covid test required no older than 72 hours on arrival. Latest from the Irish Department of Health is a passenger locator form completed electronically before you arrive and a test to release from passenger location form address (free) covid test on or after day five from arrival. This is with proof of two jabs. Coming back you just get on the ferry...... The EU covid passport is being recognised but the above is the latest from both the Dept of Health and the Stenna Lines websaites.
 
Oh yes they do! Presently booked to Rosslare next week. Full PCR covid test required no older than 72 hours on arrival. Latest from the Irish Department of Health is a passenger locator form completed electronically before you arrive and a test to release from passenger location form address (free) covid test on or after day five from arrival. This is with proof of two jabs. Coming back you just get on the ferry...... The EU covid passport is being recognised but the above is the latest from both the Dept of Health and the Stenna Lines websaites.
Too late mate, booked on the ferry from Cairnryan to Larne this Thursday 🤣😷😷
 

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