Beoz

I thought it would be worth passing on some info as our borders are opening up. This info is current as of today and changes all the time

It looks like there are testing requirements when leaving and returning to Australia.

When leaving a PCR test is required. This is not the free one you get with an SMS. A certificate is required. This can cost $150 per person. As an example:

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/travel-updates/coronavirus/qantas-international-network-changes/south-pacific-network/covid-testing-requirements.html

Check the requirements when going somewhere too. For example, Fiji, requires a Rapid test after 48 hours and this costs too.

https://www.fiji.travel/covid-19/travelling-to-fiji

Returning to Australia also requires a pre departure PCR test. In somewhere like Fiji a PCR test can cost a few hundred dollars. I believe the UK charges too for a PCR test.

So if you are like me and trying to get some travel booked, aside from looking at all the Covid related cancellation policies don't forget to factor in the Covid testing costs along the way.

Pollyana

Useful, thanks!

Beoz

It's worth noting, a PCR test that comes with a certificate which is the requirement when leaving Australia and returning to Australia isn't so easy to get here and abroad, as well as being costly. There is also the time factor. 3 days before departure - you would need to make sure you get the certificate back in the 3 days after your test, and if you are travelling to somewhere that's not a big city, getting a PCR test with an accompanying certificate may also be impossible, which will mean refused entry to the return flight.

This is not new to the rest of the world, they are also having these types of issues too.

We are opening up, but putting a lot of roadblocks in the way.

themerlin

What worries me is testing positive on my way back and missing the flight and needing somewhere to stay etc.

Beoz

Indeed. I did notice a hotel I was looking at actually offered that under their T&C's. If you go positive while you are at their hotel they will accommodate you for 10 days until you break through the quarrentine period free of charge. But without something like that you could be screwed.

Beoz

Australia makes the traveller have have PCR test before the flight. There is no sign of changing that but fingers crossed they will as that is a nightmare finding and paying for one abroad.

The UK makes you have a PCR test upon returning to the UK. That is changing and the traveller can use the cheaper Rapid test very soon.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-58917231

themerlin

Not sure how the other guests would appreciate covid patients in the hotel.

Beoz

It is a good question. What to do with someone who gets Covid on holiday? I am sure there has been precedence in Europe this summer. I guess Australia will be asking those same questions next year some time.

themerlin

My dad just flew back from Spain to the UK, they require you to book a PCR test before you can fly back, however some bloke in the pub gave him a reference code that seem to work, I don't think they are checking the uniqueness of the PCR booking reference codes.

Beoz

It says here only if he was unvaccinated or travelling from a red list country. Spain is not a red list country. Is he unvaccinated?

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavi...ing-to-england

themerlin

Thats what I thought, but you need a day 2 test when you get to England, and you have to book and pay for that before you fly otherwise they won't accept you.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-t...virus-covid-19

Beoz

Ah right. I thought you meant have the test in Spain. Yes that's right, however that is changing on the 24 Oct. You can use a Lateral Flow / Rapid Ant test from that date. The much cheaper ones. I am sure dodgy codes can be used for those too. I hear it's just an upload of the result.

They should be more worried about getting the secondary students vaxxed. 10% are off sick with Covid

Brisbannite

I supposed that's one way around it .

Dont forget England will have different criteria to Scotland and Wales:

Quote:

Who needs to take a test

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavi...to-take-a-test

Beoz

From today, bye bye expensive PCR test in England when returning.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-59025413

Australia needs to get this little roadblock sorted before they open the borders shortly.

Beoz

https://www.traveller.com.au/getting...ositive-h1zn7r

More of the repeat info here. One thing new that didn't occur to me was that you can test positive with PCR testing for up to 90 days from infection, so catching it abroad means a doctors certificate rather than a PCR test before returning to Australia.