Booking covid tests for arrival in the UK
 

I just had a look at the UK Gov website:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/provider...l-test-package

My goodness, such a long list. Very troublesome to phone them, especially from overseas.

Does anyone know of suitable companies in roughly the Cumbria area? Many of the listings simply say 'Nationwide'.

Re: Booking covid tests for arrival in the UK
 

They post them to you, so does it need to be in Cumbria?

Re: Booking covid tests for arrival in the UK
 

Thanks for the prompt reply.

The website says:

• delivery and (where relevant) test swabbing

I am worried that I might not be proficient at self-swabbing so was wondering if they take the swab.

Re: Booking covid tests for arrival in the UK
 

No, you have to do it yourself at home whilst quarantining. But it's easy enough to do, you'll be given good instructions and there are also videos you can watch if you need to.

Best of luck.

Re: Booking covid tests for arrival in the UK
 

Some companies do the test on site. The government list has 3 companies in the North West, all in Manchester. At least one of them (maybe another, it's unclear) does on-site testing.

Collinson, partnered with Oncologica
https://consumersupport.collinsonass...sting-centres-
email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0)1444 444 140
Cost £198 (the cheapest company is £160, probably postal tests).
Test sites: https://consumersupport.collinsonass...sting-centres-

Collinson can do the first test at most airports on arrival (the day 2 test has to be done on day 2 or before, so can be done on arrival). The problem is the tests have to be booked before you travel, and you don't know whether your flight will be on time or how long it will take to get through Immigration and Customs (long delays have been reported at some airports).

The advantage of a test in a test centre is you know it's done correctly, the disadvantage is the hassle to get there. Some of the nationwide companies may do on site tests, and some may have locations convenient to you, but you will probably have to review the company web sites provided in the government's list to find out.

If you decide to use a postal test company, make sure you understand their process before booking / paying, as some may be more straight forward than others.

Re: Booking covid tests for arrival in the UK
 

Thanks, christmassoompa.

Re: Booking covid tests for arrival in the UK
 

Thanks, tdrinker. That's great information to know. :goodpost:

Re: Booking covid tests for arrival in the UK
 

You can't leave quarantine to be tested though. So being tested at the airport works for the first test, but not the second, or the 'test to release' one, those must be delivered and taken wherever the OP is quarantining.

Re: Booking covid tests for arrival in the UK
 

Leaving quarantine for testing is permitted.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-q...ing-quarantine"You may also be allowed to leave your accommodation in exceptional circumstances. This includes purposes such as:

• accessing basic urgent necessities like food and medicines where you cannot arrange for these to be delivered or travelling to a COVID-19 testing site"

Re: Booking covid tests for arrival in the UK
 

Permitted if needed under exceptional circumstances, yes, but the travel testing package is specifically sent to people at home to avoid that. It would only be possible if for some reason the tests didn't turn up and the OP couldn't get them in time, s/he can't just choose to go somewhere for a test.

Re: Booking covid tests for arrival in the UK
 

Some testing companies on the government's list only offer tests at test centres you have to travel to, so it must be allowed. You also have to leave home to post back the home testing kits from a "Royal Mail Priority Postbox". Some testing companies might collect them from you, but the few I've looked at don't. To find a postbox:
http://www.royalmail.com/services-near-you#/

Re: Booking covid tests for arrival in the UK
 

Those prices seem hideously expensive when compared to others. Although it is for two tests I suppose.


https://www.lovemoney.com/news/10115...en-antibody-uk

Re: Booking covid tests for arrival in the UK
 

I am a Covid tester at a NHS testing centre. The person who does the tests at a walk in centre.

The tests are pretty simple to do but if at all worried you can PM me and I am happy to talk you through it.

Re: Booking covid tests for arrival in the UK
 

Thanks, verystormy. Very kind of you. Will see how the situation once I finally arrive in the UK (... if I arrive...) :thumbs_up:

Re: Booking covid tests for arrival in the UK
 

You have to book the tests and include them on the passenger locator form you submit before travelling.

In addition to support from verystormy, there are YouTube videos which walk you through the process.

If you don't have firm plans yet, it's worth waiting for the government's updated travel rules due this week in case anything changes.