Visiting UK
#16
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 201
Re: Visiting UK
Day 2 test is supposed to be a PCR one, I'm afraid. The reason given is that only PCR tests are able to identify the genomic structure of infected samples and hence new variants. I'm not sure that this makes 100% sense, since it would be possible to require someone testing positive with a lateral flow test to then take a PCR test. But maybe that's too complicared
#17
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 213
Re: Visiting UK
Yes. Frustrating that different countries have different rules for the same thing. I've just had to fly back to the UK for a couple of days. I'm fully vaccinated. To enter the UK I need a pre-flight lateral flow or PCR test and then a day 2 PCR test, but no quarantine. To enter Italy I need a pre-flight test (lateral flow or PCR), then quarantine for 5 days followed by a lateral flow test. But we should count ourselves lucky that we're not travelling from France!
#18
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 337
Re: Visiting UK
For anyone intending to travel by P&O Ferries, a warning,: the Passenger Locator Form has to be completed before you board, not before you reach UK, and Day 2 test booked. They did the booking, £40. I booked via Direct Ferries and was not warned with the booking confirmation or other messages. Regarding the PLF, the GOVUK web site, and 4 emails confirming my application repeat " ... before arrival at UK border.".
It took more than an hour to get the form cleared on-line; the GOVUK site was playing up. I was fortunate to have arrived 3 hours early and just before a party of 8 Swedes with the same problem!
The A61 in Germany is closed between West Köln Kreuz and Kreuz Meckenheim, sourh of Bonn. The diversion isn't well signed (Venlo only appears right at the end) but the traffic flow takes you on to the A565; take "Koln" (A555) and not "Koln Ost/ Airport" then follow "Aachen" (A4) to West Koln Kreuz and the A61. Best to avoid the area altogether
There is no sign of a border from Italy to Holland but at Brennero they at least have a flag.
It took more than an hour to get the form cleared on-line; the GOVUK site was playing up. I was fortunate to have arrived 3 hours early and just before a party of 8 Swedes with the same problem!
The A61 in Germany is closed between West Köln Kreuz and Kreuz Meckenheim, sourh of Bonn. The diversion isn't well signed (Venlo only appears right at the end) but the traffic flow takes you on to the A565; take "Koln" (A555) and not "Koln Ost/ Airport" then follow "Aachen" (A4) to West Koln Kreuz and the A61. Best to avoid the area altogether
There is no sign of a border from Italy to Holland but at Brennero they at least have a flag.
Last edited by jiminalpago; Aug 4th 2021 at 5:59 pm.
#20
Re: Visiting UK
Yes. Frustrating that different countries have different rules for the same thing. I've just had to fly back to the UK for a couple of days. I'm fully vaccinated. To enter the UK I need a pre-flight lateral flow or PCR test and then a day 2 PCR test, but no quarantine. To enter Italy I need a pre-flight test (lateral flow or PCR), then quarantine for 5 days followed by a lateral flow test. But we should count ourselves lucky that we're not travelling from France!
#25
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 337
#26
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Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 346
Re: Visiting UK
We came by camper via Hook of Holland last Tuesday. Did the free PCR test in the Netherlands. All very straightforward and easy to book in English. Obviously we had to spend a day in Holland waiting for the results, but that suited us. On the passenger locator form you still had (might have changed since last week) to give an address for ten days in case they need to contact you, but in practice you're free to move about as you wish (on the train to London at the moment writing this).
But it doesn't matter if you can't receive post at the address. You have to choose an authorised tester for the day 2 PCR test here, and when you do that you can see which providers allow you to collect from them. We went to the chemist, got the kit, did the test and sent it off, and you get the results by email.
I was very nervous about it all, and it was a bit stressful and time consuming (filling in the same details numerous times), but in the end it was all okay.
Trying not to worry about coming back to Italy in a few weeks because the rules might well change again, but at the moment it seems doable (with the issues about quarantine mentioned in other threads)
#30
Re: Visiting UK
The problem with 40C is that the structure of the house starts to heat up. It is impossible to get it cooled down at night. I dont know how those folks in Canada coped with 50C. I look forward to September and more managable temperatures.