Lakersdarge

Returning to UK after Xmas, and I know current requirements are that before departing I must book and pay for a “PCR” Covid-19 test appointment to take place before end of day 2, and then provide the booking reference info etc on the passenger form thingy. So I contacted the local chemist over there, they said the way they do it is that I can get a kit from them and pay for it now (and get the booking reference number that I need now), but that it is a test that I do myself at home in UK and then drop the results off to them within the 2 day window.
Wondering if this is how it is normally done. I don’t have a lot of experience with these tests, but I assumed I would get an actual appointment on a certain date within the 2 day window where I would visit the chemist and they do it there on site. I know PCR tests are supposedly a bit more thorough, so is an at home PCR test an actual thing, and would the UK accept it for travel purposes like this? And if so, since there would be no actual appointment, what would be the “date” that I would have to put on the passenger form for when the testing will take place?
Basically, should I maybe look for a different test provider to make sure my on arrival test goes smoothly? Thanks for any input.

robin1234

Based on a recommendation from someone here on BE, I booked my day 2 test from Randox. They gave me the requisite booking reference to enter on the PLF. they mailed the test to me at my English address, so it was waiting for me on arrival. I did the test at home on the morning of day 2, carefully packaged it up for shipping, and took it to Norwich (where they have a drop-box in a clinic, open 10-4pm seven days a week.) Drop off was no problem, and apparently it was shipped to Ireland and analyzed within a few hours. They informed me and the UK government of the result. A bit of a rigmarole but it worked faultlessly and their instructions are extremely clear and foolproof. I just made sure I had some errands and fun things to do in Norwich that day, so the drop-off was not a chore.

On their website they have a map which shows where all their drop locations are. So you can determine if it’s feasible before choosing to book with them.

excpomea

Book your test for arrival at the airport.

I'm flying over on Jan 14, test booked 2 hours after expected landing time in terminal 3.
Results arrive the next day. 69 UK pounds.


https://www.expresstest.co.uk/london...=Heathrow#book

Lakersdarge

Thanks for the info!

stevie223

I arrived in Northern Ireland almost two weeks ago. I bought a day 2 covid pcr test from randox. They give you reference numbers for your locator form. It was a pretty simple test and I used one of the drop off points I didn't use royal mail to post it. I had the results back the very next day

robtuck

In answer to the original question(s) - yes, you can indeed do the required PCR test at home and mail it off for the results. You do not need to wait until Day 2, you can do it as soon as you arrive - hence the availability of testing sites onsite at airports.

Mattw7

I second doing the test at the airport. The rules are pretty draconian until you have that negative test confirmed, so it makes sense to do it as quickly as possible so you have the results and can leave your isolation location. Read the what you can and can't do section here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-q...ive-in-england
which outlines the restrictions.

robin1234

It’s all a bit vague though. Avoid public transport if possible. Erm - it’s not possible. For instance, on day two, I had to take the bus to Norwich to take my test to the Randox drop-box location. Then, I had to take the bus home again; all before receiving my test result!!

robtuck

If you isolate at Number 10 you should get a few visitors, sorry, couldn't resist.