Covid tests for travel

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Permalink Reply by Emma on July 10, 2021 at 18:16

Haven’t used them for travel but there are two pharmacies on west green road that offer fit to fly Covid tests.

I had my two Covid jabs at good health pharmacy west green road who are offering the fit to fly test and they were competent 

on both occasions on receiving my jabs.  May be a little bit more to pay doing it in person but at least it’s done there and then and  your not waiting for tests to arrive in post and send back in the post.

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Permalink Reply by VivA on July 11, 2021 at 1:12

I normally use this website where it shows all the locations where you can get a test. https://doctap.co.uk/covid-19-test/
be sure to double-check whether you need a PCR or an antigen as it varies a lot in price. At-home tests - the ones you get sent the swab and then you have to send it back - in some cases are not accepted. You don't need a test to fly package as normally most companies accept just the result you get via email from where you did the test.

I hope it helps. 

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Permalink Reply by KP on July 11, 2021 at 10:41

Thank you Emma and Viva. I will check out this website. That is very useful

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Permalink Reply by Caroline on July 12, 2021 at 8:23

I recently used Randox Health who offer a pre-departure home PCR test kit, with certificate for £48 (Ryanair provided an additional discount code).  

I ordered the test on the Saturday and it was delivered by recorded delivery on the Monday morning.  As my flight was on the Friday, I carried out the easy to use test within the 72 hours departure timeline on the Wednesday. I then had to take the test to one of their highlighted drop boxes. I decided to take it to their health clinic in Finsbury Circus and I popped into ask would I definitely get my results in time for my flight, as the postal address was in Antrim. The receptionist said that their sample collection time was 4pm and not to worry.  Thursday morning at 7am I received an email to say my kit box had been scanned into the lab and at 5.30pm I received my results and certificate to fly.  

I would use the service again however, I should point out that I was very worried right up until the point I received my test results and I did have an alternative plan if it did not arrive. There were negative reviews online but these appeared to be for their day 2 and 8 return kits also, as the airline was promoting it I decided to try it out.  No problem at the departure and arrival airports with the certificate and they were checking the 72 hour timeline.

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Permalink Reply by KP on July 12, 2021 at 10:49

Thanks for this Caroline. Yes I can see why you would be worried right up until the moment you get the results. I think I will be the same. The whole trip could be cancelled just before you go if the result comes up positive. There's so much extra planning involved now I can see why travel companies want things simplified.

I'll take a look at their website

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Permalink Reply by Peter on July 16, 2021 at 13:44

Used Green Light Pharmacy on Green Lanes for a pre-flight PCR test in late February.

Appointment required.

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Permalink Reply by sophia c on July 18, 2021 at 21:11

Hi there, have you had full vaccination as yet? If so, from tonight midnight (18 July) French authorities do not require that you take a PCR or any other test prior to travelling, only a declaration needs to be signed. You need to have received your second vaccination at least 7 days prior to travelling (or one jab if you had COVID) or 28 days if one jab only.  Here is the original text in French (you may google translate it) from this weblink: https://uk.ambafrance.org/ (sorry can't copy the full link here for some reasons?).

2/ Aussi, les personnes complètement vaccinées ne devront plus présenter de test pour pouvoir entrer sur le territoire français. La durée nécessaire après la dernière injection est réduite à 7 jours (double injection, ou contamination antérieure + une injection) et 28 jours (injection unique).

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Permalink Reply by KP on July 19, 2021 at 11:05

Hi Sophia yes I have been fully vaccinated. I was due to go today but I had to cancel due to the last-minute change in rules by the UK government requiring you to quarantine when you come back. I cannot do this so my hopes of a holiday have been shattered. It's all very frustrating and disappointing because the cases here are far far higher than in France but there you go....

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