SHOULD we stay or should we go has been the question on everyone’s lips throughout the pandemic when it comes to foreign travel.
At the moment you need a PCR test if you want to go on holiday, but that could be scrapped in an announcement that is set to take place later today.
At the moment you have to take a test before you fly home.
Whether or not you need a test before you leave the UK depends on the country you are going to, so it’s always important to check the rules and regulations or the country you are going to before you fly.
Some places still require a PCR test – while others will accept vaccination status.
The Polymerase Chain Reaction tests (PCR tests) are seen as the “gold standard” when it comes to testing and are different to the lateral flow tests available for free from the NHS.
You will have to pay for the PCR tests if you want to use them for travel with some places charging over £100.
You should not use the NHS testing service to test yourself before a holiday and the government has asked that you instead arrange a private test.
Lateral flow tests are set to replace expensive PCRs for returning holidaymakers – but travellers would still pay through the nose.
The swabs, only for double-jabbed arrivals, will cost about £30 as the free NHS kits will not be accepted.
Those taking the test will be supervised in person or virtually but the changes will save about £100 in testing costs per booking.
And they will not have to show a negative test at all if they return from a green list country.
WHERE TO BOOK A TEST
On the High Street
High Street retailers such as Boots and Superdrug both offer PCR tests.
At Boots you can arrange a private test from £79.
You will typically get your results within 48 hours but if the test is inconclusive your fee will be refunded and you will then be given the option of paying to repeat the test.
Each tests comes with a “fit to fly certificate”.
Superdrug also offers PCR tests with fit to fly packages and day two and day eight packages.
There are many other private clinics across the country which offer PCR test and the government lists them all here.
Airlines and holiday providers
If you’re jetting off into the sun then some airlines are also offering their own PCR tests.
British Airways has endorsed four suppliers which it will also accept tests from.
These tests are available across the country and vary in price depending on which provider you choose.
Easy Jet, RyanAir, Tui, Virgin Atlantic and Hays Travel also offer a range of tests.
