Boots doing Oct tests

[crewmeal]

Looks like Boots are doing pcr tests if anyone is interested.

https://www.boots.com/covid-19-testing/ ... vTTtHFKuGM

[crewmeal]

Predictive text

[HEPZIBAH]

They, or at least selective branches, have been doing this for a number of months. I think Lloyds pharmacies offer the same service although I'm not sure how much they charge.

Depending on your flight day and time, it isn't always practical to have the test at a pharmacy. The tests are available at most, if not all, major UK airports. It's advisable to book the test in advance and allow sufficient early arrival time, and a bit of extra time pre checkin to allow for the test and results (cushion against any delay).

The good thing about the pre travel covid test is that prices have come down over the months since it has been available.

[HEPZIBAH]

Should add... if you need the pre-travel Covid test, it's also worth checking if you have a local travel or GP's surgery that are doing them.
From speaking to a number in my iwn locality I have noticed that prices vary greatly. Prices can also depend on how many tests are being done at about the same time as they have to factor in courier costs. However, I have noticed prices in these establishments have also dropped in recent months.

Note: I have no intention of travelling anywhere in the foreseeable future. I have however, with my work hat on, had to make numerous enquiries for others.

[John Landon]

Airports are bad enough when all this security mularky went ape **** after 9/11, and now with covid and tests and social distancing I intend to keep as much distance as I can from a bloody airport. Plus I don't like crowds nor fancy the prospect of catching covid in a foreign land. With or without the benefit of my 2 vaccines.
Never mind the bloody sunburnt lager swigging tourists and kiss me quick hats. Kiss me quick, die at your leisure.
,

I can wait another year or so, when either this virus has died out or at least it has hopefully removed the stupid people from this planet..

Preferably the latter.

[newcastle]

I used the Boots pharmacy at 200 Bishopsgate London for my flight to Egypt. £99. Got result in less than 20 hours. Quick, efficient and reliable.

I was travelling ( so I thought) with EasyJet and, although I could have saved money by being tested at Hurghada, it’s as well I didn’t as the flight was cancelled and I came with EgyptAir via Cairo....where testing on arrival is not available.

The fact that you’re allowed 96 hours of arriving from Heathrow was also useful as the test had exceeded 72 hours by the time I got to Heathrow.

[HEPZIBAH]

The fact that you’re allowed 96 hours of arriving from Heathrow was also useful as the test had exceeded 72 hours by the time I got to Heathrow.

Is the 96 hours a specific time lapse for arrival in Egypt? I've had to work to the 72 hours when making enquiries and bookings.

It's because of the 72 hour limit that I suggest that it may be better to book the test at the airport (I think it's £80 at Heathrow). If, for example, you have a long flight from the UK on a Monday morning, you probably can't get a test taken and the results back to you within the right time frame.

[newcastle]

The fact that you’re allowed 96 hours of arriving from Heathrow was also useful as the test had exceeded 72 hours by the time I got to Heathrow.

Is the 96 hours a specific time lapse for arrival in Egypt? I've had to work to the 72 hours when making enquiries and bookings.

It's because of the 72 hour limit that I suggest that it may be better to book the test at the airport (I think it's £80 at Heathrow). If, for example, you have a long flight from the UK on a Monday morning, you probably can't get a test taken and the results back to you within the right time frame.

The 96 hours is specific to Egypt and applies to arrivals from certain countries and, oddly, arrivals from Heathrow. Otherwise it’s 72 hours.

The coronavirus test medical certificate has to be issued no more than 72 hours before the flight to Egypt.

However, when arriving from Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, France (Paris), Germany (Frankfurt), Guyana, Italy (Rome), Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Thailand, the USA, the UK (London Heathrow), Uruguay, or Venezuela, the test and certificate extends to 96 hours.

Incidentally, I was a bit puzzled by your reference to testing at airports. If, as is usual, you need a PCR test, surely these take at least 12 hours for a result? Rather a long wait....or are you contemplating two trips to the airport?

[HEPZIBAH]

Incidentally, I was a bit puzzled by your reference to testing at airports. If, as is usual, you need a PCR test, surely these take at least 12 hours for a result? Rather a long wait....or are you contemplating two trips to the airport?

[HEPZIBAH]

Incidentally, I was a bit puzzled by your reference to testing at airports. If, as is usual, you need a PCR test, surely these take at least 12 hours for a result? Rather a long wait....or are you contemplating two trips to the airport?

Personally, I'm not contemplating any trips to the airport for the foreseeable future.

The airport test times, I believe, depend on your destination requirements and thus which actual test you have. The last people I checked for, and this was about 6 weeks ago, were travelling to Japan. The results were expected within 2 hours.

I don't want to be accused of misleading anyone, so I must stress that anyone taking flights or cruises, or other means of any cross border travel, should check out the exact requirements and times for their own circumstances.

[newcastle]

UK citizens are currently barred from Japan but other travellers require a PCR test which even Heathrow says “ results next day”.

They do offer rapid tests- lamp and lateral flow - where the results are available within minutes....but these would not be acceptable for most destinations.

[HEPZIBAH]

These were not UK citizens but returning nationals.
My Japanese boss had to return to Japan six weeks ago and I know he was pleased that he could get the particular test, that the Japanese Embassy had specified, at Heathrow that he couldn't get locally. It was definitely a short turn around to get the results, and I am sure it was about 2 hours mentioned.

[newcastle]

These were not UK citizens but returning nationals.
My Japanese boss had to return to Japan six weeks ago and I know he was pleased that he could get the particular test, that the Japanese Embassy had specified, at Heathrow that he couldn't get locally. It was definitely a short turn around to get the results, and I am sure it was about 2 hours mentioned.

It appears that Japan is prepared to accept a Covid-19 LAMP test..,which could produce a result within minutes.

https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/info/2020/inter/201227/

However many destinations (certainly Egypt) require a PCR test for arrivals from UK.

And PCR tests take several hours of lab time. Heathrow Indicates by 10am the following day.

You are right in saying that it is incumbent upon the traveller to check carefully what type of Covid-19 test is acceptable for their country of destination!

[Major Thom]

At least there are a growing number offering the tests now....

[HEPZIBAH]

At least there are a growing number offering the tests now....

There has been for some months for those prepared to do their homework.

[Major Thom]

We do not have to worry about doing our homework, we get a text every day to tell us where our testing station is for our area.

[HEPZIBAH]

We do not have to worry about doing our homework, we get a text every day to tell us where our testing station is for our area.

Are these the routine testing stations?

If so, do they actually do the pre travel test and provide the certification?

As far as I am aware, in the UK you would normally have to attend a different, private (be it Boots, a travel clinic, etc.) test centre to get the pre travel test, and pay for it and the certification.

[crewmeal]

Hepzibah - I think MT is mentioning what happens in Cyprus. He should have made that clear.

[HEPZIBAH]

Hepzibah - I think MT is mentioning what happens in Cyprus. He should have made that clear.

Yes, I assumed that too.
It was the difference in testing and certification requirements I was trying to identify.
Knowing where a routine test station is not the same as knowing where to go to get a pre travel covid test.

[Major Thom]

That includes travel certificates, certificate to enable you to work (Required Weekly) swab or lateral flow tests. A worker has to have a weekly test and obtain a certificate to continue employment, or to show if entering a persons home. From July 1st those double vaccinated and have gone two weeks following the second vaccination will receive a code on their mobile phones, this will enable them to enter most places and also travel. If they do not have smartphones they will receive a code on a credit card style certificate, inbuilt into its chip.