Day 2 PCR Test to switch to Rapid one from October
A travel update from October was announced by the UK government. The Red List will be reduced to only 7 countries that are still at high risk of COVID spread. This will make it easier for more people to travel abroad to a larger number of countries and territories.
From 11th October 37countries and territories across the globe including Brazil, India, South Africa and Turkey will be taken out of the Red list and added to the current arriving system applicable for the rest of the world. Passengers returning to England from these destinations will no longer be required to enter hotel quarantine.
According to the travel update, proof of vaccination will be also recognised for travellers that have been on the Red list so far and they will no longer need to self-isolate upon arrival. This means that eligible vaccinated people and under 18s will only need to take a Day 2 COVID test in England to certify they are not infected.
What is 2nd day COVID Test?
If you have been fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine (AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, or Janssen), you will need to book in advance only a Day 2 COVID-19 Test and complete a Passenger Locator Form. Please note, you have to provide your booking reference when filling the form.
Can you use a Rapid test for 2nd Day?
The UK government confirms passengers will be allowed to prove they are COVID negative only with the Lateral flow test (Rapid test), which is chipper than the PCR. The latest Covid travel update says they will be able to send a picture of their Rapid test as a minimum requirement to verify test result accuracy. The Day 2 tests will switch to lateral flow later in October, followed by a free PCR if positive.
Non vaccinated traveller from a non-red country?
Passengers who are with a non-authorised vaccine arriving from non-red destinations must still take a pre-departure test, a day 2 and day 8 test and complete 10 days self-isolation (with the option of Test to Release on day 5).
The same rules are applicable for other passengers who are not fully vaccinated.
Red List update
From 16:00h Monday 11th October the Red list will be reduced to 7 destinations. These are Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.