Travelling to U.K. now PCR test

Just been announced, a PCR test is necessary when travelling to th U.K. so the cheaper lateral test we know as the ANTIGEN is no longer permitted. More expense but we are still allowed to travel if double vaccinated.

Mac3blade wrote:Just been announced, a PCR test is necessary when travelling to th U.K. so the cheaper lateral test we know as the ANTIGEN is no longer permitted. More expense but we are still allowed to travel if double vaccinated.

As I read it you are urged to take a PCR test instead of lateral flow test. As far as I know we had to take a antigen test not lateral flow,why is it so confusing,is it that difficult to keep it simple?

We all must keep abreast of the new restrictions and rules. It’s the way we have all grown used to. It’s the new Normal.

Mac3blade wrote:Just been announced, a PCR test is necessary when travelling to th U.K. so the cheaper lateral test we know as the ANTIGEN is no longer permitted. More expense but we are still allowed to travel if double vaccinated.

Its recommended but not a legal requirement....

I thought he said he'd like people to take a PCR test seemed to suggest it's not mandatory.

GOV.UK - For ENGLAND

TYPE of Test

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england

You must make sure that the test provider you choose can meet the standards for pre-departure testing.

The test must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.

This could include tests such as:

a nucleic acid test, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or derivative technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests
an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device
It’s your responsibility to ensure the test meets the minimum standards for sensitivity, specificity and viral load details. You must check with your test provider that it meets those standards.

You may not be able to travel if the test does not meet these standards. It’s your responsibility to ensure you get the right test that meets the above requirements.

This is the same wording as a few weeks ago. So the law has not changed, just the politicians adding to the confusion.

You do NOT NEED A PCR TEST, in the 72 hrs before departure.

Redwoodsman wrote:GOV.UK - For ENGLAND

TYPE of Test

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england

You must make sure that the test provider you choose can meet the standards for pre-departure testing.

The test must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.

This could include tests such as:

a nucleic acid test, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or derivative technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests
an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device
It’s your responsibility to ensure the test meets the minimum standards for sensitivity, specificity and viral load details. You must check with your test provider that it meets those standards.

You may not be able to travel if the test does not meet these standards. It’s your responsibility to ensure you get the right test that meets the above requirements.

Let's not get into debate.
Nothing has changed. Spain is still Amber and its Antigen pre departure and day 2 PCR for vaccinated people.
So NO CHANGE...
The rest is advisory which means nothing.

The OP should change the title of this post, really, as it's misleading.