questions re: Covid testing, etc., in UK
 

Looking for some help figuring out EXACTLY what I need to do before, during and just before departing the UK, regarding Covid testing.

The facts: I've had both Moderna shots and the booster. I have my Covid vaccine card.

I've looked on the Delta website, called Delta (the person was little help; she just read the website to me) and tried to query the Gillian Lynne Theatre with a question (because I've got tickets to see Cinderella.) I'm still very confused. I went to HI in May 2021, and I thought the requirements for entry there were very well spelled out. But for this trip, I'm just super confused.

1. Do I need to test before I leave the US?
2. Do I need to test within two days of arriving in the UK?
3. Do I need to test to before entering the theatre? The theatre website says you need a Covid pass. The US doesn't have a Covid pass; what should I use at the theatre? I emailed someone there, but I did not get answers to this question. The phones aren't being answered because, according to the website, everyone's working at home.
4. Do I need to test a day before leaving the UK, and if so, is that within 24 hours of the flight? Do I do a self-test or do it somewhere like a pharmacy?

Thanks for your help and for not judging me for not understanding this. I think it's really confusing. If you can point me to a succint set of instructions reqarding this, that would be great. I haven't been able to find anything.

According to what I've read today, all you need to prove to the airline your are taking from the US to the UK is that you have been fully vaccinated. On return to the US, you need to get a negative anitgen test the day before departure. You did not specify the dates of your trip. IMO, if it is more than 1 month from today, you may not need an antigen test before returning to the US. If I am wrong - an antigen test in the UK is no big deal.

Stu Dudley

1. Do I need to test before I leave the US?
yes, as of now
2. Do I need to test within two days of arriving in the UK?
yes, as of now
3. Do I need to test to before entering the theatre? The theatre website says you need a Covid pass. The US doesn't have a Covid pass; what should I use at the theatre? I emailed someone there, but I did not get answers to this question. The phones aren't being answered because, according to the website, everyone's working at home. they, didn’t ask when I went to see Hamilton. The matinee show was full on a Thursday afternoon, only few people were wearing mask. I was very nervous even with my mask on. The theatre got very hot inside.
4. Do I need to test a day before leaving the UK, and if so, is that within 24 hours of the flight? Do I do a self-test or do it somewhere like .a pharmacy?

yes, I ordered my test from boots.com, very easy process, do it in your time the day before your flight Antigen test is all you need. (£14.99)I just left London a few days ago.

Leave early for your flight, it was chaotic in terminal 2.

1 No test to enter the UK just complete a PLF
2 No test after 2 days

Testing was lifted 11 Feb https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-t...virus-covid-19

3 Not required

You don’t need anything but your vaccination proof and the U.K. PLF form to enter the U.K. currently.

Airlines are not sources of info on rules for entering countries, best to read official websites, in the case of the U.K. it is www.gov.uk as posted above.

Antigen tests are available easily in the UK either self test or in a facility, if you need one mailed to you, order it with enough time to get to you and order the correct test (UK pre departure antigen) so you get a travel certificate.

Things are changing rapidly here in the UK, so whatever you read now will probably be out of date by the time you travel. Current Covid restrictions are due to end in England by 24 March, but now the government is talking about ending all restrictions by the end of this week. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules.

The BBC has a page on Covid rules you may want to keep checking, and also check the requirements of the airline you plan to travel with. Look at the story on the BBC website entitled “What Covid rules remain across the U.K.?”
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/coronavirus

Thanks, everyone. Sure do appreciate it.

Random comments:

• A lot of cafegoddess' post is out of date (she left the country a few days ago and things change rapidly).

• What happens in one theatre has no bearing on what happens in a different venue. Not sure what you want to know about the Gillian Lynne Theatre but their website states (emphasis mine):

"For the comfort and reassurance of all our guests we kindly request that all audience members over the age of 11 years take a COVID lateral flow test within 48 hours of their visit to the theatre.

Alternatively, please be prepared to show your Domestic COVID-PASS from the NHS App or website (or national and international equivalents) which demonstrates double vaccination plus 14 days or natural immunity. Please bring your negative test result
or COVID-PASS to the theatre with you as we may ask to see it on arrival."

. . . Which means your CDC card is adequate

It also states "We recommend all audience members wear a face covering throughout their visit."

. . . That is the 'recommendation', it is not a requirement. So wear one if you want.

• For testing before return to the States they do not hold one to '24 hours'. The US rule quoted from the State Dept. website "Starting on December 6, air travelers aged two and older, regardless of nationality or vaccination status, are required to show documentation of a negative viral test result taken within one day of the flight’s departure to the United States before boarding. You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight."

. . . They allow the test to be taken any time the day before the flight right up to the same day. As an example - if your flight is at 3 PM on Saturday the test can be taken anytime from early AM on Friday up to soon prior to boarding. Most rapid antigen test results are delivered in 15 to 90 minutes max.

• Airlines are not the source of the rules and calling/e-mailing them serves no purpose. Each country makes their own rules so check the official Government websites for entry requirements