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Post by cariad23 on Jul 2, 2021 18:31:50 GMT
Just read on Facebook I love Skiathos post that Skiathos is offering free rapid flow tests before you fly home. Well done. Obviously need holiday makers this will help some families undecided because of testing costs
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Post by balddave on Jul 3, 2021 11:34:02 GMT
Will the UK accept these, I may be wrong but I think UK entry requirements are for a PCR test, again something which will hopefully be clarified as part of the next announcement
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Post by kevb on Jul 19, 2021 8:05:51 GMT
This is what I'm still looking for clarification on myself, it doesn't seem terribly clear even on the Gov.uk site. What makes me curious is that if you buy flights/holidays direct from TUI there is a process where you can buy an 'amber package' to take with you that includes the tests required before return and the day 2 test (at least thats what it looks like on their site, I can't get down to the fine details as eventually you need your TUI booking ref number and I don't have one, my package includes TUI fights but was via a third party). My question is if this package includes a pcr test (like Dave I was under the impression this was needed rathe rthan LFT) how do you get a result before you fly back if it is from a UK company? The PCR test needs to be processed in a lab.
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Post by cariad23 on Jul 19, 2021 8:53:20 GMT
All stressful which I really can’t be bothered with and leaving it until next year. I know some of the tests I think TUI you have to FaceTime or zoom to a nurse do the test on camera and hold the result up they then send you an e mail or text to confirm. I think easier to go to Skiathos medical centre for return one. You have to order day 2 one before you go and quote the number on your return plf form. My neighbor has just returned from Mallorca and said no one checked anything ! That was east mids
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Post by dennisn on Jul 19, 2021 8:59:42 GMT
Apologies in advance for a probably unhelpful comment.
We are still a few more weeks away from setting off than you Kev, so I remain on the fence. The way I see it is the airline is obliged to ensure you are "fit" to fly - if they onload you without proper certification they are liable for a fine in the same way as if you haven't got a passport or visa or whatever. Don't know how much the fine is, but no doubt it affects their reputation with Border Control anyway. So I'm expecting TUI to tell me what/when to do. And I do know they are offering test facilities. I WAS, however, surprised to hear this morning that despite relaxing "all" restrictions, border controls are not being relaxed. Puts me right back where we start from - we are not happy to go off if we have to test etc to come home.
I still need evidence that whoever says whatever is also capable of arranging a party in a brewery, because it's difficult to know the score right now. Last time I read gov website, it was referring to amber etc and restrictions etc and although I thought my English mistress did a pretty good job (admittedly before all you lot were born - when realize was spelt with an S and color had a U), I find myself unable to form a definitive understanding of the rules. What on earth does "ending all restrictions" mean?
EDIT TO ADD Most confusing is that the department of Foreign Commonwealth whatever has ended advice not to travel to amber countries, so that you HAVE to travel or lose your holiday and money and then pay extra to get home. Weird or what?
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Post by kevb on Jul 19, 2021 11:12:02 GMT
Yes I was aware of all that and I didn't expect it to end today, I was expecting to have to test before I come back and also on day 2 it's just the exact requirements of which tests are the 'minimum requirement' that doesn't seem clear. A test that you can do on the spot and then photo/facetime to someone else will not be a pcr test which made me wonder about the packs sold via TUI. There's also the slight concern that if you bought one in advance to take with you and then somehow it got damaged or you messed it up while on Skiathos and got a result that they weren't convinced by you might have to pay to get tested there again anyway. Although it might not be cheapest option at the moment my plan is to buy pcr tests in advance for day 2 and note the codes to include on my return PL form and then get tested in Skiathos for the fit to fly back bit even if it means the 60 euro version. I'm just mentally factoring in an extra cost of £100 on the holiday as a whole for testing. If there's an announcement nearer the time of the holiday that a lateral flow test is acceptable for day 2 then I already have those at home anyway. If there's a change in rules that means lateral flow tests are OK for the test in Skiathos then I haven't wasted money taking an expensive test out with me.
I am glad I opted for a a 2 week visit this time, I can see half a day being taken up sorting tests and form filling which after nearly 2 weeks I wouldnt mind too much but doing it 4 or 5 days after arrival would seem to be eating into my holiday a bit too much. I was thinking about having a night or 2 on Alonissos during this holiday but I think the cost of testing and the logistics might kick that into touch until another holiday. I did have nights on both Alonissos and Skopelos on my last escapade in 2019.
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