PCR testing and passenger locator forms updated 8/4/21

As discussed previously Covid-19 Testing is subject to change almost daily. At Global Health we mainly focus on RT-PCR testing to allow travellers to fulfil boarder entry requirements for the country being visited.

We advise all travellers to investigate entry in each country and also re-entry requirements into the UK.

Visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice  and search the country being visited. Additionally, visit local sites associated with the country being visited. Airlines can also provide additional information.

A return journey starts at least 48 hours before returning to the UK.

In summary

Take a RT-PCR test 3 days before departure to the UK. Note RT can be described as Reverse Transcription or real time, the terms are interchangeable.

Complete a ‘passenger locator form’ on line 48 hours before travel.

Book a day 2 and day 8 RT-PCR test

Quarantine on arrival in the UK for 10 days.

Complete the day 2 test. This will be used to determine the viral genome, if positive, to ensure there are no new variants of the virus.

If required, take a test to release RT-PCR on day 5 so you can be released from quarantine. This is at additional cost and is optional.

Complete the day 8 test. This will be used to determine the viral genome, if positive, to ensure there are no new variants of the virus.

Passenger locator form returning to the UK.

Details and the passenger locator form can be found at https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk

You can submit the form any time in the 48 hours before you arrive in the UK.

You’ll need to show your form when you check in to travel or board your plane, train or ferry to the UK.

You’ll need to provide a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) test before you travel to the UK. The test must have been taken in the 3 days before your departure. The proof must be in English, French or Spanish.

Tests you must book before you complete the form

You must book 2 coronavirus tests for when you quarantine in the UK, unless your job means you’re exempt.

You’ll need to book these before you complete the passenger locator form.

Depending which countries you’ve been in, you may need to book a managed quarantine hotel package. Your tests will be included with your hotel booking.

Check where you need to quarantine and book your tests.

Complete the passenger locator form online

You can use this service to:

  • fill in and submit a passenger locator form before you leave for the UK
  • set up an account to save your details if you travel frequently
  • sign in to your account to edit and submit an unfinished form

You’ll need:

  • your passport details or the travel document you’ll use when you arrive at the UK border
  • your travel details, including times and dates
  • the address where you will stay in the UK (if applicable)
  • booking reference numbers for the 2 coronavirus tests you must take after arriving in the UK
  • the invoice number for your quarantine hotel booking if you need one

If you’re arriving in England and using Test to Release, you’ll also need the name of the test provider you booked with.

You can include multiple journeys in your form if you’ll enter the UK more than once in a 48-hour period.

It is a criminal offence to provide false or deliberately misleading information when filling out your passenger locator form. You could be fined, imprisoned or both if you do not provide accurate details about the countries you have visited in the 10 days before you arrived in the UK.

After you complete the form you will receive a QR code via email. You can print this out or show it on your phone as proof of completion.