Just a short trip home

Bea and I just returned from a short trip to the UK and I thought it would be helpful to detail the required Covid 19 procedures.

First of all you must be double jabbed and have obtained the Vaccination certificate. This is available on line but many people have had issues with this and it is easier just to go to your local health centre and ask for one.

Secondly you have to complete an on-line UK government “Passenger Locator Form” This form is available at www.gov.uk/provide-journeycontact-details-before-travel-ukand is quite an extensive questionnaire. The form requires proof that you have ordered a covid test package for delivery to the UK ( see below) and also requires details of your flight, including your actual seat number, as well as your contact details whilst in the UK. When properly completed the system issues you with a four page Passenger Locator Form including a QR code.

Thirdly you must arrange for a covid test kit to be sent your UK address prior your arrival. We were eligible for only the day 2 test and opted for the antigen test. The UK government web site at the suggested companies who can provide the test kits. Prices are around £35 to £50 for each kit. We got a confirmatory email from the supplier together with a reference number as required to complete your UK Passenger Locator Form.

Fourthly you must arrange for a Covid test here in Spain before you travel. Again we opted for the Antigen test which must be done within 72 hours of your arrival time in the UK. -watch out for weekends and Public holidays. Quite a few clinics offer this service, some by appointment and some on a call-in basis. When we did our tests we did not make an appointment and found ourselves behind a quite large queue of UK holidaymakers who were having to go through the same procedure. The test is a mouth and nostril test probe and is relatively painless. Cost for us was €50 each but I believe it can be found cheaper. Antigen tests take only 15 minutes or so to get the results and you are presented with a certificate. Cont...