Travel tests: How to book PCR tests for days two and eight – cheapest options

Travel: Simon Calder discusses taking PCR tests

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Holidays are back on to green and amber list countries, though the rules vary depending on whether or not travellers have been vaccinated. Testing is one of the most important new features of travel, with all holidaymakers required to take a coronavirus PCR test on day two of their arrival in the UK.

The day two test applies to those returning from green and amber list countries, as well as both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

However, while green and fully-vaccinated amber list arrivals are free from quarantine and further testing, unvaccinated amber arrivals must self-isolate at home for 10 days and take a test on day eight.

Navigating the new testing process might seem confusing for those who are yet to do it.

Furthermore, reports of soaring costs for tests are enough to put some people off international jaunts altogether.

According to travel expert Simon Calder, “£300million has been spent by British travellers” on testing between April and early August.

Luckily, there are some more affordable options included on the Government’s approved list of testing providers.

How do I book a day two and day eight PCR test?

Travellers who are hoping to fly into the UK from a green, amber or red country must book their testing via a Government approved provider.

These are listed on the Gov.uk website.

“The tests you need depend on where you have been in the 10 days before you arrive,” explains the Government website.

“You must book your tests before you travel and leave enough time for them to be delivered to your address in England.”

Britons are able to compare and choose a test provider based on cost and location.

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Not all providers listed on the Government website are available nationwide.

The Gov.uk website adds: “The Government does not endorse or recommend any specific test provider – you should do your own research about them and their terms and conditions.”

Some airlines also list Government-approved testing providers with which they have partnered to offer discounted rates to customers.

In any instance, holidaymakers should thoroughly assess all options before booking.

How do I find the cheapest PCR tests for travel?

PCR test costs vary depending on the provider.

Travellers who need both a day two and day eight test are advised to book them as a package, rather than as two individual tests, as they can save money this way.

Airlines, including British Airways, TUI, Jet2, Virgin Atlantic, and easyJet, have already formed partnerships with PCR test providers offering reduced pricing for passengers.

Customers should check their airline or holiday providers website for a full list of partnerships and discounts.

easyJet, for example, has partnered with Collinson to provide customers with a 20 percent discount on testing both to and from the UK.

easyJet also lists Randox and Boots as named providers for testing.

Similarly, British Airways customers can enjoy discounted testing if they use Breathe Assured, Chronomics, CityDoc, Collinson, Eurofins, ExpressTest, Halo, LetsGetChecked, Medicspot, Qured, Randox and Wren Healthcare.

TUI has partnered with Chronomics to provide testing deals from £20 for package holiday customers.

Jet2 provides discount codes for tests booked via Randox, Collinson and Chromonics, while Virgin Atlantic has partnered with Prenetics and ExpressTest.

How much does a PCR test cost?

Below are the average costs for day two tests with airlines (with customer discount codes) and testing providers:

British Airways: A home testing kit is available for £43.

easyJet: A home testing kit is available for £43.

Jet2: A home testing kit is available for £43.

Ryanair: A home testing kit is available for £43.

TUI: Package holiday customers can purchase a pre-departure and day two test for £20. For £60 they can also add on a PCR test for their outward journey.

Virgin Atlantic: A home testing kit is available for £68.

Nationwide Pathology: A home testing kit is available for £40.

Testing for all: A home testing kit is available for £48.

Randox Health: A home testing kit is available for £48.

Eurofins: A home testing kit is available for £55.

CTM: A home testing kit is available for £68.

ExpressTest: A test carried out at a designated centre is available for £69.

CityDoc: A home testing kit is available for £70.

Boots: A home testing kit is available for £75.

Qured: A home testing kit is available for £75.

Project Screen: A home testing kit is available for £79.

Collinson: A test carried out at a designated centre is available for £82.50.

Below are the average costs for day two and day eight tests with airlines (with customer discount codes) and testing providers:

British Airways: A home testing kit is available for £86.

easyJet: A home testing kit is available for £86.

Jet2: A home testing kit is available for £86.

Ryanair: A home testing kit is available for £86.

TUI: A pre-departure and day two home testing kit package is available for £50. Customers can add on a PCR test for their outward journey for £90.

Virgin Atlantic: A home testing kit is available for £132. For £167 passengers can add on a rapid antigen test for both the outward journey and return journey. For £207 passengers can add on an outward PCR test and a rapid antigen for their return flight to the UK.

Nationwide Pathology: A home testing kit is available for £85.

Testing for all: A home testing kit is available for £96.

Randox: A home testing kit is available for £96.

Eurofins: A home testing kit is available for £99.

ExpressTest: Tests carried out at a designated centre are available for £129.

CTM: A home testing kit is available for £136.

CityDoc: A home testing kit is available for £140.

Boots: A home testing kit is available for £145.

Qued: A home testing kit is available for £150.

Project Screen: A home testing kit is available for £154.

Collinson: A test carried out at a designated centre is available for £165.

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