Which Covid Test For Children With Single Dose Vaccine Travelling To Spain.

[chrisd12345]

We are looking at a last minute holiday to Spain. Our children are 13 and 17 and have had their covid vaccination. I take it they need a pre test flight? Can this be a cheaper rapid antigen test or does it have to be the expensive PCR test when travelling to Spain?

[New Judge]

Providing they are normally resident in the UK, children under 18 have to abide by the same rules as a "fully vaccinated" adult. That is, they must take a PCR test by day two following arrival back into England (I think this is the same for the Scotland, Wales and NI, but I'm not sure). There is no requirement (for either adults or children) to take a test abroad before returning to the UK. Adults have to have their test booked before they leave the UK as they will be required to provide their test booking details on their "Passenger Locator Form" but I'm not sure if this applies to children as well.

The government is thinking of changing the requirement from PCR to Lateral Flow later this month, but have not announced a date yet.

[ToraToraTora]

"I take it they need a pre test flight?" - yes everyone must prove that they can fly before they can have a test :)

[THECORBYLOON]

'children under 18 have to abide by the same rules as a "fully vaccinated" adult.'

In Scotland, that does not apply to those under age eleven and outwith Scotland, it's under age five.

[THECORBYLOON]

That reads more clearly as,

In Scotland, that does not apply to those under age eleven. Outwith Scotland, it's under age five.