Covid Testing Flying Back From Spain

[cris r]

Hi can anyone give simple advise. My husband has to fly to Spain to sort a legal issue. He is staying one week. He knows he has to self isolate. He has had both vaccinations Just not sure on how to go about getting a PCR testing kit. Does he order one online and take it with him. Does he go to a clinic etc in Spain to have one done. Can he do it himself and record the results. I have been on direct gov but a bit confused. Just simple instructions would be great….. x

[sandyRoe]

Flying back to Ireland from Spain I had to get a PCR test in a clinic at a cost of 100 Euros. You call into the clinic the next day for the result.
Is the PCR test needed for flights into the UK?

[cris r]

Thanks Sandy did you book and take the test in Spain or when you got home.

[sandyRoe]

Took the test in Spain. Ryanair wouldn't let you onto the plane without it.
I'm sure you don't need the pcr test if flying into the UK. The other one, at 39 Euros is acceptable.

[Buenchico]

There are many centres in Spain offering both PCR and lateral flow testing. See here
https://www.unilabs.es/clinicas
here
https://static.vueling.com/corporative7/media/1274/red-puntos-covid19-mayo-2021.pdf
and here
https://www.quironprevencion.com/es/red-centros
for some of the main ones.

The types of tests which are acceptable are indicated here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england
You'll see that lateral flow tests are acceptable, subject to the testing centre complying with certain guidelines. (All of those in my links should do so).

Your husband will also need to book two lateral flow tests in the UK, with one on the second day after his arrival and one on the eighth, before his departure from Spain. Approved testing providers are listed here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/997884/covid-private-testing-providers-general-testing-300621.csv/preview

If your husband wishes to take a 'test to release' PCR test, which must be taken on or after the fifth day after his arrival, he will need to go to one of these approved providers:
https://www.find-travel-test-provider.service.gov.uk/test-to-release#list-of-test-providers
(Unlike the other two tests, he doesn't need to book a 'test to release' PCR test prior to his departure from Spain. If the result of a 'test to release' is negative, he can then cease self-isolating but he must still take the regular 'Day 8' test).