PCR test suitable for entry to the UK

In addition to your proof of vaccination, you don't need a PCR test - you need the following:

1. Antigen / Lateral Flow test - must be negative and taken within 72 hours of your departure date / time. These are available at pharmacies, etc. and will cost round €30. I believe 'eraser' has posted a list of recommended places to get these on this forum.
2. Pre-book a Day 2 test package to be delivered to your address in the UK. This can be booked online via any of the providers listed on the gov.uk website - prices should be around £45. You need the booking code for this test to input on your Passenger Locator Form. Note - if you are travelling to Scotland, you can only use the single provider listed on the scotgov website (CMT), the cost is £68 (just reduced from £88).
3. Passenger Locator Form - must be completed online within 48 hours before your departure date / time.

All of the above can be stored on your smart phone and/or you could print them off to have 'hard' copies with you. Many airlines also allow you to upload them onto your booking reference with them.Hope this helps!

Thanks for your reply RichT, I am still not clear as the Gov.uk website states arrivals from amber list countries you need a PCR test or lateral flow test these tests must reach the govmts minimum standards to be accepted.

Do you or do you know anyone with first hand experience of the system? I was about to book a day2 return to uk pcr test with boots online £136! If the lateral flow test is so much cheaper why the massive price difference?

You mention the lateral flow test being only 35 euro approx. does that come with a certificate of proof?

thanks for your time

Hi, RichT is quite right, the antigen test is 100% acceptable on return to uk. The government ‘advise’ that travellers returning to uk take PCR test. This is purely guidance and NOT law. My parents returned to uk with the cheaper antigen test from Isla Plana at €30. Absolutely no issue. The PCR test can be three/fourfold the price. This is of course subject to change, but at the time of writing, the cheaper antigen/lateral flow test will secure safe passage to UK. You will be provided with certification. Take passport along with you to the test, this is required for the certificate. 

My partner travelled to Scotland & back in mid-August, following the criteria I have set out and had no issues; slightly before that, her sister and her two children did likewise, again with no issues.

To clarify:

My point 1 is the test you take in Spain before you leave - lateral flow / antigen test, cost about €30. The medical centre or pharmacy will give you a soft and/or hard copy of the certificate, which will also set out that it complies with the UK government standards.

I think you may be confused with my point 2 - you need to book a Day 2 test package (which will be a PCR test) to take on your arrival back in the UK. This cannot be a lateral flow / antigen test. Boots may well charge £136, but many other companies charge around £45-£60.

Although the UK government website recommends a pcr test before you fly home they have not yet banned an antigen test. We flew back to UK on 1908, took the antigen test the day before we were due to fly and had no issues at all at the airport