Pcr testing - Page 2

Hi Craig

There are 2 different tests.

1. First, you must take what is sometimes called a Fit-to-Fly test, in Spain, to be allowed to board the flight from Spain to the UK.  An Antigen test is sufficient and is the cheapest test.  You can get this for about Euro 24.95 at Malaga Airport.  It is best to book in advance.

2. Secondly, you must book and pay for a Day 2 test only,  if double vaccinated, or a Day 2 and Day 8 test, if not double vaccinated.  This must be a PCR test.  You have to include the details in your return to UK passenger locator form. I have only used Randox, who charge £43 with a discount code, including postage.

The PCR test kit to be used in the UK can be sent to you by post/courier, administered by yourself ie you tickle your own tonsils in a mirror and then poke the swab up your nose before sending it to the lab.  

Currently, about 1 in 35 people returning from Spain to the UK is Covid-19 positive, in spite of the Fit-to-Fly tests which show how [un]reliable they are. There had been speculation that Spain may be moved up to the Red List at the next review on 25 August 2021, however, during the past week, the tide has turned and numbers are less and the UK does not have the facilities for hotel quarantining everybody. So, for political and non-scientific reasons, the Red List probably will not be imposed.

There is some talk that the government should pay for the PCR tests in the UK because one of the main purposes of the PCR test is to monitor the spread of the different variants and the emergence of new variants. Don't hold your breath . . . .

Thank you so much very in lightening 👍

Dear Craig

Yesterday, we returned to the UK and I would say that queues at Malaga Airport were very long, both for bag drop-off and for security.

We also received a message from EasyJet to say that there was a planned strike from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm although we did not observe any evidence of this.  We arrived at 9:00 am for a flight at 11:40 am. 

We only had cabin luggage and found the security queues were long but quite fast moving and this took about 25 minutes.  It is sensible to arrive about 1 hour earlier than usual.  

Best regards

Philip

Hi, Phil

I hope you enjoyed your time in Mijas.

Are you taking a 2 day test in the UK and did you buy them in the UK prior to visiting Spain.

The Security is something that I expected after Brexit. So get to the airport at 0800 for an 1100 flight.

It’s still a little confusing but I think I’ve got a handle on it know

Norequirement for a PCR test going to Spain as we’re fully vacillated. Buy a Antigen test in the uk ready for the 2 day test after retuning to the UK

Take an PCR/ Antigen test 72 hours prior to flying ensuring back to the uk

You have been a great help

Kind Regards 

Craig

Hi Craig

We have a house in an urbanisation on the border between Estepona and Casares.  This has highlighted the difference between the two local authorities because Casares allows owners to erect a fence along the beach path but Estepona does not.  

We are on the Estepona side of the boundary and, 3 years ago, we had squatters break into our house and, last weekend, suatters tried to break into a neighbour by ripping up the persiana roller blinds . . . . the black shirts were called and took them away . . . . you have to act fast because, once installed, Spanish law favours the 'okupas' over foreign owners of second homes.

I have just seen a news item on the BBC that the options are, apply to the Court and wait 2 years for a Court Order, or pay €3,500 to private 'bailiffs' who relish their profession and take no prisoners:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-58310532

Since you are double vaccinated, the trip out from the UK to Spain is very simple.  You just need 2 things, which you should have on your mobile phone, if you use it to obtain these certificates, you just have to save the following on your mobile:

1. Vaccination certificate, which you can download using the NHS app, although it is only valid for 30 days and then you have to download a fresh one.

2. Spanish passenger locator form, which you can download using the SpTH app.

There are options to have these emailed to you, which is a good backup plan, if you have difficulty finding the PDF files on your mobile.

I made a mistake with the Spanish passenger locator form, downloaded one for a transit flight, however, I was able to go through the process a second time in about 5 minutes at Malaga Airport before finding out if they were going to deport me back to the UK.

The trip back from Spain to the UK has a couple of additional steps:

1. Fit-to-Fly lateral flow antigen test, not more than 72 hours prior to departure, which is about €24 at Malaga Airport, but I prefer to take this just after the the 72 hour prior to flight limit so that, if the news is bad, I have a day or three to make arrangements to extend my stay.

2. A vaccination certificate, which you can download using the NHS app, although it is only valid for 30 days and then you have to download a fresh one.

3. UK passenger locator form, which you can download using the www.Gov.uk website.

I have purchased the Day 2 PCR tests and completed the passenger locator forms, for 2 of us, whilst in the departure lounge, at Malaga Airport, waiting for our flight.  That took no more than 20 or 30 minutes for me to do both of us.

The only problem with a late PCR test purchase is that you will not receive it by Day 2 because Randox take 2 days before they even dispatch it!  At best, you will receive it on Day 3 and, if the weekend intervenes, it will be Day 4 or later.

You can, of course, purchase your Day 2 PCR test, whilst in the UK, 1 week before you depart for Spain.  Then you will have the box sitting at home waiting for you upon your return.

Don't forget to use the FLYRYANAIR discount code with Randox to get the £43 price.

Randox do also sell a Fit-to-Fly lateral flow antigen test, which you self-administer in Spain, take a photograph of the result, email that to Randox who then send you a certificate by return email . . . . allegedly . . . . I have not tried this and, therefore, cannot say when you get it or whether it is accepted at Malaga Airport.

If you arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight that should be fine although, of course, it all depends upon the day of the week, the time of day, the type of leaves on the runway and how many espressos everyone had that morning.  We flew mid-week, a couple of days ago, arrived at 9:00 am for an 11:40 am flight, spent 20 odd minutes queuing for security and then sat around for over 1 hour waiting for the Gate number on the board.

Happy travels!

Philip

Hi Phil

Once again you have been very kind to inform me on what I need and that is fabulous  

Thank you

Regards 

Craig