Covid-19 Tests for Arrival in the UK: Day 2 Antigen and Day 2 & 8 PCR Test Packages

Latest Updates to Day 2 and Day 8 Covid Test rules

Last updated 4 October 2021.

All travellers arriving into England following international travel are required by law to undertake post-travel Covid testing. Medicspot offers a range of tests required for both fully vaccinated and not fully vaccinated travelers entering the UK.

What you must do when you arrive in England from abroad depends on whether you have been fully vaccinated or not.

If you are fully vaccinated under the UK, EU and USA programme, you are only required to take a day 2 PCR test. However, if you are not fully vaccinated under the UK, EU and USA programme, it is compulsory for you to take the day 2 and day 8 PCR tests.

We recommend you to check the government website regularly to see which applies to your travel, according to your vaccination status. These rules apply to England only. If you're travelling to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, please refer to the official government website as you’ll need to follow separate guidelines.

What is the new traffic light system for international travel?

Starting from 4 October 2021, the traffic light system (green, amber or red lists) is simplified to a single red list and the rest of the world is considered green. Any travellers coming from the non-red list countries are required to take the mandatory day 2 and day 8 tests, depending on their vaccination status.

Any travelers coming from the red list countries, need to book a quarantine hotel and take the day 2 and 8 tests.

What should I do if I’m travelling from a green list country?

Any country not on the red list or rest of the world is considered green. If you have not visited any country on the red list within 10 days prior to entering England, you must:

• Book and pay for a day 2 PCR test, if you are fully vaccinated
• Book and pay for a day 2 and 8 PCR tests, if you are not fully vaccinated
• Complete a passenger locator form with details of the test package booking reference number, regardless of your vaccination status

What should I do if I’m travelling from a red list country?

A red list country is a country where travel to the UK is banned. Travellers arriving from a red list country will need to:

• Take a pre-departure PCR or antigen test and get a negative result within 72 hours (3 days) of your departure.
• Book a quarantine hotel package, including two Covid-19 tests.
• Complete a passenger locator form.

We are currently unable to provide test kits for travellers returning to England from a red list country or territory.

What is a day 2 test?

The Day 2 Covid test is designed to help identify any potentially harmful variants of coronavirus at the earliest opportunity. If you get a positive result from your day 2 test, you must self-isolate for 10 days starting from the day that the test was conducted. People you live with or have travelled with should also self-isolate for 10 days from the day after your positive Covid test.

How much is a day 2 PCR test?

Our day 2 PCR test cost £75. This includes free next-day delivery (if you order before 2 pm, Monday-Friday) and a free returns label to send your swab to our laboratories.

What does my day 2 test kit include?

Your private test kit will include instructions, a cotton swab, sample tube, clear sealable bag and a return box with a security label.

Does the day 2 test include genomic sequencing?

There is a requirement by the UK government to conduct genomic sequencing on all positive test results from day 2 tests. This is a very expensive process that increases the overall cost of the testing package.

What is a passenger locator form?

A passenger locator form will be used to contact you if someone you travelled with develops Covid-19 symptoms. It may also be used to check that you are following the quarantine rules that apply to you.

What are day 2 and 8 tests?

The day 2 Covid test is designed to help identify any potentially harmful variants of coronavirus at the earliest opportunity. If you get a positive result from your day 2 test, you must self-isolate for 10 days starting from the day that the test was conducted. People you live with or have travelled with should also self-isolate for 10 days from the day after your positive Covid test.

If your day 2 test is negative, you need to continue to quarantine and take your day 8 test. If you get a positive test result from your day 8 test, you must self-isolate for 10 days from the day after your test date. People you live with or have travelled with should also self-isolate for 10 days from the day after your positive test.

If you’ve quarantined for 10 days and had a negative result from both your day 2 and day 8 tests, you may end your quarantine.

How do I book a day 2 and 8 test package?

Medicspot is a government-listed supplier of day 2 and 8 testing packages for international arrivals. You can easily book your tests online for home delivery via Royal Mail Tracked 48.

Can I get my day 2 and 8 test kits early?

You can collect your day 2 test on or before day 2 but you can only receive your day 8 test on or after day 8. You can’t be in physical possession of your day 8 test before day 8.

Are day 2 and 8 tests compulsory for all UK arrivals if I am fully vaccinated?

As of 4 October 2021, it is mandatory to take the day 2 and day 8 PCR tests if you are not fully vaccinated under the UK, EU and US programmes. If you are fully vaccinated, you only need to take the day 2 PCR test.

When can I leave quarantine?

When you arrive in England you must go directly to your quarantine location and not leave until 10 days have passed. You can only leave quarantine once you have both received a negative day 2 and day 8 test result and passed the 10 day quarantine period. Please see further information on the government website.

Can I use Test to Release to leave quarantine early?

Test to Release can be used to end quarantine early. These tests must be taken on or after day 5 of your arrival in the country. If you test negative for coronavirus you’ll be able to leave quarantine, however you’re still required to take your day 8 test. See below for further information.

Who can use a Test to Release test?

Travellers who are not fully vaccinated, need to self-isolate upon their arrival in England and take the day 2 & 8 PCR tests. To end the self-isolation period early, you may take the Test to Release test on day 5 and show proof of the negative result.

Can I leave quarantine early if my day 8 test is negative?

No, you must stay in quarantine until day 10 even if your day 8 test is negative.

Can I leave quarantine after day 10 if I haven’t received my day 8 results?

No, you must receive a negative day 8 test and complete your 10 day quarantine before leaving self-isolation.

How can I travel to where I’m going to quarantine?

When you arrive in England you must go straight to the place where you intend to quarantine. Only use public transport if you have no other options. Do not travel by public transport if you have any Covid-19 symptoms. Please see the government website for further details.

What happens if I provide incorrect information or don’t quarantine?

You can receive substantial fines. The government website provides additional information on this.

Can I leave my quarantine location to collect or conduct my Covid-19 test?

Yes, you are permitted to leave your quarantine location to collect or conduct your Covid-19 test but you are required to return to your quarantine location as soon as this is complete.

Can I have more details of what to do in quarantine?

For full details of quarantine requirements, please see the government website.