COVID-19 Testing Guidance

With COVID testing becoming the norm in the world of travel, we’ve put together the below guidance for you on what tests you may require when travelling to resort and returning home:

Travelling to resort

Many destinations now require a COVID PCR test to be completed pre travel. The length required before travelling to take the test does vary by destination.
Our Trusted Advisors will carry out a call with you around 14 days before your holiday to discuss the most up to date requirements specific to your holiday destination allowing you and us enough time to carry out the necessary tests. In addition this information will also be clearly highlighted on your departure documents, specifying the time before travel that the test must be conducted and any requirements for children as well as adults. Some destinations may now allow you to enter using a rapid antigen test. Your Trusted Advisor will confirm with you what test you need prior to travelling. 

Your Trusted Advisor will be available to answer any queries on testing requirements on individual destinations up to the time you travel and whilst you are on holiday.

The below are four independent companies who provide pre-travel testing services.  We have provided information about these should you wish to use their services.  Please ensure you verify with your chosen supplier (whether the below or otherwise) that the test will satisfy the requirements for the destination you are travelling to and that the supplier can comply with the strict timescales you will have to adhere to.  Citalia cannot be held responsible for any third party suppliers’ delay or otherwise failure to provide a suitable test result. 

The Government have also an approved private clinic list - here.

Please note that NHS PCR & Antigen tests cannot be used for travel purposes

A number of destinations will allow those who have received both COVID Vaccinations prior to travelling, to be exempt from any pre travel testing requirements. Your trusted advisor will be able to update you on if your destination is allowing this. Further information on how you can demonstrate your vaccine status is available here - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccination-status-when-travelling-abroad 

Demonstrating your COVID vaccine status for travel

To allow travellers to demonstrate their vaccine status, the government has put a useful page together detailing how travellers can show they have had both vaccines (for countries allowing the vaccinated to be exempt from entry testing). https://www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccination-status-when-travelling-abroad

For residents of England there are two methods:

1. Download the NHS App (Not the NHS-Covid19) where there is a new section “Check your Vaccination Status”.
2. A letter version for those without a smartphone can be requested by calling 119 (free of charge). This route may take around 7 days for a letter to arrive, and will show the dates both vaccines were administered.

For residents of Wales:

• Please call 0300 303 5667 to request a vaccination certificate. Please note it can take up to 10 working days to receive your certificate. 

For residents of Scotland there are two methods:

1. You can view and print your vaccination status online: https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/after-your-vaccine/get-a-record-of-your-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-status 
2. A letter version can also be requested by calling the COVID-19 Status Helpline on 0808 196 8565. Records will be sent via first class post, however do ensure you leave sufficient time for this to arrive pre-travel.

Returning to the UK

All passengers arriving into the UK are now required to show proof of a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours prior to starting your journey home. Proof of testing will be checked at your departure airport. We are working hard with our local ground handlers and accommodation providers to ensure we have the most up to date information on where these tests will be available to you before you return from your holiday. Your Trusted Adviser will be able to provide this information to you prior to travel.

A passenger locator form (PLF) must be completed by all passengers arriving into the UK aged over 18. This form can be submitted anytime within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival in to the UK and is completed on the following web page https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk

All passengers arriving back from a Green list country must take a PCR test on the 2nd day been back in the UK. Testing must be booked via a government approved supplier. If you're returning from a country on the Amber list, you must take a test on day 2 & day 8. Customers returning from an Amber country do have the option to take a test on day 5 to end their isolation early (known as Test to Release).

The testing partners below do offer preferential rates to Citalia customers. Further information can be found on each of the suppliers websites. The full list of government approved suppliers is available here: https://www.find-travel-test-provider.service.gov.uk/test-type/amber. We strongly recommend booking all of your required tests prior to returning back to the UK to avoid any delays.

If You're Returning to Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales:

Please visit the below webpages as certain requirements for testing upon your return may differ.

• Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-advice 
• Scotland: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-international-travel-quarantine/pages/red-amber-and-green-list-countries 
• Wales: https://gov.wales/how-self-isolate-when-you-travel-wales-coronavirus-covid-19