PCR test before travel to Fue

[Mia]

https://www.itij.com/latest/news/canary-...s-visitors

Seen this on some other websites back in November, but unfortunately it has not been confirmed by any official source to this date.

[Gone Fishing]

We've been looking for PCR testing offered in the Bath & Bristol area and came up with Goodbody Clinics who offer an express 48hr turn around option ... at a price.

https://www.goodbodyclinic.com/

I tried a dummy run to book an appointment and there appears to be a reasonable amount of availability for appointments.

[GSDGirl]

It looks as though we will be going on our much needed holiday in Fuerteventura but it has been hard work. The nearest test centre that can do a 24 hour turnover (which is essential) is in Nottingham, which is a 9 hour drive for us. Consequently we have had to hire a courier who is picking up our samples at 6 a.m. Monday morning and we will have the results emailed to us on Tuesday a.m. Total cost £600. We are staying in a Hotel in the nearest area to Bristol that is in Tier 2 as our flight is one of the first out of Bristol and we like to eliminate the risk of a hold up or breakdown, which has happened to us in the past. So all is looking good at the moment and fingers crossed we will be spending Christmas/New Year in the sun on our wonderful Island. Tamara, it would be nice if we could have a socially distanced meet up in Tindaya, you are such an interesting lady.

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

Hi GSD, delighted you are coming. What a wonderful effort you are making to get here! 
My buggy is in for repair, again, I'm hoping it will be on the road (track) again this week 🤞🤣

[Rome77]

This is intended for people travelling out of Gatwick or Heathrow.

I've looked a bit more into options for PCR tests. It turns out that some hotels are now introducing "rest and test" packages, and these appear affordable with a relatively quick turnaround. I believe the packages I mention below are all through the same company: "Package includes a certified COVID-19 PCR saliva based self administered test kit. Submit by 8pm for overnight results. Testing carried out by Halo via an Imperial College laboratory"

So while these are PCR tests, they are not swab tests but rather saliva based tests. I have not found any information saying saliva based tests aren't valid, but I can obviously not guarantee that these tests will be accepted. 

Sofitel: Rest and Test package

Sofitel Heathrow offer "rest and test" packages, and these can already be booked online - see above link. I could see prices for £199 for 1 night accommodation including 1 test. Tests for additional guests appear to be priced at £70 per person. I was also told that non-hotel guests can buy the PCR test at the reception for £99. There are some Tripadvisor reviews mentioning the PCR COVID testing option if you're looking for people's experiences.

Sofitel Gatwick is currently closed - I was told to call back on the 14th of December if I wanted to book their "rest and test" package.

Hilton Gatwick. This hotel has not started advertising their "Test and Rest" packages yet, but they can be booked over the phone (which is what I did: +44-1293-518080). The price I was quoted was £129 for one night including 1 test, with £60 extra per test per additional guest. We're a family of four and have paid £309 which includes 1 night in a family room and tests for all four of us, which I think is very good value given the alternatives. We actually live in London and don't need the hotel night, but this still seems both the cheapest and most convenient option for us.

Hope this might be of help to someone looking at sorting out their PCR testing.

[el caballo hambriento]

If anyone reading this board has recently arrived with a negative pcr test please would you be kind enough to describe your experience at the airports and checking into accommodation.

[GSDGirl]

You can say that again Tamara What happened to our simple lives? Still, we know it will be well worth it. Looking forward to some lovely long walks in the sunshine although we have a beautiful sunny day here today. Hope your buggy is better soon

[Robbo]

It looks as though we will be going on our much needed holiday in Fuerteventura but it has been hard work. The nearest test centre that can do a 24 hour turnover (which is essential) is in Nottingham, which is a 9 hour drive for us. Consequently we have had to hire a courier who is picking up our samples at 6 a.m. Monday morning and we will have the results emailed to us on Tuesday a.m. Total cost £600. We are staying in a Hotel in the nearest area to Bristol that is in Tier 2 as our flight is one of  the first out of Bristol and we like to eliminate the risk of a hold up or breakdown, which has happened to us in the past. So all is looking good at the moment and fingers crossed we will be spending Christmas/New Year in the sun on our wonderful Island. Tamara, it would be nice if we could have a socially distanced meet up in Tindaya, you are such an interesting lady.

Blimmin 'eck! 

[windermeregolfer]

If anyone reading this board has recently arrived with a negative pcr test please would you be kind enough to describe your experience at the airports and checking into accommodation.

One of our neighbours arrived here at their villa on Saturday and have said they were not asked at either the UK airport or by the airline or on arrival ate Fuerteventura airport to show information re having a negative test result.

As they are in their own villa can't say what happens if you check into registered accommodation.

[Emmi Smith]

I have seen on a couple of pieces of information, that the PCR test can be done with the nasal swab OR just the throat swab.  Does anyone know if these are true options or does one  HAVE to have both done?