PCR test before travel to Fue

[Ducks]

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?

Based on the Spanish government's website info here:

From 23rd November 2020 all passengers who come from a high-risk country in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, in order to enter Spain, MUST show a certificate with a NEGATIVE PCR result (RT-PCR of COVID-19), carried out in the 72h prior to your arrival. 

The document will contain, at least, the following information: traveler's name, passport or ID number, date of the test, identification and contact details of the center that performs the analysis, technique used and negative test result.

To me, this seems like all that matters is that it is a PCR test, it's within the 72 hours, and that the centre that performs the analysis is prepared to stand over the result.

[Pub the Shack]

I’m a little reluctant to post this because of the abuse I’ve suffered over previous posts about testing but this is my experience. I obtained a link to a national company who were offering tests via my local GP surgery. I bought the test online for £145 each for my wife and I - this was the standard service which promised a 48 hour turnaround - a 24 hour turnaround was offered for £245 each which I declined. I received the kit the day after I ordered it and the instructions stated that I should swab the day before the 72 hour period and post it Royal Mail special delivery to arrive within the 72 hour period. The swab is taken by yourself and involves a back of the throat brush with a cotton bud type thing and is quite uncomfortable if you do it properly- it makes you gag - and then you take a nasal swab with the same bud, which is also uncomfortable if you do it properly. The swab is then sealed into a vial, put into a sealed bag, then into another bag and then boxed up and sent to the laboratory, in my case in London, via Royal Mail special delivery. When you buy the test you provide passport number, date of birth etc and after submitting my test I received an email the next day confirming that my test was negative together with a certificate which showed the relevant information that the Spanish authorities required, ie passport number, date of test, type of test etc.
I flew with Ryanair and when I checked in they asked to see my PCR certificate and my QR code which you receive when you complete the Spanish Health form - you will not be allowed to board without fulfilling these two criteria. When we arrived in Fuerteventura they didn’t ask to see the PCR certificate, they only wanted to scan the QR code. 
I don’t see a problem with this but if you read previous posts you will see that others take the view that you are somehow cheating the system/ breaking the rules by swabbing a few hours before the 72 hour period. Does it really matter? it’s only a box ticking thing anyway - you can still pick up “the virus” before you fly if you test within the 72 hour period or a few hours before.

[Can the Man]

Pup the shack, where were you traveling from with RA ?

[Pub the Shack]

Flying from Liverpool

[Can the Man]

Thanks, I was curious in case it was Ireland as RA do so many flights from Ireland

[Mia]

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.

We wanted to book the saliva PCR test as it is easier to book, but according to gov.uk it must be PCR (swab) test.

On arrival, travellers entering Spain from the UK will not be required to self-isolate. However, from 23 November, all passengers (including children of all ages) travelling to Spanish airports and ports from ‘risk’ countries (the website is in Spanish, the list of ‘at risk’ countries is at the end of the document), as determined by the European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control will be required to present a negative PCR (swab) test taken within no more than 72 hours prior to arrival, in order to enter the country. The UK is currently on the ‘risk’ countries list and passengers arriving from the UK are therefore subject to this requirement.

[Mia]

I have done a little research about the PCR saliva test and it looks like it is being used in Spain for a few weeks now, however it does not say anywhere if this type of the test is being accepted when entering Spain.

Both PCR tests are intended for the entire population, although the saliva test is especially suitable for children and the elderly, groups who may find the process of introducing the swab through the nose or throat more unpleasant. In this sense, saliva PCR does not require the intervention of healthcare personnel, a fact that could contribute to reducing healthcare workers' exposure to the virus. Another advantage of saliva PCR is its duration, since it can be kept for three weeks at a temperature that does not drop below 15 degrees and does not exceed 35 degrees. Meanwhile, nasopharyngeal PCR, if not refrigerated, must reach the laboratory within a maximum period of 24 hours to avoid degradation and alteration of results.

[Gone Fishing]

I must be getting COVID-obsessed Mia

I misread your tag line as: I need a six month vaccination twice a year

[Mia]

I must be getting Covid-obsessed Mia

I misread your tag line as: I need a six month vaccination twice a year

[windermeregolfer]

See other post re tests required 

Antigen test approved now?! (fuerteventura.click)