Do I need a PCR test flying from Ireland to UK?

parc · 19-12-2021 8:50pm #1

Hi. I know I need on when flying from UK to Ireland, but do I need one going back to the UK?

Lots of contradictory information online. Apparently because Ireland is in the Common Travel Area (CTA), we don't need one when entering UK? Can anyone confirm?

iamwhoiam · 19-12-2021 8:53pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058223588/do-i-need-a-pcr-test-flying-from-ireland-to-uk

No you don’t . You need a PCR or professional antigen coming from UK to Ireland but not to enter UK from Ireland

parc · 19-12-2021 9:39pm

Ok, that's great. Thank you!

parc · 20-12-2021 10:26am

Hi again, someone told me that if you book a flight from UK to Ireland - in addition to the antigen test taken 48 hours before you fly, you also need to book your day-2 UK one for when you return, otherwise you won't be let on the plane?

Is this true? Nothing about it on the gov.ie site

parc · 20-12-2021 11:04am

I think whoever told me that is mistaken. This is what it says on the UK gov site

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19#ireland-the-uk-the-channel-islands-and-the-isle-of-man

If you’re travelling to England from within the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, you do not need to:

complete a passenger locator form
take any COVID-19 tests
quarantine on arrival in England

20-12-2021 11:21am

Just be careful if you’re flying back close to Christmas. The availability of professional antigen tests is very limited as most chemists will be closed.