Day 2 Only Testing for Travel Arrivals – What You Need To Know

Updated 14th February 2022 to reflect the latest COVID testing requirements for travellers

A COVID-19 test is required of many arrivals to England to reduce the spread of infection and to identify variants. For those who are or will be fully vaccinated, testing requirements were removed in February 2022 and only Day 2 PCR testing is required of unvaccinated passengers. Here we discuss everything you need to know about Day 2 only testing.

What is a Day 2 Lateral Flow Test?

Day 2 PCR testing is a mandatory test for partially/unvaccinated arrivals from non-Red List countries. Taken on the second day after arriving, the test will identify whether you are infected with COVID-19 and, if infected, which strain you are infected with. This ensures the government can track COVID infections coming in to the UK.

Do I need to take a Day 2 only Test?

The Day 2 PCR test is required for passengers arriving from any non-Red List countries, if they are not fully vaccinated. Check the latest entry requirements for your destination to find out what the current requirements are. Testing requirements may change at any time, so make sure you check them before you travel to the UK.

‘Partially/Unvaccinated’ means you must have not had a final dose of an approved vaccine at least 14 whole days before you arrive in England. The day you have your final dose does not count as one of the 14 days.

Do I Need a Day 2 Test if I’m Fully Vaccinated?

In February 2022, testing requirements were removed if you are fully vaccinated. You are no longer required to comlete COVID testing after arriving in the UK if you are fully vaccinated. You must complete a Passenger Locator Form before you depart for the UK providing your test booking reference.

Where Can I Get a Day 2 PCR Test?

Nomad is a UKAS accredited private provider of Day 2 PCR test for international arrivals. Order through our order portal directly from our laboratory partner Oncologica. You’ll have a self-test kit sent to you for you to complete yourself using the included simple to follow instructions. Return postage is included so you can post your Day 2 only test in COVID priority post boxes. The lab will run tests on your sample and will return your results within 24 hours from when they receive it.

Book Day 2 testing

Book Day 2 PCR testing with Nomad to ensure you meet the travel regulations. While many providers are unable to meet the current testing demands for international travellers, at Nomad we work with a high-capacity laboratory partner. Our laboratory will test your swab and return your results within 24 hours of receiving your sample. They have a very high success rate and failures are rare. Through the simple online order portal, you can easily order your mandatory Day 2 PCR test ready to complete your journey to the UK.