My experience travelling back from USA yesterday

Has anyone travelled back from the USA to the UK with a CVS rapid antigen test? Thanks!

Did you not take one with you? If not, you need to do your own research on their testing specifications. They must meet this:

Type of test
You must make sure that the test provider you choose can meet the standards for pre-departure testing.

The test must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.

This could include tests such as:

a nucleic acid test, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or derivative technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests
an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device
It’s your responsibility to ensure the test meets the minimum standards for sensitivity, specificity and viral load details. You must check with your test provider that it meets those standards.

You may not be able to travel if the test does not meet these standards. It’s your responsibility to ensure you get the right test that meets the above requirements.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england#type-of-test

Unfortunately they didn’t arrive in time before we left the UK. We have to get one done here. CVS is a rapid antigen test, think I will have to pay $139 as not insured or have SSN. I just want to check this will be ok and if anime else has used this test.

Do I have to book any tests for when I get back to the UK?

Unfortunately they didn’t arrive in time before we left the UK. We have to get one done here. CVS is a rapid antigen test, think I will have to pay $139 as not insured or have SSN. I just want to check this will be ok and if anime else has used this test.

Do I have to book any tests for when I get back to the UK?

What would you do without this site! 

Yes. You need a Day 2 PCR test booked before you leave for the UK. The test booking reference needs inputting into your Passenger Locator Form. Obviously, this comes with the statement of 'as it stands currently'. This is also with the presumption that you're fully vaccinated.

Yeah fully vaccinated, got NHS QR code to show. So under 10 years don’t need a negative Covid test to return but a 17 year old would, and same for day 2 test? Thanks, it is super useful to share experience and knowledge with others in similar situations. The joy of forums!!

As it stands yes 10 years and under do not need a negative covid test prior to travelling to the UK.

However, children aged 5-17 years old must take a Day 2 PCR Test upon arrival to the UK so it is not the same.

Children and young people
All children aged 11 to 17 need proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to England (children aged 10 and under are exempt from this).

Children aged 4 and under do not have to take the day 2 and day 8 tests.[/size]

Children who are UK residents
On arrival in England, children aged 5 to 17 who are ordinarily resident in the UK:

- must take a COVID-19 travel test on or before day 2
- do not have to quarantine

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-quarantine-when-you-arrive-in-england#children-and-young-people