PCR tests on public holidays?

[julie60]

Good morning all…I have flights booked for December this year to travel to UK to see family. Our departure is early morning 28 December. At this stage we need PCR tests, however it looks as though the testing clinics here in Adelaide are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Dow anyone have any idea how we can get these tests completed? Many thanks all.
Oops forgot to say (thanks Aikman) I am flying out of Adelaide

 

[aikman]

If you are transiting Sydney or Melbourne, there are testing clinics at those airports with a 1hr turnaround.

 

[Amanad78]

You don't need a PCR test to leave Australia and fly to the UK

 

[MEL_Traveller]

You don't need a PCR test to leave Australia and fly to the UK

The only caveat I would add is ‘as of now’.

Things could change if the UK goes down the route of the Netherlands for example with cases seemingly on the increase (or at least were a couple weeks ago). The requirement to have a negative test could come back at any time.

I would hope for the best, but have done the research to find out where you could source a test on a public holiday, if necessary.

 

[Amanad78]

The only caveat I would add is ‘as of now’.

Things could change if the UK goes down the route of the Netherlands for example with cases seemingly on the increase (or at least were a couple weeks ago). The requirement to have a negative test could come back at any time.

'I would hope for the best, but have done the research to find out where you could source a test on a public holiday, if necessary.

Yes, need to keep on top of everything for sure as it's always changing!

I'm flying to uk in December (24th). I have had my 2 day test sent to my parents house in uk already. I'll be taking my PCR test to enter back in to Aus on 3rd Jan which is a bank holiday (I fly early morning on the 6th), the lab I'll be going with is open on that holiday so all good to go. Just crossing fingers I don’t catch covid while I'm there for 2 weeks then not allowed on the plane! And also crossing fingers that QLD gets to 90% by 8 Jan so I dont have to quarantine

 

[julie60]

Yes, need to keep on top of everything for sure as it's always changing!

I'm flying to uk in December (24th). I have had my 2 day test sent to my parents house in uk already. I'll be taking my PCR test to enter back in to Aus on 3rd Jan which is a bank holiday (I fly early morning on the 6th), the lab I'll be going with is open on that holiday so all good to go. Just crossing fingers I don’t catch covid while I'm there for 2 weeks then not allowed on the plane! And also crossing fingers that QLD gets to 90% by 8 Jan so I dont have to quarantine

So you don’t need one to leave Australia!!! Oh my, I am definitely not reading things right at all We have a 3hr transit in Singapore, I keep reading the requirements but am getting more and more confused!! Perhaps it’s my age .

 

[andye]

So you don’t need one to leave Australia!!! Oh my, I am definitely not reading things right at all We have a 3hr transit in Singapore, I keep reading the requirements but am getting more and more confused!! Perhaps it’s my age .

Technically no-one does but practically It depends on the airline. CX for instance don't. SQ requires a test to transit SIN. QF require to board the plane

 

[Big John]

And also crossing fingers that QLD gets to 90% by 8 Jan so I dont have to quarantine

Covidlive.com.au is currently predicting that QLD hits 90% on 4 Jan 2022.

So it is possible that your wish might be granted (but the timing may be close !)

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

Technically no-one does but practically It depends on the airline. CX for instance don't. SQ requires a test to transit SIN. QF require to board the plane

Some many variations - Why does Qantas require a negative test? Isn't being fully vaxxed enough? Do we need to test for Qantas domestic as well?

 

[Amanad78]

Covidlive.com.au is currently predicting that QLD hits 90% on 4 Jan 2022.

So it is possible that your wish might be granted (but the timing may be close !)

Yes, I'm very excited because last week before the announcement regarding restrictions for unvaccinated people it was 20 Jan!

 

[Must...Fly!]

QF require to board the plane

No they don't. It was an early condition but was since removed. Only need it if your destination requires it, as far as I am aware.

 

[serfty]

You don't need a PCR test to leave Australia and fly to the UK

Seems to be the case for the USA as well - A negative COVID test is required but among the list it "antigen: rapid" although indiciations are is must be carried out or overseen by someone authorised to do so.

 

[Amanad78]

Some many variations - Why does Qantas require a negative test? Isn't being fully vaxxed enough? Do we need to test for Qantas domestic as well?

I think being fully vaxxed is enough for Qantas, no neg PCR required, it's depending on the requirements of the country you are travelling to.

Unvaxxed people still require an exemption to leave Australia but even if an unvaxxed person is able to secure an exemption they won't be permitted to fly with Qantas

 

[andye]

No they don't. It was an early condition but was since removed. Only need it if your destination requires it, as far as I am aware.

Funny enough I double-checked on the QF website as I wasn't sure of myself but obviously not updated

 

[Quickstatus]

You don't need a PCR test to leave Australia and fly to the UK

Depends….
If 2Jab CovidVax and no “red list” country then don’t need CovidSwab prior to departure. However you need to book and pay for prior to departure, a lateral flow test or PCR to be done within 2 days of arrival

If from or visited a “red list” country then need to do a CovidSwab PCR prior to departure irrespective of CovidVax

Also don’t assume that the aircraft will land only in the UK. Diversions might happen and land you in a country where immigration might ask you to produce a CovidSwab PCR. And also look at your transiting countries if there are stops along the way. What if you are forced due to an aircraft problem to stay in a transiting country?

I would encourage people travelling OS to get their CovidSwab PCR prior to departure whatever their destination. Too much uncertainty…

Lastly wouldn’t you want to know CovidStatus if about to share the air with fellow self loading freight

 

[vdrv43ht]

So you don’t need one to leave Australia!!! Oh my, I am definitely not reading things right at all We have a 3hr transit in Singapore, I keep reading the requirements but am getting more and more confused!! Perhaps it’s my age .

Who are you flying with? If it's Singapore Airlines you must get a pre-flight test:

https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/travel-info/transit-through-singapore/

Travellers, including Singapore citizens and permanent residents, transiting through Singapore will be required to take a pre-departure Covid-19 test within two days of the scheduled departure date of their flight.

 

[AIRwin]

Anyone knows where PCR testing is available in MEL on Boxing Day (when I arrive in the evening) prior to my return to BNE on 29 December?

 

[Quickstatus]

PCR testing is available in MEL on Boxing Day

Like last December 2020, there will be testing facilities open all summer incl public holidays. Just check closer to time here