TravelCarl ThompsonJuly 05, 2021Ibiza, Covid Tests, What covid tests do you need to enter Ibiza, Green, Green Travel, Green ListComment

WHAT COVID TESTS YOU NEED TO GET INTO IBIZA!

TravelCarl ThompsonJuly 05, 2021Ibiza, Covid Tests, What covid tests do you need to enter Ibiza, Green, Green Travel, Green ListComment

I just returned from a heady few days in sun drenched Ibiza. I appreciate many of you are now looking to venture abroad and escape the English rain. Whilst posting stories out there on my Instagram feed I received a cornucopia of messages asking about various Covid tests. So I thought I'd address as many of those questions here for those that might be looking to getaway.

1. You'll need to order a Return to UK Test (to take with you to Ibiza) it’s £45 from MedicSpot. As a footnote, the hotel you're staying at should also provide a test kit, ours did for €25 and also had a test centre. If there is a lot of you going it might be worth making these enquiries with your hotel ahead of time to save some money. You need to take this test out in Ibiza within 48 hours of the time you’ll arrive back in the UK.

2. All packed? Wait before you book the Uber you need to book another test. This is the Day 2 Test which you need to take within 2 days of arriving back in the UK. They are available at most airports. Personally I flew from/to London Stansted airport and they have one at the Arrivals Walk-Through area from Collison. So you’ll get off the flight, walk through passport control, then at the arrivals area just go to the Collison testing area, scan your QR code and get tested (the whole process took me 5 minutes). Be prepared to pay £65 if you use code STNTEST at checkout.

OR another option is to pre-order from MedicSpot for £129. This is a test that will be delivered to your door where you'll be able to perform your sample in the sanctity of your own home. You send the sample back to their lab using a pre-paid Royal Mail Priority Post-box. If you're arriving from an AMBER country you'll need a Day2 and Day8 test.

Remember to do this before you leave, as you’ll need the Day2 test booking reference to complete the Passenger Locator Form for when you return to the UK.

3. The PCR Test (Fit-to-fly) is currently not a requirement. YAY! Ready to rock, grab your sexy pants and sun tan lotion and let’s get wheels up baby. However most airlines insist you have this test AND the Spanish authorities can change their rules at anytime. SO…in my opinion, get a PCR test 48 hours prior to flying. NOTE. If you are double-vaccinated within 14 days of your departure you do not need this PCR test but you may need the travel vaccination PDF from the NHS App to prove you’re vaccinated.

4. Fill in the Destination Requirement Form this needs to be done within 48hours of arrival into Spain for the Spanish authorities. You can fill some of it in before this time but a few pages cannot be completed until within the 48hours.

5. Whilst in Ibiza you’ll need to fill in the Passenger Locator Form for the UK border control, again within 48 hours of arrival back in the UK.

CHEAPEST TRAVEL INSURANCE

This is a big deal, because I would recommend getting travel insurance that covers you for COVID quarantine if your RETURN TO UK test (that you take in Spain) comes back positive. I got mine from MoneySupermarket for just £6.

Example Trip & Timings

Say you fly out to Ibiza from the UK on Thursday and return on Saturday. Here is an example timeline of what to do:

Monday - Book Return-to-uk test. Book Day2 Test for Saturday. Book PCR fit-to-fly test for Tuesday.
Tuesday - Take PCR fit-to-fly test. Buy travel insurance for your trip.
Wednesday - Fill in Spanish Destination Form.
Thursday - Fly to Ibiza.
Friday - Take Return-to-uk test out in Spain. Fill in the UK Passenger Locator Form.
Saturday - On arrival to the UK, take your Day2 test that your pre-booked at the airport.
Sunday - If you didn’t take the Day2 test at the airport, make sure you do this at home today.