Navigating Day 2 COVID Testing in the UK: What You Need to Know

If you’ve recently traveled to the UK from abroad and are feeling overwhelmed by the COVID testing requirements, you’re certainly not alone. I want to share my recent experience regarding the Day 2 COVID test, hoping to ease some of your worries.

Having arrived from the USA with my vaccination status in order, I ordered my Day 2 test from EXMED (Expert Medicals). However, as Day 2 approached, I was stressed to find that my test kit had not yet arrived, leading to growing anxiety about compliance with the regulations. My advice? Steer clear of EXMED. The company has received numerous negative reviews, and good luck trying to reach them by phone; it seems their lines are perpetually busy. In hindsight, I should have done a bit more research before deciding on this provider, but the overwhelming nature of travel regulations had me feeling frazzled.

In an effort to alleviate my concerns, I reached out to the 119 national health COVID helpline based on a recommendation from another user. After navigating through a phone menu and inadvertently connecting with a very helpful representative, I learned some important news: there are no penalties for a late Day 2 test. The only time fines apply is if the test is not completed at all.

Hearing this advice was a major relief for both me and my wife, as it gave us breathing room to either wait for our original test or consider sourcing another one at a more reasonable price. To put things in perspective, the costs for tests can vary greatly—while some providers charge around 7 pounds, others can extort as much as 79 to 150 pounds for expedited services.

I hope my experience can provide some clarity and reduce the stress for those of you navigating similar situations with testing requirements. Remember, a late test is a lot better than no test at all!

Best wishes, and stay safe!