International student travel for the Christmas break
We’ve already received a number of enquiries from students regarding travelling home for the Christmas break this year. Obviously, this is a little more complicated than in usual years due to the coronavirus pandemic, so we thought we’d put together some information and provide you with some useful links to give you some of the answers you need.
FAQ’s:
1. Is the test we can book at the University suitable for international travel?
The tests available from the university for the end of term, are Lateral Flow antigen tests (LFT). These detect the presence or absence of coronavirus by applying a swab or saliva sample to the device’s absorbent pad. The sample runs along the surface of the pad, showing a visual positive or negative result dependent on the presence of the virus. A positive LFT test or a person displaying symptoms will typically be asked to book a confirmatory PRC test which detects the presence of the virus in your body by detecting COVID-19 genetic material in your nose/throat.
You would need to check your destination country for the type of test that you need before travelling; you can do this here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
If you are an international student, please check the requirements for international travel set by the country you are returning to. The free Lateral Flow Tests may not give you the ability to travel abroad. It is usually negative PCR Covid-19 tests that are accepted by airlines and you can book and pay for these online from a range of companies, including:
Please also speak to your travel insurer, check the latest developments with your flight or transport operator and never travel if you have coronavirus symptoms.
2. Do you need to access a test before travelling internationally?
COVID-19 testing for the purposes of international travel is not available on the NHS.
Pre-travel COVID-19 tests may be available in the private sector; however, private testing processes and accuracy of results may vary.
Students should be clear that the process and accuracy of any test they may purchase privately matches that required by their destination country before payment.
https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/disease-prevention-advice/coronavirus-disease-covid-19
3. Where can I find information on travel restrictions into and out of other countries?
The UK government maintain a list of countries that don’t require any isolation period and you can find that here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors#stay-up-to-date
You can also find countries that have been removed from the exempt list.
British Airways also have a comprehensive list available here: https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/incident/coronavirus/entry-requirements.
If you have any other enquiries, please use the University’s dedicated coronavirus helpline by phoning 01970 622483 or email coronavirus@aber.ac.uk.