By Chris King • Published: 09 May 2021 • 21:30
Unvaccinated travellers from Spain entering France must present negative test taken within 24 hours. image: wikimedia
BRITISH Holidaymakers Warned That Taking PCR Tests Could Double Their Holiday Cost
British holidaymakers wanting to escape to Europe again now that the travel corridors are slowly opening up, are being warned by travel experts to consider how much it might cost them and their family for the mandatory PCR tests that will be required, before confirming any bookings.
Since the announcement last Friday that Portugal is on the British government’s ‘green list‘ there have been reports by mirror.co.uk of bookings going through the roof, with one example being given of a holiday for a family of four costing around £720.
That is a very reasonable price, but, then you must add on the cost of the PCR tests, which for a family of four, could cost around £960, although of course, you can always decide to forego the PCR tests, but, there is a £4,000 fixed penalty fine when caught.
This scenario doesn’t only apply to Portugal, as by June it is expected that Spain, Italy, Greece, France, etc will all be added to the ‘green list’, which brings fears of the system possibly becoming overwhelmed with people sending in and waiting longer than normal for their test results, thus running the risk of missing their trip as a result.
Which?, the consumer organisation, claims that PCR tests in Britain are among the most expensive in the world at the moment, with an average cost of £120, and the British government requires everybody over the age of five to present a negative test before flying, so, for a family consisting of mother, father, and two kids ages over five, that means £480 spent on tests to board a flight.
Then, before flying home to Britain, in the case of Portugal, another test must be taken 72 hours prior to flying, which can be a lateral test, which is free on the NHS and in most EU states, but on returning to Britain, again each person must take another PCR test two days after arriving, which adds up to eight PCR tests for a family of four.
Martyn James, from Resolver website which runs in conjunction with Money Saving Expert, said, “I don’t think people appreciate test costs. For a good, cheap, package deal, you’re looking at doubling costs when you add in tests. I’ve seen tests go up to £180. Insurance doesn’t cover you for not having the right test. So if you get turned away at the gate for the wrong type, you won’t be covered”.
The Euro Weekly News is running a campaign to help reunite Brits in Spain with their family and friends by capping the costs of PCR tests for travel. Please help us urge the government to cap costs at https://euroweeklynews.com/2021/04/16/ewn-champions-the-rights-of-brits-in-spain-to-see-loved-ones-again/
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Originally from Wales, Chris spent years on the Costa del Sol before moving to the Algarve where he is a web reporter for The Euro Weekly News covering international and Spanish national news. Got a news story you want to share? Then get in touch at editorial@euroweeklynews.com
Well its got to be Spain, I don’t want to go to Israel whilst they’re shooting each other again and New Zealand well that’s holiday time reduced due to travel. Gibraltar & Portugal, no flights from Birmingham, so that’s a bummer all round, well BoJo & co thank you and no you will not get my vote next time.
Actually John you can fly direct to Gibraltar from Birmingham as Eastern Airlines are introducing twice weekly flights from May 28.
Completely pointless and illogical demanding two covid tests from people returning to UK from Gibraltar, which has NO covid cases and with almost everyone double-vaccinated. Especially as Gib does not require covid tests for Brits coming to Gib, as they actually believe in the vaccines. Come on UK government, pull your socks up and apply logic, not ideology. You are wasting everyone’s time and money for no reason. If vaccines work, what is the point of covid tests in a place where there is no covid? Dumb.
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