Arillas Forum

Welcome to Arillas => Corfu Flight Board => Topic started by: Szapet on May 27, 2021, 10:20:03 AM

Title: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Szapet on May 27, 2021, 10:20:03 AM
Hello. We really want to fly to Arillas, but we don't know where it is possible to take a test before the way back ... Who knows anything specific? Will I need a test at a hospital in Kerkyra? (for Ryanair) I think this will be the biggest issue of traveling to Corfu this year ... Petr and family
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: dimitris on May 27, 2021, 06:49:52 PM
Hello Petr,
almost all visitors who are currently in Arillas could do their covid tests here. Their rep or travel agency can Arrange a "covid test Van" to arrive in Arillas and do the job each time needed. so that you do not have to travel elsewhere while holidaying here.
I will be posting more specific information shortly! WATCH THIS SPACE!
See you in Arillas!
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: vivian on May 27, 2021, 08:27:10 PM
That is great news thankyou, love to all the family.xxxx
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Truth on May 27, 2021, 08:57:01 PM
I'm going to have to get a rep or travel agent I think 😂 .
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Sandy x on June 04, 2021, 03:55:32 PM
Jimmy at the Rainbow is organising this for his guests...it will cost 25 euros each.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Truth on June 04, 2021, 05:06:38 PM
Hi Sandy!
How are you?
On a serious note if you are independant I presume you could go see Jimmy and jump on board?
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: kevin-beverly on June 04, 2021, 05:09:19 PM


Hi

Truth you jumped in before me good question

Kev
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Truth on June 04, 2021, 05:14:07 PM
Its a few Euros for Jimmy in fairness 🙂
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: DronnyDave on June 08, 2021, 12:01:08 AM
Is there any further news regarding testing in Arillas.
We are due to fly out with Ryanair on 27th June so will not have the service of a holiday rep and therefore will have to sort it out for ourselves.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: soniaP on June 08, 2021, 03:20:34 PM
I'm not aware that Jimmy is organising the tests for non guests.  I have had a few emails with Jimmy and he is to let me have the phone number of the company from Rhoda. However sounds like Dimitris will be posting more information on arrangements that are being made.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Truth on June 08, 2021, 03:34:15 PM
Cheers Sonia
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: kevin-beverly on June 08, 2021, 04:36:48 PM


Hi Sonia

Thank for the information we all need. A drink in the Bardis with you and Bobby next time 🍻🍺🥂🍾🍸🥃
Just one or two haha

Kev
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: soniaP on June 08, 2021, 06:49:10 PM
That would be great Kev. Cant believe we got last year with a fraction of the hassle and now got 2 vaccines and they have made it harder. Should have been going 21sr June but looking very unlikely.  Hoping maybe later on the year now.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Jon B on June 08, 2021, 07:39:40 PM
The requirement for ALL returning travellers to the UK to have a PCR test abroad, 3 days before they arrive back home seems to be a showstopper. I have found 2 clinics that offer this service, both in Corfu Town. That's an expensive round trip in a taxi, so I'm hoping this issue is being looked at, with a view to providing either group transport to a suitable accredited clinic, or, some mobile testing facility where tests can be taken locally, and then transported to a central facility for analysis. Until some positive news about this mandatory requirement for all UK visitors is forthcoming, people will simply won't travel. This PCR test also applies should Greece get placed on the Green list.....so you could say its rather an important issue, one that will last all summer. Jon B.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: soniaP on June 08, 2021, 10:50:16 PM
The clinic that comes over from Arillas and does PCR testing is the Madtoras Clini  in Roda. Telephone number
003026630063388

If any one speaks to them and finds out more information on how to book a test, cost etc then please do share. 

With thanks to Jimmy at the Rsinbow for this information
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: soniaP on June 08, 2021, 10:53:30 PM
Sorry its Mastoras clinic

Typos eh!

003026630063388
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Hibees on June 08, 2021, 10:59:41 PM
If you are from the UK you do not need a PCR test, you can use a “Rapid lateral flow test” that can be purchased in the UK and brought in your luggage. See the UK Gov website on return to UK.

You buy it and arrange a video call 3 days before your flight home and you have the results in about 30 mins. There are a lot of providers and this would save you any trouble trying to arrange a test in Corfu.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: DronnyDave on June 08, 2021, 11:02:26 PM
Jon B you have summed it up perfectly. We are due to fly out on 27th June but, as we are only staying for 9 nights I don't  want to spend 2 days travelling to Corfu town for a test and to pick up the results.
I'm not sure that the Greek Government are doing enough to encourage people to go there on holiday. It's  ok to say if you have had both vaccine jabs, come here. But it is getting home again where the problem lies. If you haven't had the test before you fly you may either be turned away at the boarding gate or if you get through you may be stopped in the UK and fined, quite heavily. Either way the cost may be substantial and for 9 nights away I'm not sure I want to take that risk.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Hibees on June 08, 2021, 11:05:45 PM
Dronnydave
See previous post re Rapid lateral (antigen) flow tests.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: soniaP on June 08, 2021, 11:08:12 PM
Hibees it has to be a PCR test taken within 72 hours before return home and has to be translated into English.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Hibees on June 08, 2021, 11:10:59 PM
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england#type-of-test

This is the government website for information look at the tests approved PCR and Antigen (Rapid Flow) and you purchase the test kit from a UK provider and everything is in English.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: soniaP on June 08, 2021, 11:11:30 PM
Jon B you have summed it up perfectly. We are due to fly out on 27th June but, as we are only staying for 9 nights I don't  want to spend 2 days travelling to Corfu town for a test and to pick up the results.
I'm not sure that the Greek Government are doing enough to encourage people to go there on holiday. It's  ok to say if you
have had both vaccine jabs, come here. But it is getting home again where the problem lies. If you haven't had the test before you fly you may either be turned away at the boarding gate or if you get through you may be stopped in the UK and fined, quite heavily. Either way the cost may be substantial and for 9 nights away I'm not sure I want to take that risk.
You do not need to travel to Corfu town.  See my previous post. Mastoras clinic are coming over from Roda to Corfu town every day to do tests. You get the results by email the next day. 
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Hibees on June 08, 2021, 11:14:33 PM
https://qured.com/covid-rapid-tests/

Just one company offering these tests
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: soniaP on June 08, 2021, 11:14:47 PM
I see Hibees that you can use an antigen test but how do you get the proof in writing of the result?
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Hibees on June 08, 2021, 11:16:29 PM
They send an email and you can print ( which I would recommend) or show results on your device.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: soniaP on June 08, 2021, 11:16:49 PM
Thanks Hibees.  This is another option.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Hibees on June 08, 2021, 11:19:46 PM
It is all very new to everyone and very confusing as the authorities keep moving the goalposts.

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Jon B on June 09, 2021, 06:26:19 PM
PCR update... Apologies if this old news, but today I sent an email to the Mastoras Medical Clinic enquiring about obtaining a mandatory PCR test before returning to the UK. I had a comprehensive reply stating that they do provide this service at a cost of 80euros at their clinic, one of which is in Roda, or they will come and do the test at your accomodation for 100euro.

OK, it might be a bit pricey, but at least you know that this service is available and accessible. This gave me a warmish feeling and heightened my anticipation for  my arrival in Arillas next week. No doubt there may be other such medical clinics offering a similar service, but this is one close by that does. Apologies again  if this is old news...Jon B.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: soniaP on June 09, 2021, 08:35:49 PM
Thanks Jon B. A bit more expensive than the rumoured price of €25 euros but perhaps this price is for those whose travel agent are organising them but thanks for finding out more info on it. Definitely more reassuring.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Jon B on June 09, 2021, 10:07:03 PM
Another source for a PCR test is from Corfu Medica, who also replied to my email. Their quoted cost of a PCR test is 60 euros, however they are based in Corfu Town... So unless you know someone who will provide a cheap taxi service there and back, you need to factor in a fair bit extra for transport. However, they do say that they perform such tests in all their clinics, so maybe there is one a bit closer?... Still, the picture is a fair bit brighter than a week or so ago. Hope this helps... Jon B.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Truth on June 10, 2021, 12:17:40 AM
All very useful info Jon , cheers 🙂
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Dai on June 10, 2021, 12:21:18 AM
A cheaper option is to use one of the govt approved companies offering Antigen/ Lateral flow tests which you can purchase at home and take to Greece with you to use before you return. As long as you have internet access they may be the easiest option.  Medicspot £45, and  Qured, £39 are two companies offering this service.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Jon B on June 10, 2021, 04:30:59 PM
Thanks very much for the steer re these companies... Have bought a Medicspot kit as it seemed to be an easier validation process.. Take a snap of the result, email or WhatsApp it a cross and get the written confirmation emailed by return... What could possibly go wrong!!.. Thanks again for the info... Jon.B
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: soniaP on June 10, 2021, 08:08:43 PM
Thanks Jon . I presume that mediscopt are a gov approved one. Could you provide a link to their website please. Thanks
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Dai on June 10, 2021, 08:35:12 PM
 https://tests.medicspot.co.uk/products/return-antigen (https://tests.medicspot.co.uk/products/return-antigen)

Hi Sonia, they state they are govt approved. Should be easy to check out.

Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Jon B on June 12, 2021, 04:21:00 PM
Help!!!!
I ordered my lateral flow test for pre departure to the UK from Medicspot on Thursday. Was promised next day delivery, only to find out today, that due to problems with their couriers, DPD, this test kit is going to be delivered on Tuesday, by which time I will be airborne, arriving in Arillas that afternoon for my 3 week holiday.

I wonder if anyone knows someone who will be arriving in Arillas in the next couple of weeks who could order one (£45) and bring it for me?.. As you can imagine I am still seething at being let down at the last minute and being left high and dry.. Woe.. Jon B
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: billyd on June 13, 2021, 02:41:52 PM
I would have come over even if the island was still in the Amber section, but as I have had 2 flights cancelled for the 21st and 20th, with different airlines, I have no choice. I had a great hire car package £200 for 2 weeks all in. But the big barrier was that, my wife said no way! I did suggest I could go out and give it go , that did not go down well😂
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Jo Wissett on June 14, 2021, 08:03:19 AM
John B I presume you have not had both vaccines so that is why you are getting a lateral flow test. I work in a school and do these twice weekly but I’m sure they are available for free from the government at your local pharmacy/docs? They are very straightforward to use
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Dai on June 14, 2021, 09:02:33 AM
Jo, Jon was referring to the pre-departure test for return to the UK so he would not have to find somewhere in Corfu to have the test. The NHS tests are not accepted for this.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: angiem on June 14, 2021, 07:02:54 PM
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england

So lateral flow tests are accepted - but not NHS tests.
But can you get a LATERAL FLOW TEST and take it with you  (- or not?) - or would you not get the result back in time?

Clear as mud!
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Dai on June 14, 2021, 08:12:32 PM
There are several companies that sell you the test for you to take with you. You self test and send them the result and they email you the certificate or some supervise your test via a video call. Full details on their web sites. Here's a couple of examples:
https://www.medicspot.co.uk/covid-test/enter-uk (https://www.medicspot.co.uk/covid-test/enter-uk)
https://qured.com/covid-rapid-tests (https://qured.com/covid-rapid-tests)

Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Jon B on June 18, 2021, 06:57:05 PM
Dai, thanks again for the heads up on these two companies. I ordered a lateral flow test from Medicspot, and after a few nervous days when their next day delivery promise failed, it eventually turned up on Monday and was packed in my case and is here with me in Arillas. The oh so bitter irony, is that the test kit, as per the free NHS kits, are manufactured in China. You couldn't make it up, and you wouldn't want to!... Jon B.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Jo Wissett on June 19, 2021, 08:56:42 AM
How does it feel to be back Jon and how was the travelling experience?
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Truth on June 19, 2021, 09:44:22 AM
Yes Jon , tell us more 🙂
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Jon B on June 19, 2021, 07:38:25 PM
It's great to be back in Arillas... that goes without saying, such a pity that there are so few folks here, especially Brits, but with the cost of tests after 2 and 8 days it's hardly surprising, and then of course there is all the isolation hoopla, which so many simply cannot afford to do... Hence, so many staying at home. 30 folks on my Ryanair flight from Bham on Tuesday, jab data and Greek PLF checked check both at Bham and upon arrival at Corfu, but no sign of random testing at Corfu. A tip for anyone travelling later would be to try and print off copies of both the PLF and jab or PCR details. Many had this on their phones and seemed to spend ages faffing about trying to find the relevant file... If it were to get busy later, this could easily cause delays and unpleasantness!. Nice to see many places now open, or preparing to open... Let's hope the UK govt do approve proof of 2 jabs as being sufficient to remove the 10 day isolation period... Should that happen, fingers crossed, then the visitors numbers across Europe will shoot up. Jon B.
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Truth on June 19, 2021, 07:56:26 PM
Cheers Jon !  Really appreciate the info 🙂
Enjoy!
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: kevin-beverly on June 26, 2021, 02:53:20 PM


Hi

Got this email

(https://i.imgur.com/2rqMkhs.jpg)

If flights are cancelled by us and we aren't able to offer a suitable alternative Jet2.com flight, we'll refund you back to the payment card used to make the original booking.

Your holiday will be automatically cancelled and we'll process your full refund within 14 days if: Your holiday is cancelled by us because of COVID-19. UK Government advice changes and it becomes illegal for you to go on a holiday abroad.


Kev
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Eggy on June 26, 2021, 06:51:23 PM
Obviously Boris is not on Jet2 then??
Negg
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: dimitris on July 01, 2021, 11:07:27 PM
Hello Petr,
almost all visitors who are currently in Arillas could do their covid tests here. Their rep or travel agency can Arrange a "covid test Van" to arrive in Arillas and do the job each time needed. so that you do not have to travel elsewhere while holidaying here.
I will be posting more specific information shortly! WATCH THIS SPACE!
See you in Arillas!
I have posted a few days ago some information regarding covid tests in Arillas and in the area. also there are some contact details where you can ask them to do your test on your accommodation as well.
https://arillas.com/covid19-test (https://arillas.com/covid19-test)
Title: Re: 2021 tests on the way home ???
Post by: Truth on July 02, 2021, 01:04:15 AM
Cheers Boss 🙂