TUI launches £20 Covid tests for Brits heading to green countries – saving families hundreds in massive boost for summer
TUI has launched £20 Covid test packages for Brits returning from green list countries this summer.
The green list is to be announced tomorrow, which will allow quarantine-free travel from May 17.
While Brits won't have to self-isolate, returning holidaymakers will still need a pre-departure test when arriving back in the UK and a PCR test on day two.
TUI, who has partnered with government-authorised providers Chronomics, will offer both a pre-departure lateral flow test and a PCR test for £20, for Brits returning from green list countries.
Customers will be able to order tests on a newly created Chronomics and TUI booking hub, which launches on May 10, an hour after booking their holiday and can input their booking reference, departure date and country of travel to enter the site.
While yet to be announced, green list destinations are expected to include holiday hotspot Portugal, as well as Malta, Gibraltar, Iceland and Israel.
Popular holiday locations such as Spain, Greece and Italy are expected to be on the UK amber list, which will require a 10-day quarantine at home and two PCR tests.
However, TUI has launched an amber test package as well, costing £50, and includes a lateral flow test and two PCR tests which have to be taken on day two and day eight when back in the UK.
The tour operator also has two packages which include outbound PCR tests if required by the destination, costing £60 for green kits and £90 for amber kits.
Both packages are expected to save British families hundreds, as PCR tests can cost as much as £120 per person.
Andrew Flintham, Managing Director, TUI UK & Ireland said: "We have always believed that cost-effective testing solutions, as well as maximum flexibility, will make travel a possibility this summer and beyond.
"Our research has shown that customers are looking forward to their much-needed holiday overseas, but affordable and easy testing solutions was imperative to make this a reality.
"The four new exclusive testing packages have been developed with our customers in mind; they’re offered at greatly reduced prices, include certification to travel and will be a simple process from start to finish."
He added that passengers can also get a refund for the difference if they buy an amber kit, only for the country to be added to the green list.
TUI passengers due to travel before the end of August can change their holiday for free up to 14 days before departure.
Their free Covid Protection scheme covers any additional costs due to Covid that aren't covered by travel insurance.
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