Are you planning on going abroad any time soon? Well, you'll need a PCR test. 

If you are hoping to go on a foreign holiday this year you will need to pay for at least one PCR test on your return to England - no matter which country visit and they aren't cheap. 

The new traffic light system categorises countries into green, amber and red depending on how safe they are to travel to and there are stark differences on your return from each destination. 

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READ MORE: Green list countries revealed and flights from Bournemouth

No matter what country you travel to, you will be required to have at least one PCR test - this is a coronavirus test using a swab on the back of your throat and inside your nose. 

Bournemouth Echo:

PCR tests involve a swab inside the nose and the back of the throat (PA). 

The PCR tests have faced an increasing level of criticism over the last couple of months in terms of their affordability. 

Each PCR test alone typically cost £120 each, although several travel companies offer them for £60.

The Transport Secretary has offered hope of cheaper Covid tests for holidaymakers as he previously told MPs the Government has been working to “drive down the cost” of the swabs.

There is currently one company on the Government’s approved list is selling a single PCR test for less than £45.

What does the PCR test involve? 

The test involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud.

You can do the swab yourself (if you are aged 12 or over) or someone can do it for you. Parents or guardians have to swab test children aged 11 or under.

How do you book a PCR test? 

The NHS does not provide PCR test for people returning from abroad, instead these must be booked and paid for before travelling from a list of government-approved providers. 

Bournemouth Echo:

There is a government-approved list of PCR test providers (PA).

The first test will be taken on or before day two of your quarantine period and the second test will be taken on or after day eight of your quarantine period.

Travellers from 'amber list countries' can pay for an additional test on day five of quarantine to be released early if they test negative.

People should book travel tests in advance to give the provider time to organise delivery of the test kits. Booking shortly before arrival in England may result in the test kits arriving late.

PCR test providers: 

There are a number of nationwide test providers who will deliver your tests to you before your travel. 

However there are currently seven providers which cater specifically for the South West, these are as follows:

  • Hampshire Travel Clinic, partnered with Oncologica - £220
  • Cheltenham, Worcester and West Midlands Travel Clinics, partnered with Nonacus and Salient Bio - £200 
  • Linbury Doctors, partnered with Nationwide - £210
  • Remedi Health, partnered with Oncologica - £270
  • South West London Covid-19 Testing Centre, partnered with Circular 1 Lab - £200 
  • Southdowns Private Healthcare Ltd, partnered with Salient Bio - £350
  • The Walcote Practice, Winchester, partnered with Nationwide Pathology - £230

A full list of providers can be found on the government website. 

What are the rules when returning from abroad? 

The number of tests and your quarantine period depends on which category of country you are returning from.

Bournemouth Echo:

Holidaymakers boarding a flight at Bournemouth Airport. 

Green list countries: 

  • You must take a pre-departure test in that country.
  • On or before the second day after arriving in the UK, they will need to take a PCR test purchased from a private provider.
  • You will not need to quarantine on your return unless you receive a positive test.

Amber list countries: 

  • You will have to quarantine for 10 days at home (day zero is the day you arrive)
  • You must take a pre-departure test, then a PCR test on days two and eight, bought from a private provider. 
  • Travellers will be given a unique reference number after buying the tests that they have to put on their passenger locator form before they travel to the UK.
  • There will be an option for "test to release" in which they can end self-isolation early if they test negative on day five, as well as day two, by purchasing an extra PCR test.

Red list countries: 

  • Arrivals must quarantine for 10 days in a specific quarantine hotel at a cost of £1,750

• You have to take a pre-departure test then PCR tests on day two and day eight

• Passengers must book and agree to pay for a quarantine package before departing for the UK.

Are you going on holiday this summer? Let us know in the comments.