QF1 stop in DRW question? RAT or PCR?

[Daryl 'robert]

I cannot find any info on transiting in Darwin (QF1) i am assuming transiting passengers dont normally need an entry permit right? Does this mean Qantas will accept UK entry requirements? ie a RAT covid test ??

 

[AIRwin]

From my recent experience disembarking at DRW (after taking the same flight which then continued onto London), I followed the signs to arrivals and the NT border checks with my PCR test results. The other London bound passengers proceeded directly to the transit area.
See also:

Question about QF9 MEL-DRW-LHR

Flying soon on QF9 from MEL to LHR. England only requires a day 2 test after arrival. But will I still need a pre-departure COVID test to transit via DRW (only about 1.5 hours on the ground) or will the international vaccination certificate be all I need?

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[Daryl 'robert]

Thanks please confirm that Qantas does not require any covid test at Sydney for UK? im sure i read that a pre departure test is required?? travelling in 2 days, need current rules please

 

[Daryl 'robert]

this website says get tested 2 days before flight and before 2 day in UK, or is this old information?

Get advice about health costs and services

Get advice about help with NHS costs and services. Also, where to complain about a health service and social care for older or vulnerable people.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk

 

[AIRwin]

Thanks please confirm that Qantas does not require any covid test at Sydney for UK? im sure i read that a pre departure test is required?? travelling in 2 days, need current rules please

I didn't fly to London but it looks like it from the Qantas website (last updated 2 January 2022):
All passengers travelling to the United Kingdom are now required to show a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test result when you check in for your flight, taken no more than 2 days prior to departure.

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/coronavirus/international-travel/united-kingdom-flights.html?int_cam=au%3Ainternational-travel%3Aheading-and-links%3Asee-information-on-travelling-to-%3Aen%3Ann

 

[RichardMEL]

Thanks please confirm that Qantas does not require any covid test at Sydney for UK? im sure i read that a pre departure test is required?? travelling in 2 days, need current rules please

Yes you do.

It is not really QF per se that require it, but the UK Government:

[Withdrawn] Travel to England from another country – COVID-19 rules

Check if there are any COVID-19 rules in place for travel to England from abroad.

www.gov.uk

so yes, you will need a negative PCR test to oard a flight bound for the UK.

 

[AIRwin]

You may find this of use:

Airport | Histopath Diagnostic Specialists

Conveniently located at Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane International Airports, our highly skilled team and cutting-edge technology means we can offer you your COVID results in under 90 minutes.

www.histopath.com.au

 

[Daryl 'robert]

OK thanks, that answers my question. Yes i need a test, i will keep my PCR sydney test

 

[RichardMEL]

OK thanks, that answers my question. Yes i need a test, i will keep my PCR sydney test

Be aware that you need specific test for international travel. They will not accept a free domestic test done.. hence the link to airport testing service above.

 

[Daryl 'robert]

Thankyou Yes i will get the travel PCR test certificate, i am travelling Qantas standby so i was worried about what the procedure in Darwin was for testing/entry permits. As i understand it the stop in Darwin is a technical (refuel) stop so no offload/onload of passengers (you cannot buy a QF1 ticket DRW-LHR or SYD-DRW) so i expect my bags and boarding pass to be tagged LHR not DRW but in two days i will report back.

 

[La Mouette]

Thankyou Yes i will get the travel PCR test certificate, i am travelling Qantas standby so i was worried about what the procedure in Darwin was for testing/entry permits. As i understand it the stop in Darwin is a technical (refuel) stop so no offload/onload of passengers (you cannot buy a QF1 ticket DRW-LHR or SYD-DRW) so i expect my bags and boarding pass to be tagged LHR not DRW but in two days i will report back.

The UK accepts PCR or RAT for the pre-departure test. When I was at the Sydney checkin last week, the QF staff didn't know that, which caused chaos in the queue in front of me, with people having opted for the cheaper RATs. So if you have a PCR test, I think that's safer. Then Histopath has RATs with a 30 min turnaround at the international terminal if you're desperate.

On the UK end, they will check that you have completed your passenger locator form. This includes the reference number for your booked Day 2 test. The Day 2 test has to be a PCR. QF checks these on the Sydney end as well.

 

[Mrmaxwell]

On the UK end, they will check that you have completed your passenger locator form

When I arrived at LHR on Xmas Day on QF1 no one checked anything as the airport was deserted! Obv ensure you have all the correct paperwork but it seems hit and miss.

 

[RichardMEL]

When I arrived at LHR on Xmas Day on QF1 no one checked anything as the airport was deserted! Obv ensure you have all the correct paperwork but it seems hit and miss.

Perhaps they were all at a Christmas Party at Number 10....

*duck and cover*

 

[TheInsider]

The UK accepts PCR or RAT for the pre-departure test. When I was at the Sydney checkin last week, the QF staff didn't know that, which caused chaos in the queue in front of me, with people having opted for the cheaper RATs. So if you have a PCR test, I think that's safer. Then Histopath has RATs with a 30 min turnaround at the international terminal if you're desperate.

On the UK end, they will check that you have completed your passenger locator form. This includes the reference number for your booked Day 2 test. The Day 2 test has to be a PCR. QF checks these on the Sydney end as well.

Difference with a RAT is that it needs to be verified - not a DIY test.

 

[OATEK]

The UK accepts PCR or RAT for the pre-departure test. When I was at the Sydney checkin last week, the QF staff didn't know that, which caused chaos in the queue in front of me, with people having opted for the cheaper RATs. So if you have a PCR test, I think that's safer. Then Histopath has RATs with a 30 min turnaround at the international terminal if you're desperate.

On the UK end, they will check that you have completed your passenger locator form. This includes the reference number for your booked Day 2 test. The Day 2 test has to be a PCR. QF checks these on the Sydney end as well.

Difference with a RAT is that it needs to be verified - not a DIY test.

Based on the latest changes to the rules, there is no requirement for a pre-departure test. You just need to pre-book and pay for a Day 2 to RAT test (long list provided here ).

 

[Princess Fiona]

When I arrived at LHR on Xmas Day on QF1 no one checked anything as the airport was deserted! Obv ensure you have all the correct paperwork but it seems hit and miss.

Agree the UK checks nothing as you use the e-gates to enter and have completed a PLF prior to departure.

To answer the OPs question you no longer require any tests to enter the UK just a day 0-2 RAT on arrival.
Passengers on QF1 stay airside during the DRW transit stop and there are no separate NT requirements for this flight.

If you have access to the lounge, it is very basic.

 

[Stevo.1702]

Bringing this thread back alive because it came up in my search for information.

I am traveling on QF9 (starting in DRW) on 01 April and understand that no pre-departure testing is required. No requirement for a negative result to enter the NT, no requirement to enter the UK, and no requirement by Qantas to show a negative result.

No testing on arrival in the UK either.

 

[TheInsider]

Bringing this thread back alive because it came up in my search for information.

I am traveling on QF9 (starting in DRW) on 01 April and understand that no pre-departure testing is required. No requirement for a negative result to enter the NT, no requirement to enter the UK, and no requirement by Qantas to show a negative result.

No testing on arrival in the UK either.

Correct, just need your vaccine certificate for Qantas.

 

[Daryl 'robert]

Do we still need a Passenger Locator Form for UK?

 

[kelvedon]

Do we still need a Passenger Locator Form for UK?

No, not anymore.

[Withdrawn] All COVID-19 travel restrictions removed in the UK

The government will remove the remaining COVID-19 international travel restrictions for all passengers from 4am Friday 18 March.

www.gov.uk