Lateral Flow Tests Accepted For Inter-Islands Travel

Tuesday, 3 August 2021 09:15

Fully-vaccinated islanders travelling from Jersey to Guernsey now only need to show proof of a negative Lateral Flow test when they arrive, rather than a full PCR swab result.

The Bailiwick's restrictions on arrivals from Jersey had been criticised by some passengers who have struggled to obtain a PCR test with the 48-hour window after pharmacies were quickly becoming booked up.

The change has taken effect today (Tuesday 3 August) for anyone who has an 'observed' lateral flow test within two days of travelling to the islands from Jersey.

Like other passengers from inside the Common Travel Area, passengers from Jersey will have to purchase five lateral flow tests to use, costing £25.

However, 'sufficient stocks' of these tests are yet to arrive in Guernsey because of a 'supply chain issue'.

"Because of the delay, we now anticipate that the introduction of LFT packs will start later this week. We will keep you updated and give travellers enough notice before we implement the £25 per pack charge through Travel Tracker." - States of Guernsey

Under the previous rules, pre-travel PCR tests were setting Jersey passengers back around £150 each.

Guernsey's Civil Contingencies Authority says it has had to keep some extra requirements in place for Jersey because of the island's contact tracing policies and current COVID-19 prevalence rates, but this will be 'kept under review'.