THOUSANDS of Brits could be stuck in isolation over Christmas due to week-long waits to get the result from their Day 2 PCR tests.
Vaccinated Brits returning to the UK must take a PCR test within two days of arriving in the UK and isolate until they receive a negative result, which in the past has been as quick as 24 hours.
But one of Britain's biggest travel testing companies has warned there could be week-long delays for results over Christmas, leaving people stuck isolating for the big day.
Testing company Qured said Day 2 PCR tests with an arrival date between December 20 and January 3 are unavailable.
In a statement on the company's website, it said: "Standard delivery is unavailable due to postal closures."
As the problem is a postal issue, similar problems are likely to be seen with other providers.
Unvaccinated travellers must take both a Day 2 and a Day 8 PCR test, which the company has warned will not be possible if they arrive between December 14 and January 3.
The company has urged anyone who is travelling in the week before Christmas to return their completed tests before December 22.
It warned that if tests are posted after that, it is "extremely unlikely" results will be returned before December 29.
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The message reads: "The last day to post your PCR samples for arrival at the lab before Christmas is December 22.
"If your travel plans allow it, we urge you to post your sample earlier to avoid potential Royal Mail delays or to use our expedited courier service if you're within the M25.
"Any tests posted after December 22 are extremely unlikely to be delivered un December 29."
The company added that anyone ordering tests for delivery should do so by December 20 for arrival before/on December 24.
But it warned: "However, this is not guaranteed, so please ensure that you order as soon as possible."
The price of PCR tests has been slammed by travellers, with some paying mark-ups of up to £100 for tests sold by firms featured on the government's website.
Still thinking of going on holiday? We've rounded up all the Covid entry rules for top holiday destinations – including Spain, Portugal, Turkey and US.
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