Covid-19 Testing For Freight Drivers Entering England

Following the latest update from the UK government, from 6 April all drivers arriving in England from abroad will need to take a COVID-19 test if they are staying in the UK for more than 2 days.

They need to take the first test within the first 2 days, then further tests every 3 days. This will apply to HGV drivers and their passenger, drivers of vans and other light goods vehicles. It applies to both UK-based and non-UK drivers.

You do not need to take a test if you will be in England for 2 days or less.

More information is available on UK Government’s website.

Rapid antigen tests for freight drivers at Hull port

Freight drivers entering the Netherlands from the UK, no longer need to undergo a rapid test if they have spent less than 48 hours in the United Kingdom. The period spent in the UK begins when the ferry arrives in the UK and ends when it departs. It is the driver's responsibility to limit their stay in the UK to a maximum of 48 hours and to provide evidence of this. If in doubt, drivers are advised to take a rapid test before departure. More information is available here.

If drivers need a rapid test before they travel to the Netherlands, they can use our testing service at Hull Terminal - P&O Ferries Terminal 1, Hull Port, Postcode: HU9 5PS. Drivers wishing to use this service must arrive at least 1h and 30 mins before departure in order to minimise the risk of missing the sailing. The test centre is opened Monday to Sunday from 14:00 to 19:30. The cost of the test is £29.

Essential information to enter the UK – Read before you book

*Freight drivers remain exempt from quarantine/self-isolation requirements on arrival in the UK, regardless of the countries they have travelled in, but please note that points 1 & 3 of the public health information below applies to all freight drivers and accompanying passengers.

The United Kingdom is taking steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
1) All persons (including UK nationals and residents) arriving in the UK from outside the common travel area must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 3 days of departure to the UK. For further information please visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england.
2) To protect your health and others’, everyone must complete an online passenger locator form before arrival in the United Kingdom.
3) All arrivals must quarantine for 10 days unless exempt*. If you have travelled through a red list country in the last 10 days, you must have a valid Managed Quarantine Facility booked prior to departure. For information please visit: www.gov.uk/travel-quarantine-and-testing. Check the list of exempt countries immediately before travel and the list of work-related exemptions if travelling for work.
4) Everyone is required to take a coronavirus test on days 2 and 8 of their quarantine. You must have this booked prior to departure. For information please visit: www.gov.uk/travel-quarantine-and-testing.
5) It is a legal requirement that you wear a face covering on public transport in the UK.
6) If you quarantine in England, you may opt in to Test to Release. For further information please visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-test-to-release-for-international-travel. 

Failure to comply with the above measures is a criminal offence and you could be fined. Please visit www.gov.uk/uk-border-control for detailed public health advice and requirements for entering the UK.