Driving to/through France from UK right now
Discussion
I hate politics.
So a new travel list has been published that puts parts of Spain on the green list. As of 23rd June Spain's overall numbers are 51 cases per 100,000 and 80 vaccination doses per 100. As far as I can ascertain the Spanish Islands are slightly better at 48 cases per 100,000, no idea on the vaccinations numbers but I expect it is similar to Spain's overall number. Whereas, Germany is 7 cases per 100,000 and 83 vaccination doses per 100. For what reason, other than bloody politics, is Germany not on the Green list? I will still do my best to come over the UK in August to see my family for the first time in over 18 months and introduce them to my 16 month old daughter but it would be much easier and cheaper if Germany was green and not amber. Does the Government publish the specific criteria for their list decision making?
So a new travel list has been published that puts parts of Spain on the green list. As of 23rd June Spain's overall numbers are 51 cases per 100,000 and 80 vaccination doses per 100. As far as I can ascertain the Spanish Islands are slightly better at 48 cases per 100,000, no idea on the vaccinations numbers but I expect it is similar to Spain's overall number. Whereas, Germany is 7 cases per 100,000 and 83 vaccination doses per 100. For what reason, other than bloody politics, is Germany not on the Green list? I will still do my best to come over the UK in August to see my family for the first time in over 18 months and introduce them to my 16 month old daughter but it would be much easier and cheaper if Germany was green and not amber. Does the Government publish the specific criteria for their list decision making?
Boris risks losing the goodwill gained from the success of the vaccination program, by his persistent failure to publish how his rankings are being made.
The lists should be being reviewed weekly rather than 3-weekly., with special markers for watch lists.
Only by making everything transparent can he have any hope of carrying the nation with him. At some point, he has to trust people to do the right thing. Epsilon and even Theta variants will undoubtedly be along before too long. We just have to accept that this is our fate and get on with life.
The lists should be being reviewed weekly rather than 3-weekly., with special markers for watch lists.
Only by making everything transparent can he have any hope of carrying the nation with him. At some point, he has to trust people to do the right thing. Epsilon and even Theta variants will undoubtedly be along before too long. We just have to accept that this is our fate and get on with life.
I was just about to pick up the internet and book flights to Malta, then I saw the UK Maltese Consulate announced that you're not allowed to enter Malta unless you've got a recognised certificate of vaccination. The only recognised certificates of vaccination are those issued by the Maltese government, in Malta.
Ah.
Ah.
The French government website says a compelling reason to enter is for those 'in transit in the international zone for less than 24 hours.' Doesn't the international zone just apply to airports? Yet the Eurotunnel website uses this clause as a reason to board and drive through France https://help.eurotunnel.com/hc/en-gb/articles/3600...
People have had no problems transiting through on this clause as I want check I don't get turned away with 2 kids in the back as we try get to Spain later this month. Cheers
People have had no problems transiting through on this clause as I want check I don't get turned away with 2 kids in the back as we try get to Spain later this month. Cheers
ElectricSoup said:
I was just about to pick up the internet and book flights to Malta, then I saw the UK Maltese Consulate announced that you're not allowed to enter Malta unless you've got a recognised certificate of vaccination. The only recognised certificates of vaccination are those issued by the Maltese government, in Malta.
Ah.
Malta is not alone. Italian neighbours and French friends of mine are seething at the idiotic and often contradictory obstacles that officials (EU and national) are placing in the way of their tourism trade. Ah.
psi310398 said:
ElectricSoup said:
I was just about to pick up the internet and book flights to Malta, then I saw the UK Maltese Consulate announced that you're not allowed to enter Malta unless you've got a recognised certificate of vaccination. The only recognised certificates of vaccination are those issued by the Maltese government, in Malta.
Ah.
Malta is not alone. Italian neighbours and French friends of mine are seething at the idiotic and often contradictory obstacles that officials (EU and national) are placing in the way of their tourism trade. Ah.
Ah, see they have now done a further U turn on this. FFS.
Edited by Shnozz on Thursday 1st July 12:22
Shnozz said:
psi310398 said:
ElectricSoup said:
I was just about to pick up the internet and book flights to Malta, then I saw the UK Maltese Consulate announced that you're not allowed to enter Malta unless you've got a recognised certificate of vaccination. The only recognised certificates of vaccination are those issued by the Maltese government, in Malta.
Ah.
Malta is not alone. Italian neighbours and French friends of mine are seething at the idiotic and often contradictory obstacles that officials (EU and national) are placing in the way of their tourism trade. Ah.
No entry for UK children between ages 12-17 though, mine are 13 and 16 so that's that plan for a family holiday out of the window.
U turns? U turns? Shirley not?!
I'm trying for ferry to Spain and down to Portugal. With a dog. In an electric car. Ahahahaha. Here, check my blood pressure.
Portugal :
We did need PCR tests for PT but not any more as we're going in by road - now they only require 72 hour PCR negs for flyers. £320 down the toilet. Because we're on a ferry for close to 36 hours, then transiting Spain for a worst case of 8-10 hours, those PT PCRs needed to be taken within a few hours of getting on the ferry in Portsmouth, results arriving while we're sailing... but now we don't need them.
Best one this week was as of Monday my unclean covid-ridden kids had to quarantine in PT for 14 days making a holiday pointless - but now they don't. Winning
Spain :
As of earlier in the week the unvaccinated kids needed neg tests including antigen for Spain - adults ok as we were double vaccinated over 14 days ago. Brittany Ferries stated Monday those kids tests needed to be within 48 hours of both getting ON and getting OFF the Ports-Santander ferry (think about the logistics of that for a moment on a 36 hour hour ferry journey!).
So antigens booked at Southampton. Aah but as of last night the antigen tests are no longer acceptable for Spain so I assume we now need to get rapid PCR or LAMP tests instead - will go with PCR as it covers all bases. He says confidently
You're thinking about using those portuguese PCRs for boarding? Don't be silly, we won't have the results of those in time to get on the boat.
I want to confirm again with Brittany Ferries as to whether they still need a PCR/LAMP within 48 hours of both sailing and docking or whether the existing antigen will do for boarding in UK (we'll use our previously pointless portuguese tests for the Spanish end) but their live chat appears knackered today. Can't think why...
All the european websites are utter s
t, all are out of date constantly. I get Gov. emails daily which to be fair are either ahead of the curve or up to date and accurate but when you go off into Europe to confirm anything Gov. advises, those sites are days out of date or direct you in a circle of other out of date websites.
https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/covid-19-... is pretty accurate but has been updated at least once since the currently indicated 28th but hey, why admit you backtracked hours after the PT tourist industry imploded after Monday's quarantine announcement?
From what I've been reading international transit is within an airport only but that website suggests transit through France is ok with a 72 hour PCR negative but you'd have to get your foot down or get a PCR/LAMP test before entering Spain if you are carrying any of the 'unclean'.
Clint/ Do ya feel lucky punk? Well - do ya?
I'm trying for ferry to Spain and down to Portugal. With a dog. In an electric car. Ahahahaha. Here, check my blood pressure.
Portugal :
We did need PCR tests for PT but not any more as we're going in by road - now they only require 72 hour PCR negs for flyers. £320 down the toilet. Because we're on a ferry for close to 36 hours, then transiting Spain for a worst case of 8-10 hours, those PT PCRs needed to be taken within a few hours of getting on the ferry in Portsmouth, results arriving while we're sailing... but now we don't need them.
Best one this week was as of Monday my unclean covid-ridden kids had to quarantine in PT for 14 days making a holiday pointless - but now they don't. Winning
Spain :
As of earlier in the week the unvaccinated kids needed neg tests including antigen for Spain - adults ok as we were double vaccinated over 14 days ago. Brittany Ferries stated Monday those kids tests needed to be within 48 hours of both getting ON and getting OFF the Ports-Santander ferry (think about the logistics of that for a moment on a 36 hour hour ferry journey!).
So antigens booked at Southampton. Aah but as of last night the antigen tests are no longer acceptable for Spain so I assume we now need to get rapid PCR or LAMP tests instead - will go with PCR as it covers all bases. He says confidently
You're thinking about using those portuguese PCRs for boarding? Don't be silly, we won't have the results of those in time to get on the boat.
I want to confirm again with Brittany Ferries as to whether they still need a PCR/LAMP within 48 hours of both sailing and docking or whether the existing antigen will do for boarding in UK (we'll use our previously pointless portuguese tests for the Spanish end) but their live chat appears knackered today. Can't think why...
All the european websites are utter s
t, all are out of date constantly. I get Gov. emails daily which to be fair are either ahead of the curve or up to date and accurate but when you go off into Europe to confirm anything Gov. advises, those sites are days out of date or direct you in a circle of other out of date websites.https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/covid-19-... is pretty accurate but has been updated at least once since the currently indicated 28th but hey, why admit you backtracked hours after the PT tourist industry imploded after Monday's quarantine announcement?
PVM on another thread said:
The French government website says a compelling reason to enter is for those 'in transit in the international zone for less than 24 hours.' Doesn't the international zone just apply to airports? Yet the Eurotunnel website uses this clause as a reason to board and drive through France https://help.eurotunnel.com/hc/en-gb/articles/3600...
People have had no problems transiting through on this clause as I want check I don't get turned away with 2 kids in the back as we try get to Spain later this month. Cheers
I've been using reopen.eu as it's slightly less shonky than some of the other crap - for France to Spain from ROW it's here - https://reopen.europa.eu/en/from-to/OTC/ESP/FRAPeople have had no problems transiting through on this clause as I want check I don't get turned away with 2 kids in the back as we try get to Spain later this month. Cheers
From what I've been reading international transit is within an airport only but that website suggests transit through France is ok with a 72 hour PCR negative but you'd have to get your foot down or get a PCR/LAMP test before entering Spain if you are carrying any of the 'unclean'.
Clint/ Do ya feel lucky punk? Well - do ya?
Edited by andy43 on Thursday 1st July 12:29
Shnozz said:
Jesus Andy - just reading that makes it sound a full time job. Fair play to you for perseverance.
Really hope we see some clarity that lasts for more than a few days during the course of the next month - 6 weeks so we can think about returning.
Clarity? It's fReally hope we see some clarity that lasts for more than a few days during the course of the next month - 6 weeks so we can think about returning.
king ridiculous. Nothing to do with covid at all. Somebody direct me to where I can invest in testing companies - they must be making an absolute killing.RizzoTheRat said:
Re tests, not sure if it's all of Europe, but a colleague's daughter just discovered that an NHS PCR test isn't acceptable to travel from the UK to NL, it has to be a private one.
Correct for all countries afaik as you don't get a fit to fly (or fit to be bankrupted) certificate from the NHS (clap here) - you have to pay I'm afraid.ElectricSoup said:
Shnozz said:
psi310398 said:
ElectricSoup said:
I was just about to pick up the internet and book flights to Malta, then I saw the UK Maltese Consulate announced that you're not allowed to enter Malta unless you've got a recognised certificate of vaccination. The only recognised certificates of vaccination are those issued by the Maltese government, in Malta.
Ah.
Malta is not alone. Italian neighbours and French friends of mine are seething at the idiotic and often contradictory obstacles that officials (EU and national) are placing in the way of their tourism trade. Ah.
No entry for UK children between ages 12-17 though, mine are 13 and 16 so that's that plan for a family holiday out of the window.
ElectricSoup said:
Blimey don't things change quickly. The Maltese have just announced the digital version is now acceptable also.
The EU wide digital system went live today, is it definitely the UK digital one they've said they'll take? Some countries have already said they'll accept the UK one, and hopefully they'll agree to accept it EU wide pretty soon, which I guess will be the point the UK accepts the EU one too. RizzoTheRat said:
ElectricSoup said:
Blimey don't things change quickly. The Maltese have just announced the digital version is now acceptable also.
The EU wide digital system went live today, is it definitely the UK digital one they've said they'll take? Some countries have already said they'll accept the UK one, and hopefully they'll agree to accept it EU wide pretty soon, which I guess will be the point the UK accepts the EU one too. https://twitter.com/MaltainUK/status/1410574047629...
So, an update from me, having started this thread a while back, and found some very useful information as it developed, thank you.
On Sunday June 27 I took my car into France via the tunnel, on July 1 I entered Monaco, and yesterday I entered Italy. This is a trip to see clients, which in normal times would be a couple of simple separate journeys by air and taxi. Here are my experiences so far.
Prep: this was the most stressful and bizarre part, with a constantly shifting set of regulations, many of them far from clear. In the end, to give credit to UK bureaucracy, I found googling "UK passport holders entering France/Italy/Switzerland" etc and going in to the relevant UK GOV website was the clearest and most updated way of getting information about entering other countries. There were even almost-live updates about entering Italy with the England football match in Rome. Also, local Anglophone websites the The Local and Connexion were helpful.
Entering France: Going through the Tunnel was the most challenging part of the trip, and literally harder than entering and exiting East Berlin from the West in the 1980s. The automatic check in booths are disabled, and the person in the booth asked if I had my NHS vaccine certificate and a negative test in the last 72 hours (France requirements). The terminal was a sad wasteland; every shop was closed, only the machines offering drinks and snacks.
As you leave the car park, a guard asks again: do you have the vaccine certificate and test and entering France form? (There were copies of this form printed out available at the terminal).
UK passport control was OK. French passport control asked for the test certificate and to see the NHS fit to travel QR code on the NHS app. (I also had it printed out). There were no further questions and no challenges about why I was entering France/where I would be staying (technically as of now we need to self isolate, but this is a level below the quarantine requirement of early June).
There were no difficulties, but without the NHS fit to travel code, and negative test, I would not have been let through.
In France, everything is relaxed. Hotels didn't ask for any paperwork.
Monaco: there are police on the roundabout entering town stopping foreigners. They didn't stop me, probably because they had already stopped a Dutch car. Also I guess I may have looked local as I am in a 992 Targa.
Italy: this was the big one. UK citizens do not need a reason to enter Italy but do have to quarantine and test to release. Exceptions are for transit and for work reasons. I had a letter from my employer, a lateral flow test from Monaco (not clear on Italian website whether this was required, but just to be safe) and Italian flag stickers on the car. A day after the England match in Rome, drove down the autoroute towards Ventimiglia and...nothing. No roadblocks, no checks, no police.
Now I am in Italy for five days, next stop Switzerland. Incidentally you can follow this trip on the Stories on our magazine Instagram (@luxthemagazine) but in any case I will update here.
In summary: getting out of UK: you need all paperwork to be in order, including NHS app. Everywhere else: a lottery.
I hope this has been helpful, but bear in mind rules change constantly.
On Sunday June 27 I took my car into France via the tunnel, on July 1 I entered Monaco, and yesterday I entered Italy. This is a trip to see clients, which in normal times would be a couple of simple separate journeys by air and taxi. Here are my experiences so far.
Prep: this was the most stressful and bizarre part, with a constantly shifting set of regulations, many of them far from clear. In the end, to give credit to UK bureaucracy, I found googling "UK passport holders entering France/Italy/Switzerland" etc and going in to the relevant UK GOV website was the clearest and most updated way of getting information about entering other countries. There were even almost-live updates about entering Italy with the England football match in Rome. Also, local Anglophone websites the The Local and Connexion were helpful.
Entering France: Going through the Tunnel was the most challenging part of the trip, and literally harder than entering and exiting East Berlin from the West in the 1980s. The automatic check in booths are disabled, and the person in the booth asked if I had my NHS vaccine certificate and a negative test in the last 72 hours (France requirements). The terminal was a sad wasteland; every shop was closed, only the machines offering drinks and snacks.
As you leave the car park, a guard asks again: do you have the vaccine certificate and test and entering France form? (There were copies of this form printed out available at the terminal).
UK passport control was OK. French passport control asked for the test certificate and to see the NHS fit to travel QR code on the NHS app. (I also had it printed out). There were no further questions and no challenges about why I was entering France/where I would be staying (technically as of now we need to self isolate, but this is a level below the quarantine requirement of early June).
There were no difficulties, but without the NHS fit to travel code, and negative test, I would not have been let through.
In France, everything is relaxed. Hotels didn't ask for any paperwork.
Monaco: there are police on the roundabout entering town stopping foreigners. They didn't stop me, probably because they had already stopped a Dutch car. Also I guess I may have looked local as I am in a 992 Targa.
Italy: this was the big one. UK citizens do not need a reason to enter Italy but do have to quarantine and test to release. Exceptions are for transit and for work reasons. I had a letter from my employer, a lateral flow test from Monaco (not clear on Italian website whether this was required, but just to be safe) and Italian flag stickers on the car. A day after the England match in Rome, drove down the autoroute towards Ventimiglia and...nothing. No roadblocks, no checks, no police.
Now I am in Italy for five days, next stop Switzerland. Incidentally you can follow this trip on the Stories on our magazine Instagram (@luxthemagazine) but in any case I will update here.
In summary: getting out of UK: you need all paperwork to be in order, including NHS app. Everywhere else: a lottery.
I hope this has been helpful, but bear in mind rules change constantly.
Shnozz said:
Was your passport stamped on entry into Europe?
Ours were stamped at Faro airport in June, and Passport Control thumbed through to find my incoming stamp when we left Portugal.We're going nowhere near France but I thought I may as well update my fun and games... and we haven't even left yet.
Portugal : the 72 hour PCRs x 4 with results within 48 hours previously only required for flyers now seems less clear as they're now wanting anybody moving around PT to have had tests or vaccines. So that may as well be all four of us even if we're crossing the unmanned SP/PT border - they can pull us inside PT and fine us apparently. I'm getting that £320 back via emails and soshul meeja though so good news. Except we now need those tests again, but faster...
Spain : got the refunds back on the two kids Southampton antigen tests no longer accepted by Spain (yay), booked two acceptable (so far) replacement PCR tests at Manchester airport for the day before boarding the ferry based on Brittany's (may as well have been Brittany Spears rather than the boat people) verbal advice, THEN got a text from Brittany yesterday stating the unclean kids must "prior to boarding... provide... a negative PCR/LAMP/WILLYWONKA/HCOCKSCV test carried out within 48 hours of arrival in Spain". Oops I did it again. Screaming I mean.
My wife, being of sound legal mind, reckoned the new text means kids need one test WITH RESULTS that covers both getting on and getting off that bloody boat. A test to get on and a different test to get off might not do.
So the taking of a test, the receipt of results, driving to Portsmouth, getting on boat, getting off the boat 34 hours later, all inside 48 hours.
Try finding one of those down sarf? I couldn't. Well, I found one - £195 - each.
Manchester Airport to the rescue - 4 x "superfast 1-2 hour result" drivethru PCRs booked on the morning of the drive to Portsmouth. £95 each = £380.
This covers Brittany and Spain, plus Portugal if they ask. Maybe the vaccinated adults don't need the tests, but at this point I don't care...we're covered.
The worst bit about all of this is different companies do different combinations of tests - so the original 4 PCRs we got with 48 hour turnaround can't be switched to faster tests, only antigens, which are useless - that place don't have any other options. The antigens and then the slightly faster PCR tests couldn't be rebooked or upgraded to 1-2 hour jobbies or LAMP/ARSE/WHATEVA because that company doesn't do those either.
Refunds : these tests are classed by the shadier companies as medical/health sales which are "exempt from distance selling or cooling off" so they will try and offer you a voucher for next time rather than your money back. Twitter/Facebook are recommended - a Facebook message suggesting a refund may be better than the stinking review/essay I would give them seemed to work with me anyway - an immediate response and promise of refund in full at 730pm on sunday night.
I can almost taste the Superbock...
Edited by andy43 on Monday 5th July 10:51
Edited by andy43 on Monday 5th July 10:52
I drove back to Switzerland a week ago via the Tunnel. Took a late train as such it was pretty quiet, some simple questions from UK border regarding my destination and what I've been doing in the UK, quick check of the passport. French border I gave them my passport, residency card, showed them my vaccine status, COVID test result (LFT) and French entry form then on my way.
No issues at all across France, entering Switzerland I had to stop and get a motorway pass but no questions. I doubt you'll have any issues in Italy to be honest.
No issues at all across France, entering Switzerland I had to stop and get a motorway pass but no questions. I doubt you'll have any issues in Italy to be honest.
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