Are we there yet? Your second Travel Megathread (threadbans in OP}

Tenzor07

Mantus wrote: »

Ireland to end two week quarantine for UK visitors, tourism Ireland to start advertising vacations in Ireland from Britain.
Claiming the UK flight will not have to quarantine from the end of this week:
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/ireland-quarantine-uk-travel-end-b937045.html
Any truth to that?

It should be completely scrapped on the 7th of June, creating a massive barrier like that with our closest neighbor is just civil servants gone power mad, expecting families and business people quarantine for 2 weeks is Zero Covid/ISAG influence to the extreme...

Especially pointless when anyone from the UK can fly/car ferry into Belfast and come down south...

stephenjmcd

Tenzor07 wrote: »

It should be completely scrapped on the 7th of June, creating a massive barrier like that with our closest neighbor is just civil servants gone power mad, expecting families and business people to pay up to €2000 to sit in a shabby hotel for 2 weeks is Zero Covid/ISAG influence to the extreme...

Especially pointless when anyone from the UK can fly/car ferry into Belfast and come down south...

Except there isn't MHQ from the UK so our closest neighbors aren't paying €2000

Tazz T

Doctor Jimbob wrote: »

Yeah, I'd be amazed if that report turns out to be accurate. I've been critical of the government's inconsistency recently but even I couldn't see them being daft enough to completely do away with quarantine requirements and actively promote tourism from a country where the Indian variant is spreading while maintaining MHQ for other countries due to concern about variants. It would completely undermine the message.

It would be contrary to gov policy to not expect some 'daftness' to be revealed in the approach on Friday, whether it is to let brits in (but not let us travel to the EU), keep the 2k fine in place, or keep PCRs for ingoing and outgoing travellers once the cert is in place.

Tenzor07

Tenzor07 wrote: »

It should be completely scrapped on the 7th of June, creating a massive barrier like that with our closest neighbor is just civil servants gone power mad, expecting families and business people to pay up to €2000 to sit in a shabby hotel for 2 weeks is Zero Covid/ISAG influence to the extreme...

Especially pointless when anyone from the UK can fly/car ferry into Belfast and come down south...

What civil servant has made these decisions?

Tenzor07

stephenjmcd wrote: »

Except there isn't MHQ from the UK so our closest neighbors aren't paying €2000

Updated.

Bellmeister

Perhaps Ireland has come to the sensible conclusion the the Indian variant is already in Ireland, the north had a fair number of cases, the vaccines have been confirmed as providing protection against the indian variant and britain has controls in place to protect from other variants. If you pay attention to what is happening in the Uk rather than being point scoring Ireland vs UK then you would see they have started to accept there will be infections and get on with life. Ireland has to do the same and opening travel to britain is a logical 1st step in terms of travel.

Doctor Jimbob wrote: »

Yeah, I'd be amazed if that report turns out to be accurate. I've been critical of the government's inconsistency recently but even I couldn't see them being daft enough to completely do away with quarantine requirements and actively promote tourism from a country where the Indian variant is spreading while maintaining MHQ for other countries due to concern about variants. It would completely undermine the message.

Chris_5339762

Tazz T wrote: »

It would be contrary to gov policy to not expect some 'daftness' to be revealed in the approach on Friday, whether it is to let brits in (but not let us travel to the EU), keep the 2k fine in place, or keep PCRs for ingoing and outgoing travellers once the cert is in place.

Its the last one I think they'll do.


Open up, use the vaccine certs to allow you to travel "without restrictions" throughout Europe but continue insisting on a PCR test when coming back to Ireland - regardless of vaccine status.


I have no proof of this whatsoever, but their current reluctance to do anything travel related is hinting this to me.

jellies

Bellmeister wrote: »

Perhaps Ireland has come to the sensible conclusion the the Indian variant is already in Ireland, the north had a fair number of cases, the vaccines have been confirmed as providing protection against the indian variant and britain has controls in place to protect from other variants. If you pay attention to what is happening in the Uk rather than being point scoring Ireland vs UK then you would see they have started to accept there will be infections and get on with life. Ireland has to do the same and opening travel to britain is a logical 1st step in terms of travel.

Agreed. European and US travel are also critical and there should be no foot dragging. The cure has been worse then the disease for quite a while now so about time the government started playing catch up. If I was on their PR side I would be emphasizing the huge success of the vaccine roll-out which has enabled us to rapidly open up and catch up with our UK and European neighbours. So they have a narrow window of opportunity to turn the whole narrative around. They can also turn the tables on the zero COVID crowd in the soc dems and SF. Am hopeful but with MM in charge wouldn't put it past them to completely miss the opportunity.

ZX7R

Chris_5339762 wrote: »

Its the last one I think they'll do.


Open up, use the vaccine certs to allow you to travel "without restrictions" throughout Europe but continue insisting on a PCR test when coming back to Ireland - regardless of vaccine status.



I have no proof of this whatsoever, but their current reluctance to do anything travel related is hinting this to me.

When voting on the green cert Ireland amongst others were not happy about it been issued to people who only received one shot of a vaccine.
This is why countries are aloud to put some of there own added buffers to the cert.
Ireland will probably require a pcr test if you have received only one shot.

Tenzor07

ZX7R wrote: »

When voting on the green cert Ireland amongst others were not happy about it been issued to people who only received one shot of a vaccine.
This is why countries are aloud to put some of there own added buffers to the cert.
Ireland will probably require a pcr test if you have received only one shot.

Yea utter s h one t, if you've had 1 of 2 doses then you shouldn't have to go looking for a pricey PCR.... If we're to get the economy restarted then rapid antigen tests should be used, we've a €20 billion healthservice in a 1st world economy, time to use it all..

Wallander

I note Germany's infection rate appears to be coming down below Ireland's per capita. Italy's also. Poland's is now well below. UK has been well below for ages.

The argument we have heard previously that Ireland needs to shield itself from its neighbours due to an extremely low infection rate is no longer valid.

Dr. Em

Wallander wrote: »

I note Germany's infection rate appears to be coming down below Ireland's per capita. Italy's also. Poland's is now well below. UK has been well below for ages.

The argument we have heard previously that Ireland needs to shield itself from its neighbours due to an extremely low infection rate is no longer valid.

Where did you see that? Last week's EU/EEA data has them coming down but still higher than Ireland (Germany with twice the incidence). https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/cases-2019-ncov-eueea

The figures will be updated tomorrow, but if you have updated figures, it would be interesting to see them.

Edit: that doesn't show the UK figures, which are definitely lower than Ireland, as you said. They also have far more vaccinated.

gozunda

ionnn wrote: »

I think that’s the entire point though is it not? These companies care about their shareholders above all else, and if we continue down this road they will make the business decisions that will least impact them, but cause huge damage to our economy long term.

Always going to be a level of risk in life, but we have to be pragmatic and logical with our risk tolerance and management when it comes to government policy, it can’t be the status quo today where any public health risk regardless of how small is enough to justify destroying an entire industries future here, not to mention long term damage to foreign direct investment which Ireland depends

Except its not "any public health risk regardless of how small"

Its a pandemic. And even the UK - who are way ahead of us with regards to vaccinations and many other countries have only started bringing back non essential international travel.

But nooo - according to O'Leary we must concede to his demands asap.

And yes I do agree that airlines and international travel are very important to us. But the fact is restrictions on travel remain for most countries atm for what is now looking like the short term. But it certainly doesn't mean we have to roll over everytime O'Leary tell us to.

exaisle

Hi all,
I'll be travelling to the UK in early June (essential travel) for two days. I will be taking the ferry to Holyhead and driving to Oxford.

As far as I'm aware, I don't need a negative Covid PCR test to enter the UK, but I'll need one taken within the previous 72 hours to re-enter Ireland. Am I correct?

Finally, do I need to complete a Passenger Locator Form prior to travel in either direction?

TIA

E.

beachhead

dfa.ie for info on this side,fco.gov.uk for info on the UK side

Mink

You don't need a test before going to UK. But you can double check gov.uk in case anything has changed.


At the moment, coming from UK to Ireland, you have to have a negative PCR test (from private supplier, not NHS) within 72 hours of arriving in Ireland, fill out the passenger location form before the flight and then home quarantine for 14 days.


You can get a PCR test (at walk in test centre for example) no less than 5 days after arrival into Ireland and once it's negative, then you can come out of quarantine.


However I believe Irish government are set to announce scrapping the above from July onwards to encourage tourism. It's only been picked up by a few news groups as not confirmed yet.


I suppose there is a slight possibility it might be scrapped in June.

Tazz T

Chris_5339762 wrote: »

Its the last one I think they'll do.


Open up, use the vaccine certs to allow you to travel "without restrictions" throughout Europe but continue insisting on a PCR test when coming back to Ireland - regardless of vaccine status.


I have no proof of this whatsoever, but their current reluctance to do anything travel related is hinting this to me.

I think this is the least we can expect. The worrying thing is, like everything else, will they copy the UK and insist on two tests one before returning and one after.

I shall hold my breath on Friday.

pouladuff_goal

Doctor Jimbob wrote: »

Yeah, I'd be amazed if that report turns out to be accurate. I've been critical of the government's inconsistency recently but even I couldn't see them being daft enough to completely do away with quarantine requirements and actively promote tourism from a country where the Indian variant is spreading while maintaining MHQ for other countries due to concern about variants. It would completely undermine the message.

We already have open travel to Britain. No PCR needed but you must go through Belfast. It is legal.

All we would be doing is making it a little easier and keeping some of the money here by using Aer Lingus and Ryanair rather than Easyjet.

I know a guy going back again on Friday for his second weekend away in a row. He didn't even show his passport last weekend.

pouladuff_goal

pouladuff_goal wrote: »

We already have open travel to Britain. No PCR needed but you must go through Belfast. It is legal.

All we would be doing is making it a little easier and keeping some of the money here by using Aer Lingus and Ryanair rather than Easyjet.

I know a guy going back again on Friday for his second weekend away in a row. He didn't even show his passport last weekend.

You dont have to go through Belfast. Travel to the UK is unrestricted from Ireland, and always has been through the pandemic - no test needed and you still go through the domestic arrivals channel, as always. I have been back and forward regularly. Its only the way back is the problem

There is now regularly a passport check in domestic arrivals at Heathrow, but that is to check for stamps of anywhere that you might have been in the last 14 days - an attempt to shut the 'back door' into the UK via Ireland. But that check is not for every flight

(I did see one guy get in proper trouble for a stamp in his passport - trying to circumvent the UK rules by flying via Ireland)

Wallander

Dr. Em wrote: »

Where did you see that? Last week's EU/EEA data has them coming down but still higher than Ireland (Germany with twice the incidence). https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/cases-2019-ncov-eueea

The figures will be updated tomorrow, but if you have updated figures, it would be interesting to see them.

Edit: that doesn't show the UK figures, which are definitely lower than Ireland, as you said. They also have far more vaccinated.

Sure - I found the latest 7-day infection averages on Google.


Germany - 6,667
Italy - 4,410
Poland - 1,466
Ireland - 432 (Google hasn't updated from 424 from before HSE cyber attack)


A rough comparison of population sizes will tell you the rest. All the continental countries are trending sharply downwards, but as these are 7-day figures and the ECDC uses 14 days, I expect they might come in slightly ahead of Ireland on tomorrow's data and below Ireland next week.


France is also trending down sharply but from a higher level so remains above Ireland for now. Spain seems to be trending down more slowly than these others but they are not much higher than Ireland either. Overall, it's fantastic to see things are improving so quickly right now!

Necro

Threads merged

Lumen

Deleted User wrote: »

Travel to the UK is unrestricted from Ireland, and always has been through the pandemic - no test needed and you still go through the domestic arrivals channel, as always. I have been back and forward regularly. Its only the way back is the problem

That's not quite accurate.

- Arrival into the UK from Ireland is unrestricted.
- Travelling to an Irish port or airport for the purpose of leaving the State is still currently illegal for Irish residents excepting "essential travel".

kilns

Switzerland cases are now on par with Ireland and today they have announced wide ranging openings from May 31st like restaurants inside open, spas etc open sports events indoor and outdoor with limited spectators, plus anyone entering the country fully vaccinated does not need to quarantine.

Wonder will Ireland follow suit?

Lumen

Lumen wrote: »

That's not quite accurate.

- Arrival into the UK from Ireland is unrestricted.
- Travelling to an Irish port or airport for the purpose of leaving the State is still currently illegal for Irish residents excepting "essential travel".

I mean that it is unrestricted from a British perspective.

But also having said that, I have also never been stopped or quizzed by the Gardai at the airport re. my reasons for travel in 6 trips out of the country since that rule came in

pouladuff_goal

Deleted User wrote: »

You dont have to go through Belfast. Travel to the UK is unrestricted from Ireland, and always has been through the pandemic - no test needed and you still go through the domestic arrivals channel, as always. I have been back and forward regularly. Its only the way back is the problem

There is now regularly a passport check in domestic arrivals at Heathrow, but that is to check for stamps of anywhere that you might have been in the last 14 days - an attempt to shut the 'back door' into the UK via Ireland. But that check is not for every flight

(I did see one guy get in proper trouble for a stamp in his passport - trying to circumvent the UK rules by flying via Ireland)

Legally you do have to go through Belfast. Any non essential journey could mean a 2K fine. You also need a test coming back.

Once you cross the border here you obey UK laws and can travel freely to London or anywhere else in the UK.

pouladuff_goal

pouladuff_goal wrote: »

Legally you do have to go through Belfast. Any non essential journey could mean a 2K fine. You also need a test coming back.

Once you cross the border here you obey UK laws and can travel freely to London or anywhere else in the UK.

yes, you're right. I have just never taken that rule seriously

jellies

Today from Eurocontrol.

"Yesterday saw several countries showing big rises over the last 2 weeks France 🇫🇷 +25%, Turkey 🇹🇷 +62% & Greece 🇬🇷 +50%
@Transport_EU @ECACceac @CANSOEurope @ACI_EUROPE @IATA @A4Europe @eraaorg @EBAAorg https://t.co/3z84l2VO78"

The rest of the world is getting moving and looking after the best interests their citizens from a holistic perspective. Meanwhile in Ireland we continue to dither over "de variants". Why does it feel like we are being taken for a ride by vested interests (again)?

pc7

Just had enough of speculation and second guessing and pulled the trigger and booked a holiday for August, used TUI as they have good protection in place if we can't fly etc. Myself and MR PC7 have our first vaccines and will be fully vaccinated in June. Will deal with whatever tests smallies need (if any) as time gets closer. Fook this needed something too look forward too. Vaccines work, the Government need to get with the program.

MaryBrowne21

pc7 wrote: »

Just had enough of speculation and second guessing and pulled the trigger and booked a holiday for August, used TUI as they have good protection in place if we can't fly etc. Myself and MR PC7 have our first vaccines and will be fully vaccinated in June. Will deal with whatever tests smallies need (if any) as time gets closer. Fook this needed something too look forward too. Vaccines work, the Government need to get with the program.

You are dead right, we fly start July. Will all need the PCR tests both ways and I dont mind, it will be worth it to get away!

TomSweeney

MaryBrowne21 wrote: »

You are dead right, we fly start July. Will all need the PCR tests both ways and I dont mind, it will be worth it to get away!

Where do you need PCR tests for ?