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

Frank Bullitt · 27-04-2021 04:48PM

Corholio wrote: »

Keep the head up mate, definitely know where you are coming from. Something's that we need others don't understand, even if they aren't 'essential' to them. Keep an eye on the UK opening up travel on May 17th. I don't know what routes they are from Canada to Belfast but there may be some options from there. May should be a better month, and while all this talk of stuff being pushed to July is depressing, there should be more options next month, even if it doesn't include the Republic. Stay positive!

Thanks pal, that helped a bit.

Just watched an update from Trudeau and he said Canada is on course to receive 50 million vaccines by June...I hadn't heard that before but I hope to god he is right.

Chuck Norris 2021 · 27-04-2021 05:39PM

Frank Bullitt wrote: »

I am at a pretty low point right now.

Longest stretch being away from home currently. I would fly back once or twice a year from Canada, so not being able to do that along with additional restrictions here in BC, and it being tax season (send help), I think my emotions are just piling up.

I check here and the news every single day for some sort of info that loads of vaccines are on the way, or green passports are approved and there is hope...and it just makes things worse.

I went through a really bad patch few years ago with anxiety and it really feels like that again. I never thought this covid stuff would effect me like it did but here I am. I can't focus on work, my relationship, the things I like doing like riding my motorbike or anything like that...tunnel vision is really taking a grip on me.

I know I am not alone in this, plenty of people have not been home to see family in such a long time. Zoom calls work, but not as well as they used to.

I am close to the point of just travelling home because at this rate, I will lose my whits and not be myself. I just have to stay positive on things, try my best to be a good person and just hope that this all gets better soon. I have tears in my eyes writing this, and I feel so embarrassed about that alone.

Anyway, things seem to have come to a head for me in a way, it can only get better from here I hope.

It may seem nothing but doom and gloom at the moment but it could change pretty quickly. The government and NPHET are running out of excuses, and as the other poster said, you'll have options via the UK. You could also come via Amsterdam and get in that way. I think a lot of people (including me) are very anxious about the whole situation, so you're not alone. I have elderly parents and my brother is looking to try and get home from the states to see them. Its pretty clear at this point that the government are completely inept when it comes to stopping people coming in, so they'll be plenty of loopholes.

Ms.Sunshine · 27-04-2021 05:50PM

Feeling much the same as OP. The lack of knowing when or how we can travel is really getting to me .
I don’t even want to go on holidays it’s just to be able to have my family come to visit me from the UK or I fly to them without any restrictions on either side . I have young children so ideally would like them to come to me or , otherwise I’d nearly fly from Belfast !
I wonder when those restrictions will lift ?

And I wonder when the next official government announcement is about plans for summer ? Was it meant to be this week ..?

acequion · 27-04-2021 05:54PM

Tazz T wrote: »

I got an interesting reply from the EU when complaining about Ireland's MHQ system and 2k fine for leaving the country for non-essential travel. Basically, they appear to be saying that if the Covid situation here is so terrible that we there is the need to have a 20k limit in place, then it's not disproportionate to restrict travel out of the country for non-essential purposes.

'We understand that currently, within Ireland, people cannot, without reasonable excuse travel outside their own county or within 20km of their home if crossing county boundaries. These provisions are complemented by a prohibition on non-essential travel abroad. If the severity of the situation does require such drastic restrictions to domestic movement, it does not seem to be disproportionate to restrict travel to other Member States for non-essential purposes. In such a case, it seems difficult to argue that a Member State would not be allowed to ensure the respect of legal obligations and prohibitions. However, any fees should remain proportionate to the alleged offence and be adapted to the national framework for such related offences.

I wish to assure you that the Commission will continue to closely monitor developments in all EU Member States, including Ireland, with regard to the emergency measures put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.'

This leaves me scratch my head as to when the severity of our pandemic becomes 'not so severe'?

I got the exact same letter. Now while it's a bit waffly and a tad dismissive, I would take heart from it for two reasons.

Firstly, the fact that they are replying and replying in depth and replying to several people means we're at least forcing the EU to examine the situation here. So I would urge people to continue complaining as we have good reason to. https://ec.europa.eu/assets/sg/report-a-breach/complaints_en/ All sorts of political pressure must be exerted and it's not so hard to send a few emails, it's proactive.

Secondly, the bits emboldened above. Despite some here proclaiming that the travel ban and fine are not linked to the domestic travel restrictions and level 5 the above would imply that indeed they are. Also that fines should be "proportionate" both to the offence and to other fines. Impossible to argue that the 2k fine for leaving the country is proportionate to anything. So I would be confident that when inter county travel resumes that fine will have to go.

Of course our Govt will probably try to keep us in our counties for as long as they can. But the pressure is on from back benchers to scrap this restriction and let people move. As it's punitive all round, not just for foreign travellers.

So I was reasonably happy with the reply though interestingly, not one of the five TDs/MEPs I wrote to bothered to write back. But I'll keep annoying them.

saabsaab · 27-04-2021 05:57PM

Lmkrnr wrote: »

The amount of goodwill the Unionist side will get from this current situation will will be good for Arlene ect. People are happy to be able to travel. SF want to keep people locked down like the Irish Gov.

Doesn't look like that now. She may be gone soon.

Frank Bullitt · 27-04-2021 06:14PM

Chuck Norris 2021 wrote: »

It may seem nothing but doom and gloom at the moment but it could change pretty quickly. The government and NPHET are running out of excuses, and as the other poster said, you'll have options via the UK. You could also come via Amsterdam and get in that way. I think a lot of people (including me) are very anxious about the whole situation, so you're not alone. I have elderly parents and my brother is looking to try and get home from the states to see them. Its pretty clear at this point that the government are completely inept when it comes to stopping people coming in, so they'll be plenty of loopholes.

Never thought I would be one to use loopholes to my advantage like that, but if I have to, then so be it.

As you say as well, things change pretty quickly. I have to remember that all the numbers, timelines and so on are really fluid and can switch each way in a blink.

Wallander · 27-04-2021 06:49PM

acequion wrote: »

I got the exact same letter. Now while it's a bit waffly and a tad dismissive, I would take heart from it for two reasons.

Firstly, the fact that they are replying and replying in depth and replying to several people means we're at least forcing the EU to examine the situation here. So I would urge people to continue complaining as we have good reason to. https://ec.europa.eu/assets/sg/report-a-breach/complaints_en/ All sorts of political pressure must be exerted and it's not so hard to send a few emails, it's proactive.

Secondly, the bits emboldened above. Despite some here proclaiming that the travel ban and fine are not linked to the domestic travel restrictions and level 5 the above would imply that indeed they are. Also that fines should be "proportionate" both to the offence and to other fines. Impossible to argue that the 2k fine for leaving the country is proportionate to anything. So I would be confident that when inter county travel resumes that fine will have to go.

Of course our Govt will probably try to keep us in our counties for as long as they can. But the pressure is on from back benchers to scrap this restriction and let people move. As it's punitive all round, not just for foreign travellers.

So I was reasonably happy with the reply though interestingly, not one of the five TDs/MEPs I wrote to bothered to write back. But I'll keep annoying them.

Yeah these were roughly my impressions too. The good news is they are monitoring the 2k fine already so should be able to have some input on that before inter-county travel is allowed, and if the government tries to keep it, they have provided a concrete reason for further complaints and pressure on the government.

I wouldn't worry too much about the TDs either - if they passionately supported the policy, they might be more likely to respond, but probably many are having doubts privately now. Let's keep at it!

27-04-2021 06:50PM

Frank Bullitt wrote: »

I am at a pretty low point right now.

Longest stretch being away from home currently. I would fly back once or twice a year from Canada, so not being able to do that along with additional restrictions here in BC, and it being tax season (send help), I think my emotions are just piling up.

I check here and the news every single day for some sort of info that loads of vaccines are on the way, or green passports are approved and there is hope...and it just makes things worse.

I went through a really bad patch few years ago with anxiety and it really feels like that again. I never thought this covid stuff would effect me like it did but here I am. I can't focus on work, my relationship, the things I like doing like riding my motorbike or anything like that...tunnel vision is really taking a grip on me.

I know I am not alone in this, plenty of people have not been home to see family in such a long time. Zoom calls work, but not as well as they used to.

I am close to the point of just travelling home because at this rate, I will lose my whits and not be myself. I just have to stay positive on things, try my best to be a good person and just hope that this all gets better soon. I have tears in my eyes writing this, and I feel so embarrassed about that alone.

Anyway, things seem to have come to a head for me in a way, it can only get better from here I hope.

Hi Frank

like another poster said why don't you look at flying to the UK and I mean London not Northern Ireland. There is usually a direct flight with BA or Air Canada to Heathrow and even it that has changed there has to be at least one a week? From there you could quarantine or catch a flight to Belfast and travel home from there?

My daughter and husband lived in Vancouver for 6 years and I regularly did that trip over and back on every imaginable carrier and route. Thankfully they returned to Ireland last August when they finally got a "window", despite about 3 cancelled flights. It was worth it. They were literally returning with all their belongings and a baby so it was a big deal and they got here! You will too! Just plan it and be prepared for some last minute changes..........but flying to the UK is your best bet I would think?
(my daughter flew via Toronto to Dublin with Air Canada last year, but I'm not sure if this is an option right now)

best of luck, it will get better !

M_Murphy57 · 27-04-2021 06:53PM

Frank Bullitt wrote: »

Never thought I would be one to use loopholes to my advantage like that, but if I have to, then so be it.

As you say as well, things change pretty quickly. I have to remember that all the numbers, timelines and so on are really fluid and can switch each way in a blink.

I know how you feel.

I got to this point a few weeks back when MM refused to give us any hope and used the words "this is a new virus" to justify lumping another 2 months of level 5 on.

I was just broken, not because "**** everyone, travel is my right" but after 13 months of NOTHING to look forward to followed by our own government treating us like children and not giving us any clarity or hope I was just...broken.

I've booked a small trip to London via Belfast for end June now. I'll have to drive (and give easyjet my money instead of aer lingus) but the difference to my mental health since I booked is unreal.

I'll quarantine etc on my return but I'm not going to be interrogated by a gard at Belfast, spend my hard earned cash on extortionate PCR tests or risk that ****wit Donnelly takes a notion and sticks the UK on MHQ whilst I'm there and i have to go to hotel prison.

Been browsing beer gardens that'll be open, the weather is usually good. I just cant wait to get out of the ****ing basket case country now.

I feel devastated for all the aviation staff losing their jobs, every bit of this devastation is on FF. I hope voters remember that next time.

Happydays2020 · 27-04-2021 07:08PM

Corholio wrote: »

Barcelona's concert trial with 5,000 people seems to have been a huge success. Only 6 people tested positive two weeks after the event with 4 of the cases 'a very high probability' not to have been as a result of transmission at the event.

https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2021/0427/1212296-coronavirus-global/

True but those cases could have been variants and there could be a risk to neighbouring countries.

acequion · 27-04-2021 07:16PM

M_Murphy57 wrote: »

I know how you feel.

I got to this point a few weeks back when MM refused to give us any hope and used the words "this is a new virus" to justify lumping another 2 months of level 5 on.

I was just broken, not because "**** everyone, travel is my right" but after 13 months of NOTHING to look forward to followed by our own government treating us like children and not giving us any clarity or hope I was just...broken.

I've booked a small trip to London via Belfast for end June now. I'll have to drive (and give easyjet my money instead of aer lingus) but the difference to my mental health since I booked is unreal.

I'll quarantine etc on my return but I'm not going to be interrogated by a gard at Belfast, spend my hard earned cash on extortionate PCR tests or risk that ****wit Donnelly takes a notion and sticks the UK on MHQ whilst I'm there and i have to go to hotel prison.

Been browsing beer gardens that'll be open, the weather is usually good. I just cant wait to get out of the ****ing basket case country now.

I feel devastated for all the aviation staff losing their jobs, every bit of this devastation is on FF. I hope voters remember that next time.

I could have written that. I totally share your sentiments, your anger and contempt for this pathetic Govt and compassion for the aviation staff.

And while there is a thread on these forums devoted to mental health let me just add here that the impact on people's mental health has been detrimental in so many ways. Just like you M-Murphy I feel powerless, treated like a child and a very bold one at that and NOTHING to look forward to. Frequent travel was my life and losing it along with not knowing how or if I'll get it back has taken quite a toll.

FF ran this country over a cliff just a decade ago. And it's rinse repeat all over again. They are toxic to their core and not one of them should ever again get anywhere near a position of power. But will Paddy forgive and forget, again!!

lcstress2012 · 27-04-2021 07:17PM

M_Murphy57 wrote: »

I know how you feel.

I got to this point a few weeks back when MM refused to give us any hope and used the words "this is a new virus" to justify lumping another 2 months of level 5 on.

I was just broken, not because "**** everyone, travel is my right" but after 13 months of NOTHING to look forward to followed by our own government treating us like children and not giving us any clarity or hope I was just...broken.

I've booked a small trip to London via Belfast for end June now. I'll have to drive (and give easyjet my money instead of aer lingus) but the difference to my mental health since I booked is unreal.

I'll quarantine etc on my return but I'm not going to be interrogated by a gard at Belfast, spend my hard earned cash on extortionate PCR tests or risk that ****wit Donnelly takes a notion and sticks the UK on MHQ whilst I'm there and i have to go to hotel prison.

Been browsing beer gardens that'll be open, the weather is usually good. I just cant wait to get out of the ****ing basket case country now.

I feel devastated for all the aviation staff losing their jobs, every bit of this devastation is on FF. I hope voters remember that next time.

Are you quarantining out of respect for others? As if you travel from Belfast you don’t need to quarantine I thought?

Donald Trump · 27-04-2021 07:25PM

lcstress2012 wrote: »

As if you travel from Belfast you don’t need to quarantine I thought?

The law is that you are still supposed to do the quarantine.

The Belfast thing is people saying that you are unlikely to get caught if you go via Belfast.

I don't know how likely it is that you would get caught for breaking the law in that manner.

rogber · 27-04-2021 07:35PM

Donald Trump wrote: »

The law is that you are still supposed to do the quarantine.

The Belfast thing is people saying that you are unlikely to get caught if you go via Belfast.

I don't know how likely it is that you would get caught for breaking the law in that manner.

Do the guards even check up on this quarantine thing at all if people are doing it from home? Anyone heard of it actually happening? I don't mean a phone call to ask are you still at that address, but actually pulling up outside and asking you to come to the door. Just can't see them having the resources or interest to do it

normanoffside · 27-04-2021 07:42PM

rogber wrote: »

Do the guards even check up on this quarantine thing at all if people are doing it from home? Anyone heard of it actually happening? I don't mean a phone call to ask are you still at that address, but actually pulling up outside and asking you to come to the door. Just can't see them having the resources or interest to do it

When I came back from Lanzarote at the end of January I just got a few texts to remind me to stay at home.
I know of someone who was on a flight with a confirmed case (must have been sitting close as he was identified as a close contact and asked to take 2 tests) and he was visited a few times by Guards during his 'quarantine'

Donald Trump · 27-04-2021 07:45PM

rogber wrote: »

Do the guards even check up on this quarantine thing at all if people are doing it from home? Anyone heard of it actually happening? I don't mean a phone call to ask are you still at that address, but actually pulling up outside and asking you to come to the door. Just can't see them having the resources or interest to do it

I don't know. I was only responding to the "don't need to quarantine" bit.

A person could fly in via Belfast, be under the illusion that that means that they don't need to quarantine and then freely tell everyone they came in via that way and happen to tell the wrong person!

Would you be caught randomly? Probably not. Might someone report you? I don't know - that depends on you and how much people either like or despise you!

dan786 · 27-04-2021 07:46PM

rogber wrote: »

Do the guards even check up on this quarantine thing at all if people are doing it from home? Anyone heard of it actually happening? I don't mean a phone call to ask are you still at that address, but actually pulling up outside and asking you to come to the door. Just can't see them having the resources or interest to do it

No they dont. Know plenty of people who travelled recently, all they got was text few days after they arrived if they are still at the address they provided. No calls etc.

Chris_5339762 · 27-04-2021 07:51PM

M_Murphy57 wrote: »

I know how you feel.

I got to this point a few weeks back when MM refused to give us any hope and used the words "this is a new virus" to justify lumping another 2 months of level 5 on.

I was just broken, not because "**** everyone, travel is my right" but after 13 months of NOTHING to look forward to followed by our own government treating us like children and not giving us any clarity or hope I was just...broken.

I've booked a small trip to London via Belfast for end June now. I'll have to drive (and give easyjet my money instead of aer lingus) but the difference to my mental health since I booked is unreal.

I'll quarantine etc on my return but I'm not going to be interrogated by a gard at Belfast, spend my hard earned cash on extortionate PCR tests or risk that ****wit Donnelly takes a notion and sticks the UK on MHQ whilst I'm there and i have to go to hotel prison.

Been browsing beer gardens that'll be open, the weather is usually good. I just cant wait to get out of the ****ing basket case country now.

I feel devastated for all the aviation staff losing their jobs, every bit of this devastation is on FF. I hope voters remember that next time.

I feel the same but there is the additional problem - as a HSE employee there is also a lock on any travel to a non green list country... you have to book 2 weeks of annual leave for quarantining on your way back. And you can't work from home for those two weeks - it has to be leave.

Yes, I could just not tell them, but that would result in all manners of disciplinary stuff because they'd find out.

Its totally non enforable, any court would chuck it out, but all HSE staff have this additional lock against foreign travel and it aint going anywhere soon.

acequion · 27-04-2021 08:09PM

Chris_5339762 wrote: »

I feel the same but there is the additional problem - as a HSE employee there is also a lock on any travel to a non green list country... you have to book 2 weeks of annual leave for quarantining on your way back. And you can't work from home for those two weeks - it has to be leave.

Yes, I could just not tell them, but that would result in all manners of disciplinary stuff because they'd find out.

Its totally non enforable, any court would chuck it out, but all HSE staff have this additional lock against foreign travel and it aint going anywhere soon.

That's not just all HSE staff, that's all public servants. But I'm not sure you're correct that it won't be discontinued. What about when people are fully vaccinated and what about the provision to exit quarantine if you get a negative test after 5 days? I wouldn't be as pessimistic as you about that.

embraer170 · 27-04-2021 08:10PM

Any news about additional countries being added?

At some point Germany was mentioned but that seems to have gone quiet (unless I have missed something)?

delricyo · 27-04-2021 08:14PM

acequion wrote: »

That's not just all HSE staff, that's all public servants. But I'm not sure you're correct that it won't be discontinued. What about when people are fully vaccinated and what about the provision to exit quarantine if you get a negative test after 5 days? I wouldn't be as pessimistic as you about that.

And also just to point out that it is for every country - apart from Northern Ireland.

rogber · 27-04-2021 08:19PM

embraer170 wrote: »

Any news about additional countries being added?

At some point Germany was mentioned but that seems to have gone quiet (unless I have missed something)?

Apparently Tony wants to put it on but hasn't succeeded so far. Pretty irrelevant anyway, apart from a Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt there has been virtually no air transport between the two countries since January. AL and R-air stopped all routes months ago and show no sign of resuming.

rogber · 27-04-2021 08:21PM

dan786 wrote: »

No they dont. Know plenty of people who travelled recently, all they got was text few days after they arrived if they are still at the address they provided. No calls etc.

That was my experience too, just wondered if things have changed as planning to return soon to visit sick and elderly parent, happy to lay low for 5 days and do the test on day 5 but the idea you can't even go for a walk or pick up milk at the shop without risking a huge fine is ridiculous.

KanyeSouthEast · 27-04-2021 08:33PM

rogber wrote: »

Apparently Tony wants to put it on but hasn't succeeded so far. Pretty irrelevant anyway, apart from a Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt there has been virtually no air transport between the two countries since January. AL and R-air stopped all routes months ago and show no sign of resuming.

I really despise this country and it’s leadership.

Happydays2020 · 27-04-2021 08:35PM

https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0427/1212375-joe-walsh-tours/

Lives and livelihoods.

saabsaab · 27-04-2021 08:37PM

KanyeSouthEast wrote: »

I really despise this country and it’s leadership.

Where is the country you admire? New Zealand perhaps.

KanyeSouthEast · 27-04-2021 08:37PM

Happydays2020 wrote: »

https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0427/1212375-joe-walsh-tours/

Lives and livelihoods.

“Travel protocols in Ireland are the most restrictive in Europe, putting Irish travel companies at a disadvantage to their European counterparts”

Hold firm though!

General Toilet · 27-04-2021 08:40PM

Are there any risks of flying into Belfast?

dalyboy · 27-04-2021 08:52PM

General Toilet wrote: »

Are there any risks of flying into Belfast?

Once you have a 72 hour prior pcr test there’s no risk ATM.
It’s ever changing though and there is talk of the UK (inc N.I) adopting a red / amber / red list.
Otherwise
No risk

Tenzor07 · 27-04-2021 08:56PM

KanyeSouthEast wrote: »

“Travel protocols in Ireland are the most restrictive in Europe, putting Irish travel companies at a disadvantage to their European counterparts”

Hold firm though!

I see Sweden has 600 cases a day, Italy has 200... Italy is on the MHQ list, Sweden isn't.... Those variants again!

Though there's no direct flights from Sweden, you'd also be very hard pushed to get an indirect flight...

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

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