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

Ray Donovan · 08-05-2021 07:30PM

Considering the travel advisory from the Department of Foreign Affairs has changed from "Avoid Non Essential Travel" to "High Degree of Caution" this should make travel insurance viable on a trip?

Is there any insurance companies out there incorporating Covid into their plan?

I have the EHIC but just for peace of mind I was wondering. If anyone could advise that would be great.

08-05-2021 07:39PM

Ray Donovan wrote: »

Considering the travel advisory from the Department of Foreign Affairs has changed from "Avoid Non Essential Travel" to "High Degree of Caution" this should make travel insurance viable on a trip?

Is there any insurance companies out there incorporating Covid into their plan?

I have the EHIC but just for peace of mind I was wondering. If anyone could advise that would be great.

The Canary Islands automatically insure you against any Covid related expenses. They took out a blanket policy with AXA that will cover you if you have to quarantine or change flights.

Ray Donovan · 08-05-2021 07:44PM

Dobbytoes wrote: »

The Canary Islands automatically insure you against any Covid related expenses. They took out a blanket policy with AXA that will cover you if you have to quarantine or change flights.

Really? Thats brilliant if thats the case. I am actually going to Lanzarote.

08-05-2021 07:46PM

Ray Donovan wrote: »

Really? Thats brilliant if thats the case. I am actually going to Lanzarote.

Yeah, covers you for up to 15 days quarantine. An ordinary travel insurance policy with a regular provider should then cover you for any of the other usual stuff.

https://turismolanzarote.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/CANARY-ISLANDS-AXA-ENG.pdf

Ray Donovan · 08-05-2021 07:49PM

Dobby, thanks a million for the help. You are spot on.

Great news.

https://turismolanzarote.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/CANARY-ISLANDS-AXA-ENG.pdf

08-05-2021 08:12PM

Micky 32 wrote: »

Looks like the government not passing much heed on Swann :

“The Minister of State for European Affairs has said that inter-county travel will be permitted from Monday on a 32-county basis”

“ Responding to concerns raised by Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann about the risk of non-essential cross border travel, Thomas Byrne said if there was a feeling in the North that restrictions were needed that was a matter for politicians there.””

“” But if Robin Swann feels the need to introduce restrictions on the North that's a matter for them. But we haven't done this on a 26-county basis at any point it's always been done the 32-county basis."

well they didnt give a **** about that lot coming down to Dublin airport so whats good for the Goose

Marcusm · 08-05-2021 09:10PM

Sammy2012 wrote: »

Is there any hope of foreign holidays this summer? We have hols booked to Portugal from last year for mid August. Flights paid for and have until mid June to decide on accommodation as can probably roll it over to next year again. Holiday is booked since 2019!!! But id love to go. Travelling with my parents who will be fully vaccinated, my husband and my 2 kids under 10. Both myself and my husband will probably only have received one jab by then and not sure what is the story with kids. We are all prepared to travel but not pay through the nose for PCR tests and all that jazz!

Portugal is the only mainstream destination on the UK’s green list from May 17. That should mean a greater proportion of Brits book for there as their insurance will be valid for bookings, unlike say Spain or Greece which will still be questionable.

Micky 32 · 08-05-2021 09:27PM

“”Earlier today, Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne said Ireland will sign up to the EU's Digital Green Certificate for travel by the end of June as there is a "legal obligation" to do so. “”

“”Mr Byrne told RTÉ's Saturday with Katie Hannon that if the vaccination programme "keeps going gangbusters" then people "will be demanding" the right to travel.””

“”He said Ireland can decide whether or not to keep its mandatory hotel quarantine system going forward - but it is up for review on 9 June.“”

EireLemon · 09-05-2021 06:21AM

Where in the airport are they issueing fines if at all? Or is it outside the airport? Anyone had an experience with this?

CruelSummer · 09-05-2021 07:53AM

Micky 32 wrote: »

“”Earlier today, Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne said Ireland will sign up to the EU's Digital Green Certificate for travel by the end of June as there is a "legal obligation" to do so. “”

“”Mr Byrne told RTÉ's Saturday with Katie Hannon that if the vaccination programme "keeps going gangbusters" then people "will be demanding" the right to travel.””

“”He said Ireland can decide whether or not to keep its mandatory hotel quarantine system going forward - but it is up for review on 9 June.“”

Yes the fine print here is Ireland can sign up to this digital cert with all other EU states at the end of June. And not allow it to come into practice for another 6 week. There are going to be huge job losses if this turns out to be the case. Not to mention Ireland’s image within the EU and elsewhere will continue to be a pariah State disconnected and not really progressive in their outlook beyond Covid.

drunkmonkey · 09-05-2021 08:03AM

Niner leprauchan wrote: »

Well it's 2 days away and no new si on the list

Still no update to the legislation, so you can't be fined the 2k for the 4th day in a row.
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2021/si/168/made/en/print

Ray Donovan · 09-05-2021 08:09AM

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Still no update to the legislation, so you can't be fined the 2k for the 4th day in a row.
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2021/si/168/made/en/print

Read back a few pages. I’m pretty sure some posters have it correct when they said the fine is expiring tomorrow.

Happydays2020 · 09-05-2021 08:11AM

Ray Donovan wrote: »

Read back a few pages. I’m pretty sure some posters have it correct when they said the fine is expiring tomorrow.

Still speculating as we do not know if there is another SI signed extending it further. In my view extension is untenable once inter county travel opens up.

Ray Donovan · 09-05-2021 08:12AM

CruelSummer wrote: »

Yes the fine print here is Ireland can sign up to this digital cert with all other EU states at the end of June. And not allow it to come into practice for another 6 week. There are going to be huge job losses if this turns out to be the case. Not to mention Ireland’s image within the EU and elsewhere will continue to be a pariah State disconnected and not really progressive in their outlook beyond Covid.

You do know this is whats going to happen. Everything this government has done in 2021 has been ultra cautious. An abundance of caution blah blah blah. Why would their position on the green cert be any different?

It won’t. Legal travel in June? Not a hope.

Ray Donovan · 09-05-2021 08:14AM

Happydays2020 wrote: »

Still speculating as we do not know if there is another SI signed extending it further. In my view extension is untenable once inter county travel opens up.

Yes, but it was extended last Tuesday for 6 days. As has been stated, the only logical explanation for that is to let it expire to coincide with the ending of the IC travel ban. The fine would still be in if we weren’t in the EU.

Happydays2020 · 09-05-2021 08:16AM

Ray Donovan wrote: »

Yes, but it was extended last Tuesday for 6 days. As has been stated, the only logical explanation for that is to let it expire to coincide with the ending of the IC travel ban. The fine would still be in if we weren’t in the EU.

I know. That it why I said further extended.

The problem with these people is that logic and common sense does not come into it. There is a zealot mindset which takes a very narrow view.

kilns · 09-05-2021 08:20AM

Italy and Austria off the hotel list. no France? Should follow very shortly I exoect

CruelSummer · 09-05-2021 08:27AM

Ray Donovan wrote: »

You do know this is whats going to happen. Everything this government has done in 2021 has been ultra cautious. An abundance of caution blah blah blah. Why would their position on the green cert be any different?

It won’t. Legal travel in June? Not a hope.

True but if the EU adoption date is now late June, then most of the summer will be a write off for its use here with Ireland using their abundance of caution excuse.
Many EU families, and other tourists will take a look at Ireland and decide it’s closed for business. Good luck to the Government then trying to attract people come Autumn.

Ray Donovan · 09-05-2021 08:30AM

CruelSummer wrote: »

True but if the EU adoption date is now late June, then most of the summer will be a write off for its use here with Ireland using their abundance of caution excuse.
Many EU families, and other tourists will take a look at Ireland and decide it’s closed for business. Good luck to the Government then trying to attract people come Autumn.

Dont think they’ll mind to be honest. I expect come mid to late June we’ll hear “we need the schools to reopen at end of August so we’re very concerned about travel therefore we’re leaving it as late as possible to sign up” or some other rubbish to that effect.

embraer170 · 09-05-2021 08:33AM

Text message received from GOV.ie a day after arriving in Ireland (trip for an essential purpose):

GOV.ie You must self-quarantine for 14 days after travel. You can exit quarantine by taking a PCR test test with a 'not detected' result at least 5 days after arrival. Visit hse.ie/cvdtest for details and how to arrange a free test.

I am surprised to see a that a post-travel PCR test would be provided for free.

I suppose one would need to find a GP to agree to such a referral (and many Irish from abroad/foreigners would not have a GP here), unless lucky enough to be in quarantine close to a walk in test centre.

I also wonder how the 5 days are counted. Does the day of arrival count as one of those?

Happydays2020 · 09-05-2021 08:45AM

embraer170 wrote: »

Text message received from GOV.ie day after arriving in Ireland (trip for an essential purpose):

I am surprised to see a that a post-travel PCR test would be provided for free.

I suppose one would need to find a GP to agree to such a referral (and many Irish from abroad/foreigners would not have a GP here), unless lucky enough to be in quarantine close to a walk in test centre.

I also wonder how the 5 days are counted. Does the day of arrival count as one of those?

Yep not a fully coherent policy.

a_squirrelman · 09-05-2021 08:49AM

embraer170 wrote: »

Text message received from GOV.ie day after arriving in Ireland (trip for an essential purpose):

I am surprised to see a that a post-travel PCR test would be provided for free.

I suppose one would need to find a GP to agree to such a referral (and many Irish from abroad/foreigners would not have a GP here), unless lucky enough to be in quarantine close to a walk in test centre.

I also wonder how the 5 days are counted. Does the day of arrival count as one of those?

I called a family member's GP as I was told she is sound enough and I had an appointment for a test within 2 hours. So maybe ask around to friends and family.
I got another sms on day 5 which was Friday after arriving Sunday evening.

Lumen · 09-05-2021 08:54AM

kilns wrote: »

Italy and Austria off the hotel list. no France? Should follow very shortly I exoect

If they're doing it based on case rates, France should be off in the next week or two.

This thread can be a bit confusing, with discussion of inbound and outbound travel for residents and non-residents to EU, non-EU and CTA destinations, and prohibitions against actual travel plus requirements to test and/or quarantine at either or both ends. But that represents the complexity of issues right now, and only some of them are under the control of the Irish govt.

For instance, if I didn't mind a bit of PCR testing and home quarantining on my return there would be no legal prohibition from the Irish authorites on me jumping on a plane to Italy on Tuesday, if I could find a flight.

But what would I face at the other end? I tried to find out but the Italian website with the official answer was down.

Dr. Em · 09-05-2021 09:14AM

Lumen wrote: »

If they're doing it based on case rates, France should be off in the next week or two.

This thread can be a bit confusing, with discussion of inbound and outbound travel for residents and non-residents to EU, non-EU and CTA destinations, and prohibitions against actual travel plus requirements to test and/or quarantine at either or both ends. But that represents the complexity of issues right now, and only some of them are under the control of the Irish govt.

For instance, if I didn't mind a bit of PCR testing and home quarantining on my return there would be no legal prohibition from the Irish authorites on me jumping on a plane to Italy on Tuesday, if I could find a flight.

But what would I face at the other end? I tried to find out but the Italian website with the official answer was down.

Reopen EU has a summary for each country and links to their official websites.
https://reopen.europa.eu/en

Lumen · 09-05-2021 09:21AM

Dr. Em wrote: »

Reopen EU has a summary for each country and links to their official websites.
https://reopen.europa.eu/en

Thanks. Italy doesn't sound like a heap of fun.

http://www.italia.it/en/useful-info/covid-19-updates-information-for-tourists.html

For instance, if I travelled to Sardinia I'd be facing PCR tests, 5 day quarantine, then curfew outside of 5am-10pm, and after that self-certification of any trip outside my accomodation only for healthcare or "proven urgency", and I'd be eating in the hotel.

The yellow areas look a bit more promising with indoor dining re-opening from 1 June.

The reality is that for now, much of Europe is still effectively closed to tourism.

Happydays2020 · 09-05-2021 09:34AM

Lumen wrote: »

Thanks. Italy doesn't sound like a heap of fun.

http://www.italia.it/en/useful-info/covid-19-updates-information-for-tourists.html

For instance, if I travelled to Sardinia I'd be facing PCR tests, 5 day quarantine, then curfew outside of 5am-10pm, and after that self-certification of any trip outside my accomodation only for healthcare or "proven urgency", and I'd be eating in the hotel.

The yellow areas look a bit more promising with indoor dining re-opening from 1 June.

The reality is that for now, much of Europe is still effectively closed to tourism.

It will change very quickly in June, but a factor with many countries is they had their third wave a good bit after ours.

Klonker · 09-05-2021 09:39AM

I know the MHQ is legislation is due to expire on the 9th of June which I'm hopeful won't be renewed. Is this the same date the €2,000 fine is set to end also for travelling to a port/airport for non essential reasons? I know someone on here mentioned that the €2,000 may be due to end tomorrow. I tried finding the right legislation online but its hard follow with so many ammendments.

Lumen · 09-05-2021 09:43AM

Klonker wrote: »

I know the MHQ is legislation is due to expire on the 9th of June which I'm hopeful won't be renewed. Is this the same date the €2,000 fine is set to end also for travelling to a port/airport for non essential reasons? I know someone on here mentioned that the €2,000 may be due to end tomorrow. I tried finding the right legislation online but its hard follow with so many ammendments.

They're all here:

https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/1f150-view-statutory-instruments-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/

SI 212 is the latest with the 10 May date in it, to be read in conjunction with SI 168.

MizMix · 09-05-2021 09:50AM

As it's due to expire tomorrow- it's unlikely it will be extended on the day? So it seems that's it?

Contacted our campsites in France to push our end june trip out till August and there is very little available (everyone else prob doing the same)...plus a good 50% more expensive. My husband is much more risk averse and wants to move it till August. I just can't see how France can remain on the MHQ list by end June- and how it will be any more than advisory not to go.

Lumen · 09-05-2021 09:55AM

MizMix wrote: »

As it's due to expire tomorrow- it's unlikely it will be extended on the day? So it seems that's it?

Contacted our campsites in France to push our end june trip out till August and there is very little available (everyone else prob doing the same)...plus a good 50% more expensive. My husband is much more risk averse and wants to move it till August. I just can't see how France can remain on the MHQ list by end June- and how it will be any more than advisory not to go.

August is always way more expensive than June, so 50% more isn't actually that bad. My concern about end of June would be that France isn't fully open, rather than it being difficult to get there.

I also have a vacation-hesitant spouse. When I booked on 1 March she told me I was delusional. I'm hoping she will get in line once everyone else starts talking about getting theirs. :pac:

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

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