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

votecounts · 12-05-2021 02:18PM

Helpsos wrote: »

Hi there

We are planning to travel with two kids to my parents home in Spain mid June(they won’t be there) .
I’m literally living for it.
We will be saying that we have a home there and using that as are our essential travel reason. Ill be fully vaccinated but we will all have PCR tests etc. I’ve been reading through this thread, but assuming nothing changes in the guidelines before mid June:
1 - could we be turned around ?
2- is worst case scenario a 2k fine and continue on the trip?

Please don’t troll me (I’m new here lol)

1 can't happen
That is the worst case but I feel the fine will be gone in June

BobbyBolivia · 12-05-2021 02:20PM

Chuck Norris 2021 wrote: »

http://clareherald.com/2021/05/mcnamara-seeks-clarity-on-transatlantic-air-travel-11110/

We need more of this, people reminding the government that people will travel regardless of their ideas. Sooner or later this may result in the end of the 2k airport surcharge;

“The Minister is acutely aware of this, having an airport in his constituency. Once we have an open and common travel area with the United Kingdom, it is simply senseless if planes are taking off from North America and coming into the United Kingdom for us to not allow planes to go from Ireland to North America. People will simply travel via the United Kingdom and via Belfast if necessary. All we are doing is strangling our economy to no public health benefit if people are travelling anyway, which they will do sooner rather than later.”

I am one of the people who will be doing this, so if they are smart they will just reopen both. I would happily fly to America from Dublin airport if allowed but doesn't seem likely to me. If UK and US open some sort of corridor - which seems very likely to happen over the next 2 months, there will be many who will just head over to UK for a flight to US, as McNamara has said. The USA has already dropped UK a tier on their travel guidelines, and there is considerable pressure from virtually all stakeholders for a corridor to be introduced. As both nations progress further into their vaccination programs it's hard not to see this corridor coming into existance.

Christ, even the economic benefit alone of restarting transatlantic travel - you would have Americans travelling over here in their droves - it would be such a boost to the tourism sector. 50 percent of Americans will be fully vaccinated by this time next month and Ireland is one of the most popular tourist destinations for many Americans. The pent up demand could see an injection of 10s of millions or even more into industries which have been given the finger by our government.

It seems like such a complete no brainer which is why you can be sure it won't happen.

BobbyBolivia · 12-05-2021 02:25PM

Helpsos wrote: »

Hi there

We are planning to travel with two kids to my parents home in Spain mid June(they won’t be there) .
I’m literally living for it.
We will be saying that we have a home there and using that as are our essential travel reason. Ill be fully vaccinated but we will all have PCR tests etc. I’ve been reading through this thread, but assuming nothing changes in the guidelines before mid June:
1 - could we be turned around ?
2- is worst case scenario a 2k fine and continue on the trip?

Please don’t troll me (I’m new here lol)

No, you won't be turned around regardless.

Yes, the worst case scenario is the fine.

For the purposes of the fine, you could use the following 'essential' reason -

To care for a family member or for other vital family reasons (make something up if you want)

There is also leeway for the Garda to accept a reasonable excuse not listed in 31A. Moving to a holiday home for an extended period is reasonable to me but probably a toss of a coin on whether you get a pr*ck of a Garda or not on the day, if there are even any there.

There may not be a fine by the time your trip comes around (there probably will be) and obviously you would be subjected to whatever arrival restrictions that Spain has at the time. But look forward to your trip.

stephenjmcd · 12-05-2021 02:26PM

Helpsos wrote: »

Hi there

We are planning to travel with two kids to my parents home in Spain mid June(they won’t be there) .
I’m literally living for it.
We will be saying that we have a home there and using that as are our essential travel reason. Ill be fully vaccinated but we will all have PCR tests etc. I’ve been reading through this thread, but assuming nothing changes in the guidelines before mid June:
1 - could we be turned around ?
2- is worst case scenario a 2k fine and continue on the trip?

Please don’t troll me (I’m new here lol)

Lots of caveats to be honest, alot depends on progress on the EU system for travel, the MHQ and associated legislation due to be revisited in early June as it's legislation lapses, now I know Spain isn't on that list but you would imagine the fine comes up for discussion as part of the general travel conversation.

The SI with fines for non essential travel to a port or airport lapses on 2nd June so alot depends on how the next SI is progressed.

If nothing changed by mid June from today then,
1) You could be asked by Gardai the essential reason for travel. Now it would be up to the Garda to use their own discretion with regards to your reason but given your normally a resident of the state they could say your journey isn't essential (list of essential reasons here, part 2 section 4: https://assets.gov.ie/134499/bb2a7e1a-4170-446d-b09d-9c024dff8d0c.pdf )

If a Garda doesn't find issue with your reason then you'll be on your way. If they deem it non essential then they could direct you to return home.

2) If they direct you to return home having failed to provide an essential reason for travel and you refuse and continue on your journey then yes you could be liable for a 2k fine.

All of the above is caveated by that's how it is now, if its like that by late June really nobody knows to be honest.

Chuck Norris 2021 · 12-05-2021 02:28PM

BobbyBolivia wrote: »

I am one of the people who will be doing this, so if they are smart they will just reopen both. I would happily fly to America from Dublin airport if allowed but doesn't seem likely to me. If UK and US open some sort of corridor - which seems very likely to happen over the next 2 months, there will be many who will just head over to UK for a flight to US, as McNamara has said. The USA has already dropped UK a tier on their travel guidelines, and there is considerable pressure from virtually all stakeholders for a corridor to be introduced. As both nations progress further into their vaccination programs it's hard not to see this corridor coming into existance.

Christ, even the economic benefit alone of restarting transatlantic travel - you would have Americans travelling over here in their droves - it would be such a boost to the tourism sector. 50 percent of Americans will be fully vaccinated by this time next month and Ireland is one of the most popular tourist destinations for many Americans. The pent up demand could see an injection of 10s of millions or even more into industries which have been given the finger by our government.

It seems like such a complete no brainer which is why you can be sure it won't happen.

I genuinely believe they'll try to leave in tourists to spend money, but could well prevent us from leaving. Preventing Irish people travelling much longer could potentially cause more cases than it prevents. If they remove the fine soon it would work out better. If everyone is flying out of NI, only very responsible people will bother to self isolate/5day test. They'll have zero records of who enters/leaves the country. At least allowing people out through Irish airports will give some control. Leaving the 'advice' in place will reduce numbers anyhow.

gozunda · 12-05-2021 02:31PM

Chuck Norris 2021 wrote: »

When people start to see vaccinated US tourists, and people from the UK roaming about they'll soon get tired of being locked up. Remember the greed we are dealing with here, the government will want to have it's cake and eat it by keeping us here to spend money while bringing in tourists, Leo is already talking about this with British tourists. The airline industry will hopefully start making more noise, treatening to axe routes, talk of holidays doubling in price etc. The greedy Irish hospitality sector will price the natives out of being able to holiday, and the continued crap weather will make even the die hards wish for foreign sun. Add to this back benchers trying to make a name for themselves, and undoubtedly Sinn Fein will start complaining just to oppose the government. Add to that the flood of feshly tanned holiday makings driving down the M1 totally unimpeded.

All it would really take is one well organised attach on social media for the government to roll over, that's how we ended up with the measures we have.

Except that's highly unlikely to happen in the medium term.

The US State Department announced plans to expand its "Level 4: Do Not Travel" guidance to about 80% of countries worldwide, citing the "unprecedented risk to travelers" from the coronavirus.

That includes here. Now whilst that won't stop the diehard tourists - it means that for many Travel Insurance won't necessarily cover travel to those destinations.

The UK? Well they've just been given an incredibly limited green list of countries which they may able to travel depending on the destinations countries restrictions. Everywhere else seems to be off the cards for now - with fines, self or hotel quarantine and multiple test required for those who do so.

So yeah I guess some UK tourists may start to eye the Emerald Isle up as a handy destination. Though atm travel from the UK not without restrictions for them. At present they must undertake necessary tests and quarentine as necessary.

Though I reckon a bigger issue will be that any holiday destinations here will already be oversubscribed by the "natives" :pac:

That said considering there's some 66 million of them and 4.9 million of us - everyone here could holiday in the UK and they wouldn't even notice.

Helpsos · 12-05-2021 02:32PM

Thanks everyone for your advice - it’s really helpful

BobbyBolivia · 12-05-2021 02:38PM

gozunda wrote: »

Except that's highly unlikely to happen in the medium term.

The US State Department announced plans to expand its "Level 4: Do Not Travel" guidance to about 80% of countries worldwide, citing the "unprecedented risk to travelers" from the coronavirus.

That includes here. Now whilst that won't stop the diehard tourists - it means that for many Travel Insurance won't necessarily cover travel to those destinations.

The UK? Well they've just been given an incredibly limited green list of countries which they may able to travel depending on the destinations countries restrictions. Everywhere else seems to be off the cards for now - with fines, self or hotel quarantine and multiple test required for those who do so.

So yeah I guess some UK tourists may start to eye the Emerald Isle up as a handy destination. Though atm travel from the UK not without restrictions for them. At present they must undertake necessary tests and quarentine as necessary.

The USA just reduced the level of the UK.

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/usa-america-uk-travel-alert-level-b1845623.html

The UK was previously at level four in the States, with a “do not travel” warning.
On 10 May this advice was eased to a level three advisory: “reconsider travel”.

There is also mounting pressure from stakeholders for a travel corridor to be introduced.

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/11/airline-ceos-ramp-up-pressure-on-governments-to-open-up-us-uk-travel.html

It is very hard not to see this coming to fruition in the coming months.

In terms of travel from the UK to here, if they come in via the North then they aren't subject to any restrictions in terms of isolation. The only restriction is currently on our side, which requires them to isolate if they arrive by plane or port. If they come over the land border with NI, there are zero restrictions.

Similarly, we can currently go to the UK via the North also, with no restrictions on arrival. As I said many times, you don't even need to produce evidence of a negative test to get on the Stena Line Belfast to Liverpool ferry.

All the restrictions are on our side (and currently easily bypassed), there are zero restrictions on their side. With them kite flying this it just acknowledges that they realise the pointlessness of the current restrictions on CTA travellers when anybody can easily get around them with a few hours extra travel.

Chuck Norris 2021 · 12-05-2021 02:41PM

Helpsos wrote: »

Hi there

We are planning to travel with two kids to my parents home in Spain mid June(they won’t be there) .
I’m literally living for it.
We will be saying that we have a home there and using that as are our essential travel reason. Ill be fully vaccinated but we will all have PCR tests etc. I’ve been reading through this thread, but assuming nothing changes in the guidelines before mid June:
1 - could we be turned around ?
2- is worst case scenario a 2k fine and continue on the trip?

Please don’t troll me (I’m new here lol)

If you don't mind me asking, are you originally from Spain? Or is it just that your parents have a holiday home there? Or are they full time residents there?
If you are Spanish, then you are just returning home. If you're parents live there, you are going out to care for them and can't leave your kids behind.

Lumen · 12-05-2021 02:43PM

BobbyBolivia wrote: »

In terms of travel from the UK to here, if they come in via the North then they aren't subject to any restrictions in terms of isolation. The only restriction is currently on our side, which requires them to isolate if they arrive by plane or port. If they come over the land border with NI, there are zero restrictions.

I think you're wrong here.

From S.I. No. 135 of 2021

“relevant state” means any state, country, territory, region or other place outside the State, other than Northern Ireland;
...
Relevant traveller
4. In these Regulations, “relevant traveller” means a person who –
(a) is not an exempted traveller, and
(b) arrives in the State having been in a relevant state at any time in the period of 14 days prior to the date on which he or she so arrives.

So you're not required to quarantine if you've only been in NI, but you are if you've been in another state within 14 days of your arrival into the 26 counties.

Chuck Norris 2021 · 12-05-2021 02:49PM

gozunda wrote: »

Except that's highly unlikely to happen in the medium term.

The US State Department announced plans to expand its "Level 4: Do Not Travel" guidance to about 80% of countries worldwide, citing the "unprecedented risk to travelers" from the coronavirus.

That includes here. Now whilst that won't stop the diehard tourists - it means that for many Travel Insurance won't necessarily cover travel to those destinations.

The UK? Well they've just been given an incredibly limited green list of countries which they may able to travel depending on the destinations countries restrictions. Everywhere else seems to be off the cards for now - with fines, self or hotel quarantine and multiple test required for those who do so.

So yeah I guess some UK tourists may start to eye the Emerald Isle up as a handy destination. Though atm travel from the UK not without restrictions for them. At present they must undertake necessary tests and quarentine as necessary.

Though I reckon a bigger issue will be that any holiday destinations here will already be oversubscribed by the "natives" :pac:

That said considering there's some 66 million of them and 4.9 million of us - everyone here could holiday in the UK and they wouldn't even notice.

Understandable at the moment, but like everything else, give it a month and other countries will move fast while Paddy is left trailing behind. While the UK may not seem great as an excape route, just remember that green or amber are all the one if you're not a resident and you're heading down over the border. So no real deterant as a back door except for testing costs (which would be required via the rebublic regardless).
As for the tourists, well SC wants the British rolling in to spend money in resturants (while sitting in the p*ssing rain) and not forgetting all the noise about allowing Americans skip MHQ if vaccinated. Just remember how greedy our bunch are, it's as much about trying to get their claws on all our pandemic savings as much as it is about public health.

The Davestator · 12-05-2021 02:50PM

Helpsos wrote: »

Thanks everyone for your advice - it’s really helpful

if the 2k fine is still there, get a bus to the airport and pay the extra 7 or 8 euro for the fast pass security. They haven't been checking the buses or fast pass as far as I am aware and from speaking with people who travelled.

BobbyBolivia · 12-05-2021 02:50PM

Lumen wrote: »

I think you're wrong here.

From S.I. No. 135 of 2021

So you're not required to quarantine if you've only been in NI, but you are if you've been in another state within 14 days of your arrival into the 26 counties.

Well sure, but why would you if you were English - what is the difference between citizens of Northern Ireland and English citizens? All members of the UK. But only one of them can come freely? Bizarre, nonsensical tripe.

Going from Ireland to UK we face no restrictions and are treated the same as UK citizens.

It's another one of those nonsense rules that everyone can see is absolute nonsense.

In reality there are no restrictions between Ireland and UK for those that are inclined to put in a few extra hours to avoid them. The kite flying from Varadkar is an acknowledgement of that fact.

Chuck Norris 2021 · 12-05-2021 02:52PM

Lumen wrote: »

I think you're wrong here.

From S.I. No. 135 of 2021

So you're not required to quarantine if you've only been in NI, but you are if you've been in another state within 14 days of your arrival into the 26 counties.

Stephen Donnelly even once said that he expected anyone entering via the north to book MHQ if they'd been in a list country in the previous 14 days. I'd love to see how many people would do that!! Not sure how that would work though? Would the army meet you on the M1 with a bus? :pac:

Valhallapt · 12-05-2021 02:53PM

The Davestator wrote: »

if the 2k fine is still there, get a bus to the airport and pay the extra 7 or 8 euro for the fast pass security. They haven't been checking the buses or fast pass as far as I am aware and from speaking with people who travelled.

Where exactly are they? I had heard they had a hut setup outside drop offs, and were asking people getting out of cars, are they actually airside?

BobbyBolivia · 12-05-2021 02:56PM

Chuck Norris 2021 wrote: »

Stephen Donnelly even once said that he expected anyone entering via the north to book MHQ if they'd been in a list country in the previous 14 days. I'd love to see how many people would do that!! Not sure how that would work though? Would the army meet you on the M1 with a bus? :pac:

Living in LaLa Land.

McNamara at least has enough common sense to know how this will end up going.

The CTA thing is just another one of these things that they will pretend is a 'vaccine bonus', like they did with vaccinated grandparents meeting grandchildren, when any normal (vaccinated) person would have been comfortable doing that well before some arbitrary date the government gave when it suddenly became safe to do so.

Tazz T · 12-05-2021 02:57PM

The US level 4 advisory to European countries means nothing to Americans. On some of the forums I'm on, Americans are boasting about holidaying in Greece right now. They appear to have more rights to travel in Europe than us.

Lumen · 12-05-2021 02:57PM

BobbyBolivia wrote: »

Well sure, but why would you if you were English - what is the difference between citizens of Northern Ireland and English citizens? All members of the UK. But only one of them can come freely? Bizarre, nonsensical tripe.

Going from Ireland to UK we face no restrictions and are treated the same as UK citizens.

It's another one of those nonsense rules that everyone can see is absolute nonsense.

In reality there are no restrictions between Ireland and UK for those that are inclined to put in a few extra hours to avoid them. The kite flying from Varadkar is an acknowledgement of that fact.

This isn't about citizenship, it's not even about residency, it's about where you're travelling from.

I'm not defending the restrictions, nor making any comment about enforcement but it's important to be clear that if you get caught dodging quarantine you could be facing a 5k fine and/or prison under the law. This is not a fixed penalty matter like the other restrictions, it's a criminal conviction.

Valhallapt · 12-05-2021 03:00PM

Helpsos wrote: »

Hi there

We are planning to travel with two kids to my parents home in Spain mid June(they won’t be there) .
I’m literally living for it.
We will be saying that we have a home there and using that as are our essential travel reason. Ill be fully vaccinated but we will all have PCR tests etc. I’ve been reading through this thread, but assuming nothing changes in the guidelines before mid June:
1 - could we be turned around ?
2- is worst case scenario a 2k fine and continue on the trip?

Please don’t troll me (I’m new here lol)

Yes you might be fined 2K per person, which could be 8K in your case? But what I'm hearing is that very few (if any>) are being fined, the gardai aren't looking to catch anyone out, vast majority of travellers go through unimpeded, some are asked is the trip essential and once you say it is, they take you at your word. The fine and the gardai is mostly a visual deterrence, the government know they can't stop people completely, but by the threat of a large fine most people won't bother to travel.

Chuck Norris 2021 · 12-05-2021 03:07PM

Lumen wrote: »

This isn't about citizenship, it's not even about residency, it's about where you're travelling from.

I'm not defending the restrictions, nor making any comment about enforcement but it's important to be clear that if you get caught dodging quarantine you could be facing a 5k fine and/or prison under the law. This is not a fixed penalty matter like the other restrictions, it's a criminal conviction.

If I flew in via the north tomorrow. I'd go straight home, do my 5 days and then test. But without a man with a passenger locator form at the border, how is it even recorded. Unless a curtain twitcher reports you, and even then, I doubt it'll be that easy for them to establish if you were abroad. Can anyone else think of a way that they can actually control this? I certainly can, remove the 2k fine and get as many people using a tracable route as possible.

Lumen · 12-05-2021 03:10PM

Chuck Norris 2021 wrote: »

If I flew in via the north tomorrow. I'd go straight home, do my 5 days and then test. But without a man with a passenger locator form at the border, how is it even recorded. Unless a curtain twitcher reports you, and even then, I doubt it'll be that easy for them to establish if you were abroad. Can anyone else think of a way that they can actually control this? I certainly can, remove the 2k fine and get as many people using a tracable route as possible.

The 2k fine is for leaving, not for returning.

As for enforcement, I don't know.

Helpsos · 12-05-2021 03:16PM

Valhallapt wrote: »

Yes you might be fined 2K per person, which could be 8K in your case? But what I'm hearing is that very few (if any>) are being fined, the gardai aren't looking to catch anyone out, vast majority of travellers go through unimpeded, some are asked is the trip essential and once you say it is, they take you at your word. The fine and the gardai is mostly a visual deterrence, the government know they can't stop people completely, but by the threat of a large fine most people won't bother to travel.

Thanks so much for this - so is it definitely a per person fine ? I can see why that is a good deterrence especially for a family

Chuck Norris 2021 · 12-05-2021 03:21PM

Lumen wrote: »

The 2k fine is for leaving, not for returning.

Fully aware of that. The 2k fine is the biggest thing driving people to look at the north. Testing costs would probably be roughly the same north or south (green list is small, so a lot of people will be on the amber list). I know some will use it to dodge home quarantine, but a lot of people will be more responsible. In my case I'm from Cork, I've booked my flights out of Cork. Even if I was irresponsible enough to do it, I wouldn't drive the length of the country for the sake of 5 days indoors and another test.

Valhallapt · 12-05-2021 03:30PM

Helpsos wrote: »

Thanks so much for this - so is it definitely a per person fine ? I can see why that is a good deterrence especially for a family

Well maybe someone can correct me, I’m not sure how they can enforce that on a minor

Tazz T · 12-05-2021 03:35PM

Valhallapt wrote: »

Well maybe someone can correct me, I’m not sure how they can enforce that on a minor

It's a fixed penalty notice. The parents are responsible for making sure it's paid. Same as when a child travels on public transport without a ticket.

gozunda · 12-05-2021 03:41PM

BobbyBolivia wrote: »

The USA just reduced the level of the UK.
https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/usa-america-uk-travel-alert-level-b1845623.html[/url
There is also mounting pressure from stakeholders for a travel corridor to be introduced.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/11/airline-ceos-ramp-up-pressure-on-governments-to-open-up-us-uk-travel.html
It is very hard not to see this coming to fruition in the coming months.
In terms of travel from the UK to here, if they come in via the North then they aren't subject to any restrictions in terms of isolation. The only restriction is currently on our side, which requires them to isolate if they arrive by plane or port. If they come over the land border with NI, there are zero restrictions.
Similarly, we can currently go to the UK via the North also, with no restrictions on arrival. As I said many times, you don't even need to produce evidence of a negative test to get on the Stena Line Belfast to Liverpool ferry.
All the restrictions are on our side (and currently easily bypassed), there are zero restrictions on their side. With them kite flying this it just acknowledges that they realise the pointlessness of the current restrictions on CTA travellers when anybody can easily get around them with a few hours extra travel.

No I didnt refer to the UK and potential US visitors there. The only reason I can see the UK was downgraded by the US is the UK high level of vaccinations there.

Here the US advisory remains at Level 4 - Do not travel. Hence the issue with insurance cover for anyone from the US coming here on holiday - even those of a mind to sneak in from next door. So as per my previius reply - its highly unlikely we'll have any significant numbers 'of "US visitors roaming about"

There's been pressure for months now from various UK stakeholders - yet the fact is that it remains illegal to travel abroad for Travel and Tourist purposes (Ireland excepted). The UK even increased fines for anyone breaking the law there and travelling abroad for holidays.

As for the NI travel dodge - that is as you say involves a few hours extra travel. And a fair few in many cases depending on the destination if going to the ROI. Easier for them just to holiday in the North or Scotland, Wales or England depending where they are coming from. No restrictions and a lot less hassle. That said I'm sure there will be some regardless.

The thing is the digital cert looks like its not going to be up and running fully until the middle of the summer.

So I reckon things are still a lot less definite than some might hope for. But that's where we're at .

12-05-2021 03:43PM

Valhallapt wrote: »

Where exactly are they? I had heard they had a hut setup outside drop offs, and were asking people getting out of cars, are they actually airside?

Gardai have a checkpoint on the arrival road to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Uniform Gardai at terminal 1 are attached to Dublin airport mostly. Terminal 2 is manned by traffic units.

Immigration officers are setup as you enter security in both terminals.

Uniform Gardai will be on the beat inside but are not specifically tasked with Covid enforcement and have no role in mask wearing for example.

the 'Hut' would refer to either the little kiosk they use inside or the traffic mobile canteen.

Valhallapt wrote: »

Well maybe someone can correct me, I’m not sure how they can enforce that on a minor

You are correct, It cannot be. The fine would be per adult

Tazz T wrote: »

It's a fixed penalty notice. The parents are responsible for making sure it's paid. Same as when a child travels on public transport without a ticket.

Not even remotely true.

Helpsos wrote: »

Hi there

We are planning to travel with two kids to my parents home in Spain mid June(they won’t be there) .
I’m literally living for it.
We will be saying that we have a home there and using that as are our essential travel reason. Ill be fully vaccinated but we will all have PCR tests etc. I’ve been reading through this thread, but assuming nothing changes in the guidelines before mid June:
1 - could we be turned around ?
2- is worst case scenario a 2k fine and continue on the trip?

Please don’t troll me (I’m new here lol)

Travelling to a holiday home in Spain is not essential. Sorry but its not. Of course I will be shouted at for pointing that out but it remains the reality.

1. You could and probable would be advised to return home
2. you would be subject to a 4k fine for both adults.

Hopefully the fine will gone by then but if I were in your shoes I would be planning something beyond admitting you are going to a house in Spain for holidays. I couldnt possible point you towards some of the excellent suggestions made in this thread

M_Murphy57 · 12-05-2021 03:47PM

Wallander wrote: »

Worrying news about people getting trapped abroad as they keep on testing positive on PCR tests long after recovering from Covid:

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/frantic-calls-from-irish-people-trapped-abroad-as-they-repeatedly-received-residual-positive-covid-tests-40418573.html

It sounds like most countries would accept a doctor affirming that the person in this situation can travel as they are no longer infectious, but not Ireland unfortunately.

Amazing that a story like this would be released right before the governments hand is forced to allow Irish people travel with PCR tests

saabsaab · 12-05-2021 03:50PM

Lumen wrote: »

This isn't about citizenship, it's not even about residency, it's about where you're travelling from.

I'm not defending the restrictions, nor making any comment about enforcement but it's important to be clear that if you get caught dodging quarantine you could be facing a 5k fine and/or prison under the law. This is not a fixed penalty matter like the other restrictions, it's a criminal conviction.

Might be a good idea to set up a Covid hotline where you could report those who have broken the laws especially foreign travel. If someone found to be in breach of them a fine would be imposed.

gozunda · 12-05-2021 03:53PM

Lumen wrote: »

The 2k fine is for leaving, not for returning.

As for enforcement, I don't know.

Afaik - the North have been sharing Passanger Locator form information since earlier in the year. So where a passenger had been in a UK Red list country and transitted through the North (and remember its a legal requirement to fill in a PLF) - it's certainly possible they might be contacted regarding quarantine etc.

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

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