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

johnire · 29-05-2021 06:39PM

Have I read this right?
Are you seriously saying that you’ll board a plane with someone who’s tested positive?
How is this even possible?

Hellrazer wrote: »

We`ve been wracking our brains all day and decided that we`re going to travel and bring a load of antigen tests with us and test them every few days and if one of them tests positive it will give us time to make different arrangements ie fly to the UK (NI) or somewhere pcrs might not be needed in August. Theres talk that that might be the case.

UDAWINNER · 29-05-2021 06:42PM

johnire wrote: »

Have I read this right?
Are you seriously saying that you’ll board a plane with someone who’s tested positive?
How is this even possible?

you are reading it right and to think some people actually thanked his post

gerogerigegege · 29-05-2021 07:03PM

Lads, which countries are most open I'm thinking of eastern Europe+Germany to head to. I will have to take a PCR test. Thanks for any help.

RedPaddyX · 29-05-2021 07:07PM

Anyone know whether you will need to be fully vaccinated (two shots) for digital covid cert or will one shot give you a temporary cert? If the former sounds like many of us would be waiting quite awhile (autumn?) until we can get dig COVID cert?

yoshimitsu · 29-05-2021 07:08PM

afatbollix wrote: »

Even I wouldn't leave the house if I knew I was positive. I was doing the Lateral flow tests all week and had 3 PCR tests in 10 days.

I'd hate to pass it on to anyone and know I might have caused illness or death.

You can get insurance for if you are positive when abroad. I'd take that than flying around with Covid.

This a 1000 times. Instead of spending on a bundle of self administered antigen test, look for a travel insurance policy that covers you in this specific case. Depending on where you're traveling to, the local tourist boards have negotiated rates for all vacationers (e.g. Portugal, Canaries... more will follow probably).

I'll be traveling with a 7yo and a 3yo this summer. Honestly we're not sweating this scenario as I think it'll be quite unlikely but if it turns out that one of us tests positive before departure, we'll just have to take unpaid leave from work and bunker down until we're in the clear. Part of the of the 'cost' of traveling during a pandemic

gerogerigegege · 29-05-2021 07:22PM

afatbollix wrote: »

Flew out of Dublin today.

It's getting busy! The Gardai for T1 was just waving every car into the place. T2 Guard was looking like he was stopping everyone for a chat.

Check in was packed but seemingly the Gardai only know about normal security as fast track didn't have anything.

So I didn't even have to talk to a Guard in the end.

Poor Guards looked so pissed off. But they are only doing what they are told to do....

Where did you head to?

Marcusm · 29-05-2021 07:26PM

Hellrazer wrote: »

This is a bit ****ty- Would they really stop a parent with a child from boarding if the child tested positive while away?

What are the requirements to enter Belfast from Spain at the minute?

I might have to change my flights if NI doesn't require a PCR from Spain.

How self-centred would a person have to be to try to insist that an infected child board an aircraft with persons who might be vulnerable? There would be an element of psychopathy on that type of act, a concern solely with one’s own convenience with an utter disregard for others.

Del Griffith · 29-05-2021 07:35PM

Mr.S wrote: »

Are people actually getting fined though? Judging by my social feed, lots of people are now jetting away to Sun locations and they for sure do not have an essential reason.

I flew out of DUB recently 3x for work and the Garda checkpoints didn't even ask for a reason, just where are you flying to.

This.

If you want to go just go, don't let the threat of the fine stop you.

Just tell them what they want to hear, if they even ask, if they're even there.

Red Silurian · 29-05-2021 07:39PM

RedPaddyX wrote: »

Anyone know whether you will need to be fully vaccinated (two shots) for digital covid cert or will one shot give you a temporary cert? If the former sounds like many of us would be waiting quite awhile (autumn?) until we can get dig COVID cert?

Scientific logic would say you should be clear to travel 2 weeks after one shot as you get a huge immune response from that

Basically, all we need is our politicians to follow the logic.... So, no would be my guess

Del Griffith · 29-05-2021 07:39PM

RedPaddyX wrote: »

Anyone know whether you will need to be fully vaccinated (two shots) for digital covid cert or will one shot give you a temporary cert? If the former sounds like many of us would be waiting quite awhile (autumn?) until we can get dig COVID cert?

According to this link -

https://www.euronews.com/2021/05/20/deal-reached-to-introduce-an-eu-wide-covid-travel-pass

- it's one shot but I believe things have progressed since then so may have changed. Nothing official yet.

29-05-2021 07:43PM

RedPaddyX wrote: »

Anyone know whether you will need to be fully vaccinated (two shots) for digital covid cert or will one shot give you a temporary cert? If the former sounds like many of us would be waiting quite awhile (autumn?) until we can get dig COVID cert?

2 wks after jannsen 1 shot
1 week after 2nd pfizer
2 weeks after 2nd moderna

Astrazenica needs shot 2 from the public health England survey to get you up to 60% on the soon to be dominant indian variant

You are currently considered fully vaccinated with one shot of AZ after 1 month but NOT FOR TRAVEL according to the dept of H
So 12 weeks + 2 from your 1st dose for a green cert with that ie 14 wks after dose 1

You can get the green cert with a pcr test within 72hrs also but you'll havve to do another on the way home to renew it that way

JojoLoca · 29-05-2021 07:48PM

Hellrazer wrote: »

We`ve been wracking our brains all day and decided that we`re going to travel and bring a load of antigen tests with us and test them every few days and if one of them tests positive it will give us time to make different arrangements ie fly to the UK (NI) or somewhere pcrs might not be needed in August. Theres talk that that might be the case.

I know you are talking about your kids, but Covid positive kid is no different to Covid positive adult. Also kids are not required to wear face masks on the plane (I always disagreed with that one), and you are talking here about going around the restrictions to potentially bringing Covid positive kid on the plane.

Del Griffith · 29-05-2021 08:06PM

Marine Layer wrote: »

You are currently considered fully vaccinated with on shot of AZ after 1 montg,but NOT FOR TRAVEL according to the dept of H

Ha ha so the vaccine knows what country you're in and becomes less effective once you cross a border!

I'm not surprised, this is the same brand of "following the science" we've been getting for a while

29-05-2021 08:23PM

Del Griffith wrote: »

Ha ha so the vaccine knows what country you're in and becomes less effective once you cross a border!

I'm not surprised, this is the same brand of "following the science" we've been getting for a while

No....its just that Astrazenica is a less effective vaccine with a 3 month interval between shots as opposed to the others
They're not out to get you
Quite the opposite actually
But obviously you can travel anytime at your own risk avoiding their opinion/advice

Del Griffith · 29-05-2021 08:39PM

Marine Layer wrote: »

No....its just that Astrazenica is a less effective vaccine with a 3 month interval between shots as opposed to the others
They're not out to get you
Quite the opposite actually
But obviously you can travel anytime at your own risk avoiding their opinion/advice

I don't doubt it's less effective due to the interval but I'm curious as to how it's effectiveness is dependent on your geographical location.

You are "fully vaccinated" in some locations but not in others, interesting..

SusanC10 · 29-05-2021 09:10PM

afatbollix wrote: »

You can get insurance for if you are positive when abroad. I'd take that than flying around with Covid.

Which Insurance Company provides this kind of Insurance? Would be great to have this especially when travelling with kids.

29-05-2021 09:17PM

SusanC10 wrote: »

Which Insurance Company provides this kind of Insurance? Would be great to have this especially when travelling with kids.

Portugese government provide it €45 per person includes flight delays,hospital for covid,holiday extension due to covid and all the usual insurance covers
Other destinations do aswell as do many airlines for non residents

Skygord · 30-05-2021 09:09AM

Skygord wrote: »

Just sharing my experience of travel to the UK this past week...

Essential travel to visit my dying Mum, who I haven't seen for 17 months. I got there in time to spend her last 2 days with her before she passed.

Outbound to the UK
I got a PCR test done prior to leaving Ireland, but it wasn't needed to enter the UK.

At Dublin airport security I was asked by Guards what the purpose of my travel was. Verbal answer was acceptable, no evidence needed to be shown.

I tried to do the UK's online passenger locator form, but I couldn't as it doesn't accept UK passport holders.

So the UK had sh!t control and I arrived with no PCR check (even though I had one done), and no passenger locator.

In the UK
AT UK immigration I was asked by a police officer what the purpose of my travel was, and whether I'd been anywhere other than Ireland in the past 10 days. Verbal answers without evidence were fine.

I got a PCR test done for the return home to Ireland, and after just 5 mins googling found a place nearby. Needs to be within 72 hours of travel, and cost 99 pounds sterling.

I filled in Ireland's online Passenger locator form in 5 mins tops.

Return travel to Ireland
Airline (Ryanair) checked that I had a PCR test result at bag drop and again at the gate. Email copy showed on my phone was fine.

At immigration I had to show email confirmations of both PCR test results and online passenger locator form receipt.

In Ireland
I'm now in self quarantine at home, and my wife has temporarily moved out. I'm alone.

I received a text from GOV.IE telling me to home quarantine for 14 days, or take a PCR test on or after day 5 and can exit quarantine if negative.

I was very proud and relieved at the controls that Ireland have in place, except I would go further given the current situation over there...

...I went to a town that is a current hotspot for the Indian variant, the town of Blackburn. I heard many stories from family, and saw for myself, how poorly the Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities were adhering to protocols - not a mask in sight, lots of people socialising, gatherings etc, and the pharmacist who did my PCR test there said he's seeing people testing positive after 1st jab - AND with mild symptoms, only mild so the vaccines are preventing serious disease BUT with symptoms enough to be shedding and contagious - he also said the nearby town of Bolton has an R0 rate of 2! Also the vaccine uptake in the BAME communities is lower than the UK average. This was before the festival of Eid last Thursday which would have the likelihood of increased household visits. With the stories from family members over there, including from a neice who is a nurse, sister-in-law an ex nurse who is giving vaccinations in a Mass Vaccination Centre, brother a postman in a district with an almost exclusively BAME community, from an airport shuttle bus driver, and the owner of the nursing home... I predict massive surges of cases in these 'hotspots' in the next fortnight. The authorities do too and opened up surge testing and surge vaccinations (for anyone over 20 in Blackburn) whilst I was there.

Personally I would be happy for Ireland to close down travel from GB right now, even though I have my Mum's funeral to try to get to in a fortnight.

Fortunately I was vaccinated earlier this week (I'm in cohort 7), so although I have had no protection from the vaccination this last week, I should have some when I go back for the funeral. The care home I was in had NHS Rapid Antigen Testing every day to enter, and PPE, and gave me a bunch of boxes of these tests to take away, so I'm using those here whilst in self quarantine, until I get another PCR on day 5 or 6.

I'm back again after the trip for the funeral.

Trip logistics were identical. I've no problem doing the self-isolation again, despite looking out at wall to wall blue skies today.

Just a note to say I'm flabbergasted to see the earlier post about how to bypass regulations to bring a Covid positive child on a plane back to Ireland. Get insurance to cover that scenario, and don't put the fellow airport users, and passengers on the plane, at risk.

I was fearful travelling on the first trip of picking up Covid and either bringing it to the care home or my other half. Less so, the 2nd trip as I have some antibodies, but still the airport/plane parts of the journey were the most risk i took. The thought of having someone on that plane knowingly Covid+ is shocking, and the poster should be ashamed for considering it if was to happen.

the corpo · 30-05-2021 09:09AM

Hellrazer wrote: »

We`ve been wracking our brains all day and decided that we`re going to travel and bring a load of antigen tests with us and test them every few days and if one of them tests positive it will give us time to make different arrangements ie fly to the UK (NI) or somewhere pcrs might not be needed in August. Theres talk that that might be the case.

Knowingly bringing a positive person on a plane full of others and knowingly putting their health at risk is a lousy thing to do

IQO · 30-05-2021 11:32AM

Question on the PCR test requirement when traveling into Ireland: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/b4020-travelling-to-ireland-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/#requirement-for-a-pre-departure-covid-19-rt-pcr-test

Some PCR test services outside of Ireland are making distinctions between a PCR test 'travel result' and a normal PCR test result. I queried this with the provider I'm interested in, and they say the travel result includes the flight and passport number on the result document. I don't think this is a necessary requirement for traveling to Ireland - only a doc indicating a negative result plus the name matching the name on the passport should suffice?

Other countries may request the passport number there, but if I could cut the PCR test price in half by not asking for the 'travel doc' I would prefer that of course.

-edit- the one time I flown into Ireland in March my negative test document also showed my passport number, so I don't have first hand experienced about traveling in without showing the passport number. That requirement is also a bit strange, in theory you could lose your passport on the travel day, and use the passport card to still travel in.

matrim · 30-05-2021 11:36AM

IQO wrote: »

Question on the PCR test requirement when traveling into Ireland: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/b4020-travelling-to-ireland-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/#requirement-for-a-pre-departure-covid-19-rt-pcr-test

Some PCR test services outside of Ireland are making distinctions between a PCR test 'travel result' and a normal PCR test result. I queried this with the provider I'm interested in, and they say the travel result includes the flight and passport number on the result document. I don't think this is a necessary requirement for traveling to Ireland - only a doc indicating a negative result plus the name matching the name on the passport should suffice?

Other countries may request the passport number there, but if I could cut the PCR test price in half by not asking for the 'travel doc' I would prefer that of course.

-edit- the one time I flown into Ireland in March my negative test document also showed my passport number, so I don't have first hand experienced about traveling in without showing the passport number. That requirement is also a bit strange, in theory you could lose your passport on the travel day, and use the passport card to still travel in.

Probably worth checking with airline. Their rules may be different to Irish rules

Klonker · 30-05-2021 11:45AM

Independent.ie have the below on its website this morning.

https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/gardai-suspiciousat-growing-numbers-flying-out-ofcountry-40483434.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=seeding

Hopefully this will put pressure on the government to drop the 2k fine when it lapses on the 2nd June as really the fine is not enforceable. All a person needs is a doctor/dentist appointment from the destination country for an essential reason to travel as that is on the legislation as an essential reason to travel. If the guards think the appointment is just an excuse for the travel which it probably is in most cases, there's nothing they can do because by law they are allowed to do it. It really should be dropped as its not fit for purpose.

Also it makes absolutely no sense that theres a fine for leaving the country under the guise of protecting the health of the nation. How is someone leaving the country a risk to the health of our population. At least if it was a fine for entering the country for a non essential reason it might make a little bit of sense.

Rosereynolds · 30-05-2021 01:21PM

Klonker wrote: »

Independent.ie have the below on its website this morning.

https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/gardai-suspiciousat-growing-numbers-flying-out-ofcountry-40483434.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=seeding

Hopefully this will put pressure on the government to drop the 2k fine when it lapses on the 2nd June as really the fine is not enforceable. All a person needs is a doctor/dentist appointment from the destination country for an essential reason to travel as that is on the legislation as an essential reason to travel. If the guards think the appointment is just an excuse for the travel which it probably is in most cases, there's nothing they can do because by law they are allowed to do it. It really should be dropped as its not fit for purpose.

Also it makes absolutely no sense that theres a fine for leaving the country under the guise of protecting the health of the nation. How is someone leaving the country a risk to the health of our population. At least if it was a fine for entering the country for a non essential reason it might make a little bit of sense.

My physio is in Spain, I usually go 6-8 times a year, would that be a legitimate reason?

Klonker · 30-05-2021 01:36PM

Rosereynolds wrote: »

My physio is in Spain, I usually go 6-8 times a year, would that be a legitimate reason?

Yes it should be going by the legislation. This is an extract from citizens information but its almost word for word from the legislation. It just says to go to a medical appointment, it doesn't say you have to justify why you couldn't get this medical treatment on Ireland.

'You should only travel abroad if it is essential to do so. The following are ”reasonable excuses” for travelling to a port or airport for the purposes of travelling abroad as set out in the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) Regulations 2021, as amended:

To go to college or school if you have to be there in person
To go with a child or a vulnerable adult to school if they have to be there in person
To work or travel related to your business
To go to a medical or dental appointment, or to go to an appointment with someone you live with, or a vulnerable person
To seek essential medical, health or dental services, or to accompany someone you live with, or a vulnerable person who needs essential treatment
To care for a family member or for other vital family reasons
To go to a funeral
To meet a legal obligation (for example, to appear in court)
To give access to a child to the other parent of the child, or to access a child that you have a right of access to
To leave Ireland if you are not resident in Ireland
A Garda may accept other reasonable excuses that are not on this list. You should have evidence of the reasons for your travel.

You can be fined €2000 for unnecessary travel abroad.'

Wallander · 30-05-2021 01:50PM

European comparison over past week:

https://twitter.com/RiochtConor2/status/1398941782684192769

Van.Bosch · 30-05-2021 02:32PM

Klonker wrote: »

Yes it should be going by the legislation. This is an extract from citizens information but its almost word for word from the legislation. It just says to go to a medical appointment, it doesn't say you have to justify why you couldn't get this medical treatment on Ireland.

'You should only travel abroad if it is essential to do so. The following are ”reasonable excuses” for travelling to a port or airport for the purposes of travelling abroad as set out in the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) Regulations 2021, as amended:

To go to college or school if you have to be there in person
To go with a child or a vulnerable adult to school if they have to be there in person
To work or travel related to your business
To go to a medical or dental appointment, or to go to an appointment with someone you live with, or a vulnerable person
To seek essential medical, health or dental services, or to accompany someone you live with, or a vulnerable person who needs essential treatment
To care for a family member or for other vital family reasons
To go to a funeral
To meet a legal obligation (for example, to appear in court)
To give access to a child to the other parent of the child, or to access a child that you have a right of access to
To leave Ireland if you are not resident in Ireland
A Garda may accept other reasonable excuses that are not on this list. You should have evidence of the reasons for your travel.

You can be fined €2000 for unnecessary travel abroad.'

Did they not update that to be “essential medical/dental” ruling out checkups etc? Not saving physio wouldn’t be okay though.

lcstress2012 · 30-05-2021 03:38PM

beaz2018 wrote: »

Wondering if anyone has a view on this. Planning on going to Majorca in August. Went to Ibiza last summer and it was amazing to get away from this kip for a week. I am wondering if its best to book a package with TUI or just go alone with Ryanair flights and book accom separately.

I know TUI have better protection in terms of cancelling due to failed tests etc (I wont be vaccinated), but im worried if I book with them, will the holiday go ahead at all. I have read one of their competitors saying that TUI are just taking bookings with no intention of going ahead with them this summer. Dont know what to believe.

Any views?

Hey man I’m heading to Ibiza in august! Couldn’t go last year so not missing out this year. I always find it cheaper and easier to book accommodation (all inclusive) though booking. Com. My accommodation in hotel playasol San remo all inclusive was €400 each for 5 nights!

Wallander · 30-05-2021 03:43PM

M_Murphy57 wrote: »

I checked and NI require PCR tests for entry too but looks like only for over 11 year olds, unlike here where it's over 7 to make sure it ****s up plans for as many families as possible (because there always has to be a little kick for paddy any time daddy Tony "lets" us have a bit of freedom)

Looks like N Ireland is also accepting pre-departure antigen tests, which are cheaper. Belfast definitely looking the better option for family travel this summer in my opinion.

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-travelling-amber-country

Test providers and type of test

You will need to find a test provider.
You must make sure that the test provider can meet the standards for pre-departure testing.
The test must:

meet performance standards of greater than or equal to 97 per cent specificity, greater than or equal to 80 per cent sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml
this could include tests such as:
- a nucleic acid test, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or derivative technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests
- an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device

Hub D15 · 30-05-2021 04:01PM

Not a great deal for working families. They have substantial costs and restrictions added to travel despite not being at risk from the virus.

Meanwhile the elderly who are at risk from the virus are vaccinated and are allowed travel without restrictions.

A very strange situation where those at most risk have the most freedom and those at least risk have the most restrictions and costs.

One suspects the justification for that is that those in government want the votes of the elderly and the taxes of the working families.

30-05-2021 04:06PM

Klonker wrote: »

Independent.ie have the below on its website this morning.

https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/gardai-suspiciousat-growing-numbers-flying-out-ofcountry-40483434.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=seeding

Hopefully this will put pressure on the government to drop the 2k fine when it lapses on the 2nd June as really the fine is not enforceable. All a person needs is a doctor/dentist appointment from the destination country for an essential reason to travel as that is on the legislation as an essential reason to travel. If the guards think the appointment is just an excuse for the travel which it probably is in most cases, there's nothing they can do because by law they are allowed to do it. It really should be dropped as its not fit for purpose.

Also it makes absolutely no sense that theres a fine for leaving the country under the guise of protecting the health of the nation. How is someone leaving the country a risk to the health of our population. At least if it was a fine for entering the country for a non essential reason it might make a little bit of sense.

That's been the case since the fine was brought in do I don't see why it would now become a reason to drop it.

They have stated 19th July. It will be extended until then.

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

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