France Ferry & Campsite info (use Search function) mod warning post 1

eltonyio · 05-07-2021 8:59pm

adubintipp2 wrote: »

By the main restaurant, do you mean the self service, or the sit down one?

The self-service one only unfortunately.

josip · 05-07-2021 10:53pm

adubintipp2 wrote: »

Does anyone know if Irish Ferries are accepting completed HSE vaccination cards as proof of vaccination. Or would we be safer getting antigen tests?

Stena were on Saturday according to friends of our on the Horizon, but we got a text from them on the morning that it had to be PCR, not antigen.
Don't know what IF require.

The guards were in Rosslare but parked up when we got there 1 hour before sailing. We were the last vehicle to arrive, nearly all vans apart from the trucks. Saw 2 other cars. Maybe they had been asking questions before we got there.

Stena check in guy apologetically asked for a PCR test from the 12yo, but we had all PCRed so no probs there.

Pro-Covid travel tip.
If your child faints when the boat is docking, Stena will call an ambulance to bring him to Cherbourg hospital. By the time the pompeurs arrive and get him in the ambulance, the French police/customs will be long gone.

Even pro-er tip.
Unless you want to lose 4 and half hours at the start of your trip, don't let your child faint on the ferry.

sy_flembeck · 05-07-2021 11:01pm

josip wrote: »

Pro-Covid travel tip.
If your child faints when the boat is docking, Stena will call an ambulance to bring him to Cherbourg hospital. By the time the pompeurs arrive and get him in the ambulance, the French police/customs will be long gone.

Even pro-er tip.
Unless you want to lose 4 and half hours at the start of your trip, don't let your child faint on the ferry.

Always nice to end my evening with a laugh, thanks!!

Hope your kiddie is enjoying the break

burly · 06-07-2021 2:35pm

Great to see the updates here from the real world, and hats off to all who have made the journey so far, enjoy your time away from the constant doom and gloom here.

Hoping to venture over in early August also, with vaccinated adults, and three kids under 11, so from my reading of the French Foreign Ministry advice, I will only need a test for the 8 year old when returning to Ireland. I will be interested to hear from anyone making the return journey whether any of the Ferry companies in Roscoff/Cherbourg are requiring a PCR for kids under 11 to board the return ferry, or will they allow an antigen test to board? Or if they even ask for proof of kids test. I read somewhere else that kids under 11 will be considered to have the same vaccination status as the parents?

Keep the updates coming!

burly · 06-07-2021 2:50pm

kampik wrote: »

We have arrived in France. Phew.
At Rosslare passport check we were asked to show covid test(we had PCR as Stena wanted) and asked if we have the sworn declarations. I asked if antigen would be ok as well and reply was that she would have to check:D
Ferry trip was relaxed, not busy, common sense used for wearing the masks.
At passport check, in Cherbourgh, we just showed our passports, they didn't want anything else to see.

I was worried too about the 72 hours as Stena said on the website, 72 before departure, but then a text came yesterday from them saying, 72 before arrival to France.
My 72 hours expired 3 hours before arrival.

Can I ask you have young kids, and were they required to wear masks on board the ferry?

eltonyio · 06-07-2021 4:42pm

No children wearing masks on Irish ferries yesterday. Common sense approach throughout. Relaxed.

beggars_bush · 06-07-2021 4:43pm

eltonyio wrote: »

No children wearing masks on Irish ferries yesterday. Common sense approach throughout. Relaxed.

Children have not had to wear masks in any location in Ireland since this covid thing started

burly · 06-07-2021 4:53pm

beggars_bush wrote: »

Children have not had to wear masks in any location in Ireland since this covid thing started

I know that, I haven't put one near any of my kids since this whole thing began, but Brittany Ferries had something on their website about French law requiring all passengers to wear masks on board french vessels etc.

Common sense went out the window 16 months ago in this country, was just curious to ask! Ill be applying common sense myself!

burly · 06-07-2021 4:53pm

eltonyio wrote: »

No children wearing masks on Irish ferries yesterday. Common sense approach throughout. Relaxed.

Good to hear!

SusanC10 · 06-07-2021 4:59pm

I thought kids aged 13-17 inclusive had the same rules as Adults for Masks in Ireland and if in Secondary School then 12 while at school.
In France, I think it is 11 for Masks.

France recently lifted the requirement for Masks outdoors.

Open to correction on the above.

TefalBrain · 06-07-2021 5:01pm

Do adults have to wear masks even outside on deck?

eltonyio · 06-07-2021 6:11pm

TefalBrain wrote: »

Do adults have to wear masks even outside on deck?

Irish ferries were very common sense about masks yesterday. Most staff behind screens and not wearing them. Occasional announcements to wear them when moving around but nobody wearing them at the tables. No masks on younger children, didn't notice on older ones. No masks outside. Remember every adult on the boat has been tested, recovered or vaccinated so it's relatively relaxed as a result. Plenty of hand sanitisers and lots of cleaning.

Maud Gonne, Lady Gregory, cinema and kids areas were closed. Bar, quiet lounge, club, hauliers lounge and self service food all opened.

Passport control in Cherbourg asked for passports only. No questions about locator form or covid tests at all.

Eurocamp in Normandy now, fully opened, very busy. Just need the sun to come out now!

kampik · 06-07-2021 8:17pm

burly wrote: »

Can I ask you have young kids, and were they required to wear masks on board the ferry?

As the others already relied, no requirement for the small ones to have masks.
Last year I made her to wear one just to teach her discipline but this year I left her off.
4 days on in Normandy, weather is mostly kind to us but very similar to Ireland

I couldn't believe that I got sunburned in between the showers(rolling eyes).
We are in first camp site today, only two cabins and two glamping tents occupied.
Spiders running out from board games boxes so I guess they weren't used this year yet.

SusanC10 · 15-07-2021 8:24am

Thoughts on the need in France to either be fully vaccinated or have negative Tests for Aged 12+ to access restaurants (incl outdoors), shopping centres etc ?

We have cancelled our trip this year but friends with teens due to go in August. I think that they will cancel now.

Deeman83 · 15-07-2021 9:10am

https://boards.ie/discussion/2057621952/france-ferry-campsite-info-use-search-function-mod-warning-post-1

delete post please

Deeman83 · 15-07-2021 9:25am

SusanC10 i cant quote your question for some reason.

You can visit France without a vaccination, using PCR tests to prove you are COVID free.

However, you wont be able to access restaurants. shopping malls.

You can access things like the Zoo without the "covid pass".

Personally I would go for the vaccination before travelling to france.

SusanC10 · 15-07-2021 9:30am

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117612235#Comment_117612235

Yes, the Parents are fully vaccinated. The Teens aged 13 & 15 have no option to get a Vaccine yet in Ireland.

Our kids are similar age - 12 & 15. We have cancelled our own holiday but our friends moved theirs to August.

Deeman83 · 15-07-2021 9:39am

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117612269#Comment_117612269

That is the same position as us. We are travelling with 3 kids under 11. Both adults are vaccinated. In france the children can travel and access anything under their parents vaccination cert. There is nothing to stop you going. you dont even need PCRs to access france.

You will need a PCR for over 7s reentering Ireland. The PCRs are provided for 49E in almost every french town and village. The Campsite will provide details for you.

SusanC10 · 15-07-2021 9:43am

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117612359#Comment_117612359

Am a bit confused now tbh.

I had read that children Aged 12 and over needed a negative Antigen Test in the previous 48 hours to access things like Restaurants (indoors and outdoors), shopping centres, cinemas, theme parks etc. Even if their Parents were vaccinated. Is that not the case ?

Also, I read that Ireland are switching to Age 12+ for PCR for entry from July 19th

ellee · 15-07-2021 9:48am

I read this awhile ago...

https://www.connexionfrance.com/French-news/Travel-France-Under-18s-covered-by-parent-s-Covid-vaccine-status

I haven't looked into it in any great detail to be honest though. I kind of assumed we might be quite restricted in what we can do. Where did you read that they needed antigen testing? Maybe I should try and pick up some tests...

Deeman83 · 15-07-2021 9:51am

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117612394#Comment_117612394

Are there exemptions?

Yes. Just hours after Macron announced the plan the government is already starting to backtrack. On Tuesday, the government announced that there would be a certain amount of “tolerance” where children and some professions are concerned. Minors will not have to present a COVID green pass to get into restaurants and other venues next month.

https://www.politico.eu/article/emmanuel-macron-coronavirus-vaccine-france/

Yes, I am hoping all our kids wont require a PCR on return to Ireland (after 19th July) but you cant trust this government so we have back up plan just in case!

SusanC10 · 15-07-2021 10:00am

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117612483#Comment_117612483

I can't Like/Thank your Post Deeman (this new Site is taking a bit of getting used to!) but Thanks for that !

Had read Macron's initial announcement only this week

Deeman83 · 15-07-2021 10:07am

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117612551#Comment_117612551

All the major governments appear to be scaring their own population into getting the vaccine. Id imagine all these "Covid Pass" rules will disappear when challenged in the courts, in the interim, millions more will be vaccinated.

My advice would be to book your holiday and go and enjoy yourself!

SusanC10 · 15-07-2021 10:09am

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117612605#Comment_117612605

It will be 2022 for us now. Decision taken months ago.

But our friends may still go if these restrictions don't apply to their Teens.

Thanks again

Beanybabog · 15-07-2021 5:12pm

This is miserable. Due to travel soon and not fully vaccinated (due to age not choice). Even I can get dose 2 before I go I assume the waiting period means it’s no good. I’d also be getting my DCC in the post as I was with the GP so I wouldn’t have it before I go. No issues with indoor dining etc but if I can’t even do outdoor dining and the pool it’s pointless. Anyone else the same?

munchkin_utd · 16-07-2021 7:59am

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117615637#Comment_117615637

maybe see about changing to italy.

We were there last year in 2 sites, and again last month, and again next month, and the only difference this year is that you need the test or vaccine to get into the country but once there then its relatively chilled. Most dining is outdoors anyhow with lots of canopies or gigantic umbrellas, so even if they restricted indoors then it would make little difference.

The sites we went to had massive pools, and one a gigantic beach, so we were always able to go for a dip with no bother.

If flying, then you're probably not flexible and stuck with France, but if driving then its a trek from the ferry to Italy but doable. We see plenty of English reg cars and its much of a muchness of a drive from Calais to nothern italy as from Cherbourg (12.5hours v 13.5) , not to mention Dutch, Danish or even Swedish reg cars who would have further to drive than anyone coming from Ireland (/Cherbourg).

Deeman83 · 16-07-2021 11:27am

Anymore recent experiences of travelling to France on Irish Ferries and through the French Border Control?

Did you have PCRs, Vaccine Cert etc.?

What is it like in France at the minute in terms of accessing restaurants and pubs?

Are the campsites busy?

josip · 16-07-2021 12:37pm

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117619105#Comment_117619105

Traveled with Stena from Roslare on 3rd

Check in guy asked for PCRs from all, including 11 year old (apologetically). We weren't long enough after 2nd vaccine to be considered vaccinated.

It was quiet on the boat, but the Horizon is more of a trucker boat than family. People made a token effort to have a mask somewhere around their face. Crew were very diligent with wearing.

We got off the boat after everyone else and by the time we left the port, there were no customs/police, so can't say if they were there or not.

Mask wearing in French towns seems to be more common that Ireland. People frequently keep them (partially) on when out in public, perhaps when going between public transport to work to shops etc.

Deeman83 · 17-07-2021 9:16am

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117604376#Comment_117604376

https://www.thejournal.ie/children-under-12-pcr-test-traval-ireland-5494289-Jul2021/

Kids under 12 wont need a PCR test on return to Ireland.

eltonyio · 17-07-2021 10:28am

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117619105#Comment_117619105

The campsites are busy, but as far as I could see we were the only Irish staying in the one we were at in Normandy. Mostly French, Belgian and Germans.

Travelled on 5th July, arrived 6th. We needed antigen tests only, which were checked in Ireland by Irish Ferries but not at all in France.

Restaurants and pubs all open for indoor drinking/ dining, although rules are changing soon for accessing shops and restaurants (you'll need a dcc).

adubintipp2 · 19-07-2021 5:25pm

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117598499#Comment_117598499

Just boarded the WBY. Boarding was smooth (not a guard in sight), they were not really interested in the sworn declarations. Doesn’t seem quite as full as before, but by no means empty. Lady Gregory restaurant is back open again - still expensive.

burly · 20-07-2021 9:34am

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117633562#Comment_117633562

Enjoy your holiday! Would love to hear an update next week on how it all went, border control, campsite facilities, number of Irish on the campsite etc.

Thanks!

Beanybabog · 20-07-2021 10:43pm

Good news from my campsite. The health pass will be checked on the way in once and then free to use the pool and restaurant for the duration of our stay and not have to do continuous pcr/antigen tests

adubintipp2 · 21-07-2021 6:51pm

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117635828#Comment_117635828

Just settling down for our dinner after a day at the beach. Similar to the post above, at the campsite, they checked the “health pass” status of everyone when checking in, and that is it for the week. They were quite strict as the person before us was 5 days after their second vaccination, and that was causing a problem.

Masks are enforced indoors, but that aside, everything else is the same as before, pool all facilities, the terrible entertainment. We stopped on the way down in Nantes, and it was similar. Definitely less English, Irish and Dutch around, though our site is still full, and the autoroute was a bit quieter.

One interesting titbit. As we were coming off the boat, the border control (who were quick and pleasant) took all our documents to process. The guy in the next queue - we could hear the conversation, as two customs officers share a booth - didn’t have any vaccination, or a Test. The gave him a brief lecture, and told him he needed to go to the local hospital, and get a test, but ultimately they just waved him through, with no follow up. Doesn’t seem like they were interested in pulling him aside, or sending him back on the next ferry. I certainly wouldn’t be too worried if your test is a few hours over, or you are not quite 2 weeks since your vaccination.

In fairness, the guy played it well, pleasant, smiley and didn’t disagree with them

Peckham · 21-07-2021 8:52pm

We're heading over on July 31st. At this stage one of us has received our vaccine cert, but the other hasn't yet (despite being fully vaccinated since March).

We'll be chasing up the other cert, but based on media reports I'm not feeling confident about getting it.

This will mean one of us travelling with just the HSE paper card that they gave you after getting the jabs.

Anyone in similar position? What are you planning to do?

I'm less worried about getting into France with it. More worried about campsite, restaurants, attractions etc. not accepting it.

dzer2 · 23-07-2021 6:24pm

Sailed from Rosslare to Cherbourg with stena line yesterday. 2 full vaccinated and 2 with antigen tests and 1 under 12. No issue in Rosslare. Quite a few English campervans on the boat. Mask wearing mandatory very few not following the rules mainly eastern European. Very smooth sailing not packed by any means. I wouldn't book the reclining chairs. The noise and vibration in the room is chronic. The border check was fairly thorough. But no bother so off down the road with us

beggars_bush · 24-07-2021 2:13pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117653249#Comment_117653249

English camper vans? Strange. Wonder were they NI?

dzer2 · 24-07-2021 3:22pm

No English reg avoiding quarantine

MorganIRL · 24-07-2021 8:44pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117656044#Comment_117656044

Expensive way to avoid quarantine. I wouldn't go to all that unless they are retired. 🤷🏼‍♂️

dzer2 · 25-07-2021 7:15am

Depends if you only got 14 days and want to get away. Also the sailing was cheap enough.

SJFly · 26-07-2021 7:30am

Does anyone know a good place in Cherbourg to pull in after driving off the ferry? 2 cars travelling together, 1 nervous driver. The cars will not be together on the ferry so will need to meet up in Cherbourg. I'm guessing there is nowhere suitable to pull in before customs so probably need to leave the terminal?

loyatemu · 26-07-2021 8:01am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117661537#Comment_117661537

you can pull in just after customs, usually a good few cars stopped there. Alternatively stop at the big Auchan Hypermarché on the way out of town.

dzer2 · 26-07-2021 8:08am

When we got off on Friday just before you enter the lanes to security there is a large area to your left. A few lorries were stopped there

Deeman83 · 26-07-2021 11:22am

what are the chances that French Border Security will accept the NHS vaccine cards as proof of vaccination? Still waiting on our vaccine cert from Dept of Health NI!

SJFly · 26-07-2021 12:37pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117661589#Comment_117661589

Thank you - that's really helpful

MorganIRL · 26-07-2021 12:50pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117661537#Comment_117661537

Yes there's places on your right hand side just after customs and also outside the port on your right hand side have used them many times doing final checks on kids.. just remember stay on right hand side of the road, maybe something on the dash of the nervous driver to remind them at junctions etc..🤷🏼‍♂️ enjoy your hols..

webpal · 26-07-2021 11:52pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117662860#Comment_117662860

Haha I remember a few years back we had to stop here and when we opened the car door whatever happened, a big bag of aptimul just burst on the ground. We shat ourselves but french customs must be well used to it as they didn’t come running after us. For some reason we thought we were drug mules but it gave us a good laugh (once we got up the hill 😂)

ShatterProof · 27-07-2021 10:52am

Anybody pre-book a pcr test appointment in France for their return journey?

Had a look at doing this but the labs near our destination dont have an easy booking procedure or else you have to do it by phone. I don't think my French would be up to organising this over the phone with totally confusing them. Cant find email address for anybody - which might be a better option than my conversation french, but I have plenty of fax numbers.

The Ging and I · 27-07-2021 12:22pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117661589#Comment_117661589

Theres lots of space around an unmanned petrol station which on your left as you exit the ferry area. I have no idea what diesel is costing in Ireland but I paid 1.39 yesterday in a supermarket.

if you are feeling a bit nervous driving , use the ring road around Cherbourg.

Im just back from a few days along the French side of the Spanish border and Landes department. I stayed in 7 campsites and no-one asked me for my Corona cert.

kjm3 · 27-07-2021 12:28pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117667322#Comment_117667322

We booked one over the phone, just asked did they speak English and they were able to help us....

France Ferry & Campsite info (use Search function) mod warning post 1

Comments

Are there exemptions?