I need to travel from Ireland to UK (England) and back. Can anyone tell me what sort of checks are in place?
Story is: my dad had cancer a fair few years back and recovered well. October, found that is was back and diagnosis was that although it most probably couldn't be cured, he had lots of treatment options available to prolong his life. Had plans to travel over Dec/Jan but then the travel ban put a stop to that. So now his prognosis has changed. They've basically found the cancer everywhere and he's deteriorating rapidly.
I'm absolutely devastated and need to get over there. I know the technical rules and what tests and forms I do and don't need for travelling each way, but has anyone any experience of what it's actually like to travel?
Do I need to take any evidence? I don't know what though- I don't know if his doctor would write me a letter or if that is private medical information. I'm planning to go ASAP but don't want to book if I'd need to wait for evidence. At this point I don't even care about paying a fine, it would be more about being turned away and not getting there.
I can't even believe I'm writing this, but if I can't organise getting over there soon, would I need to wait for a death certificate as proof for travel. I'd hope to get over to help my mum with funeral arrangements but I've never had anyone close who has died and have no idea how long a death certificate takes to come.
A relative has suggested just to say I'm travelling for work as that seems easier and is listed as a main reason for travel, but surely I'd need proof of this too.
I was looking at flights, but think now that drive/ ferry will be better for a number of reasons. I'm guessing that I would get stopped by the gardai either on the way to Dublin (2hr drive) or more likely at the port, but that the ferry companies won't be policing why people are travelling. And I'm also thinking that I'm much more likely to be stopped on the Irish side than the UK side as it's been a lot stricter over here with many road blocks/ police checkpoints.
Just looking for what to expect, as I'm likely to have a complete crying breakdown if they stop me and turn me back.
Thanks.