Travel for work reasons quick help needed

[Newquestionolduser]

I have a potential big client who are in mainland EU which will save my business after Covid disaster. Have video called and now they want to meet in person before signing.
I’m ok with travelling to EU with a negative Covid test beforehand, and as travel for work is one of the few reasons I can go, does anyone know what proof I’ll need to show the airline I’m going for work reasons?
Also after this mornings news, may have to take ds1 if primary schools close so is this permitted as part of my work reason?

Bump

as travel for work is one of the few reasons I can go, does anyone know what proof I’ll need to show the airline I’m going for work reasons?

TBH they're probably not going to ask but I'd maybe have copy of any letter relevant to the journey to hand...not sure about taking ds...

Just a heads up that - I'm hearing entry requirements into certain EU states (e.g. Spain) and neighbouring non-EU States (e.g. Switzerland) are changing on an almost daily basis ATM so just a heads up that you need to research that aspect of your journey v carefully.

I'd also

I have no idea what proof you will need - is there any info the airline website?

You don’t mention how long you’re going to be away for, it could well be a day trip.

I can’t see that taking your kids is wise. If they’ve not been in school over the holidays and you’ve stuck to the rules isn’t there someone who could have them for you?

Could you offer to pay for your customer to come to you instead?

When I have travelled for work outside UK, I'm generally issued with a "letter of invitation" by the client ( this is also required for visas where the country doesn't do visa on entry).
I'm rarely asked to show it. With EU it wasn't an issue previously, but you might need something similar now.
However, I think currently non-EU nationals (us now) are not permitted in EU due to COVID unless on a select list of countries e. g. New Zealand. That could be an issue?
I doubt you could take your child for business reasons.

That should say outside EU, not UK, sorry

Yeah, Id take a letter of invitation. I don’t think the airline will ask for anything, but you might be asked by border control/gate staff/police, etc - and it’d be a good thing to have on the EU side, too.

I wouldn’t take DS. I travelled for work in October and it was different and unpredictable, and the situation was a lot better then. I think it’ll increase your stress a lot, and make it more difficult.

Thanks all! Yes we’ve shielded/been as safe as possible but worried about leaving ds with anyone here incase I was stuck there if a flight cancelled or something. At least if he’s with me I could just organise accommodation and deal with it.

Also know someone around 1.5 hours away from company I’ve almost secured a contract with who could have him while I’m in the meeting

@LizzieMacQueen couldn’t offer to pay for them to come here they wouldn’t entertain that at all and their Covid numbers are much much lower than ours so I’ve already started fully isolating (no supermarket for example) in prep for Covid test and going there

I would speak to the airline and save yourself the guesswork. Will you be travelling before the next tier review date? Although that means less and less as new announcements and changes seem to happen daily now.

Yes we’ve shielded/been as safe as possible

You have been shielding? Then no, you would be crazy to throw that away and do this trip. Shielding is for the most vulnerable category

@yankeedoodledandee not shielding in the cev sense, I meant we haven’t seen friends/family other than 1:1 meet ups outside, didn’t see family at Christmas for example..

This trip is a way of saving my business which is why I’m so keen to do it. If it was just extra work I wouldn’t be considering it

@Butterymuffin thanks and thats what I was thinking, could phone airline today and by tomorrow rules could have changed again.
Haven’t confirmed a date yet but would be within the next couple of weeks

Should have checked my emails before posting - company emailed yesterday eve to say due to current situation they will proceed with another video conference and save meeting in person for first quarter review! Phew.

That's very good news. I totally see why you wanted to travel for a business-saving meeting, but honestly it's so risky at the moment..

Good outcome.

That’s a great result.
I hope it all comes off for you op

Great news for you OP.