Support thread for those with family abroad

[Schulte]

Anyone interested in a support thread for those of us who have family abroad, and don't know if we can see them this year? I had started to feel all positive and optimistic about going back to my home country this summer to see my parents, but it's now looking far from certain and I'm feeling increasingly depressed.

I thought maybe we can cheer each other up and share the latest on border openings, how and where to get tests for travel, etc.

Anyone?

Here is the list in English of compelling reasons to enter Framce from tje UK, @QuimReaper

www.interieur.gouv.fr/content/download/127827/1021070/file/2021-05-30-attestation-de-deplacement-vers-la-france-metropolitaine-version-uk.docx

Thought quarantine if necessary was 7 days but will check.

Just double checking the rules if coming from the uk ( now an orange country for Framce) from France. If you are not fully vaccinated you will need to have a compelling reason as listed above, a negative test amd to self isolate for 7 days , not easy then if you are not fully vaccinated.

Thanks so much @Humphriescushion - crikey, they're very restrictive. I had thought things like attending funerals would be on there. So many people won't be fully-vaccinated until much later in the summer, and I'm sure I read that you only count as fully-vaccinated 2wks after the second dose has been administered, which wipes out the summer rather. I do hope they go back to only asking for PCR tests in the next couple of weeks.

I just saw that the strict German rules are scheduled to expire on 30 June. Not sure though if that will indeed happen, they may decide to extend or replace with something else... but there’s hope still. Fingers crossed everything continues to relax a little! Otherwise I’ll be off to Spain

I am getting my second jab just before I go to the uk and will be there for more than two weeks so will be fine for coming back, so the two week thing is not that bad. Also is fairly easy to get vacinated in my area and is open to everyone over the age of 18. May even be open to younger age groups but I have not looked.

We were supposed to be in Spain last weekend and did not go since we forgot to get our dog vacinated for rabies! Oh the irony!

@Schulte That's encouraging! I know I sound like a broken record but I've always thought the whole of Europe (including the UK) are gearing towards a July opening. I think for instance the French easing tomorrow is a sort of 'soft launch' for more easing in a couple of weeks. I wouldn't be surprised if Germany do something similar. Let's hope so.

@Humphriescushion I'm sorry, that did make me chuckle!

I do hope you're right @QuimReaper! Repeat it as much as you like, it cheers me up

@QuimReaper Fingers crossed 🤞

Joining the thread as desperate to visit my DF in New Zealand, after our April 2020 trip for his 80th birthday was cancelled. DS age 15 has never been out there, & of course will have GCSEs next year (we assume...) so December 2022 may be the optimum time to go but it seems such a long time ahead.

I saw this petition to soften the rules for British expats to visit the UK doing the rounds which may of interest to those outside the UK….

If it reaches 100,000 signatures Parliament will need to debate it.

petition.parliament.uk/petitions/585438?fbclid=IwAR0Kh9jM-XLTMwc5XdhfP3_0KAkouEz5lfaRItcjQT_O_Dt2YmeILHXTHKY

Just to add it refers to vaccinated expats.

Trying to find the cheapish tickets to travel back home (in Europe) from the UK and then from there straight to my in-laws in France, not counting the tests the cheapest flights are looking at £1000, which is triple the price of what we would pay normally...I know it's probably nothing for those of you who come from New Zealand or Australia, but still, feels like another barrier :(

Sorry @ theadult, yes there are so many barriers and can understand how you must feel. Hope you find a way.

Could you drive? Not sure where in Europe you’re going but it would give you a bit more flexibility if rules changes, something else goes wrong... friend of DD drives to Hungary every summer which is a terrible trek but just about doable...

Thanks, I am thinking of driving, but it might just be a bit too far for one driver - that's where self drive cars would be useful! I am determined to find the way though!

My family has arrived!! How vile and selfish they are! It’s absolutely amazing to feel warm mummy cuddles again, no matter how old I get!

@QuentininQuarantino So happy for you!

that's lovely to hear @QuentininQuarantino:)

Oh lovely @ quentin , enjoy!

Oh, so happy for you @Quentin! Enjoy and don't feel bad for a second!

@QuentininQuarantino

My family has arrived!! How vile and selfish they are! It’s absolutely amazing to feel warm mummy cuddles again, no matter how old I get!

so happy and so jealous! cherish every second!

@QuentininQuarantino How wonderful! So pleased for you!

@theadultsaretalking Are you proposing to fly into Spain and cross the French border from there to avoid the French restrictions? I've been trying to understand the restrictions around doing that - as far as I can tell you just need a PCR test to cross into France from Spain by land. (Probably one taken in Spain.)

I'd also check the legality and whether you've to let them know and what happens if you dont tell them.
The uk would put you in prison if you flew back from Maldives via Spain i.e. and you failed to let them know

Washington Post today - maybe interesting for anyone in the US hoping to have family visit.

www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2021/06/08/international-travel-restrictions/