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?

No, @Quim, at the moment I am not even looking at Spain to France cross border transfer, though it might be an option if they lift the restrictions for people who are vaccinated. Right now it's the logistics of travel - I don't even mind being in a quarantine, as long as I don't have to quarantine everywhere.

I need to go to see my mum, who is in Easter Europe and then from there probably go directly to France, as I can't return to London as I would have to quarantine here before I go to France. It is so complicated - I feel like I am in a game of chess, trying to calculate my moves ten steps ahead!

Yes indeed. Planning ten steps ahead and the rules of the game are always changing 😣

@theadultsaretalking Completely agree, it's so stressful not knowing! Although France have lifted restrictions for UK travellers from today if you're fully vaccinated?

When are you hoping to travel? It looks like travelling within the EU will be possible from 01/07 without restrictions, so as long as you can get in you should be fine to get to France from EE! If you're fully vaccinated I'd say you're plain sailing.

Although France have lifted restrictions for UK travellers from today if you're fully vaccinated?

UK travellers, even if fully vaccinated, still need to have a negative test to enter France and, of course, must quarantine on their return to the UK, and pay for the day 2 and 8 tests.

The freedom to travel with evidence of being vaccinated will apply to travel in mainland Europe, but does not apply to UK residents (at the moment)

Sadly I first need to travel to a country out of EU :(, so god only knows what political barriers I might have on top of the testing and quarantining and a general lack of flights...

@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!

Hurrah, so happy for you! Enjoy the time with them. It’s good to see family reunions happening

thank you all! I am hugged and squeezed and suitably stocked with ribena, marmite and ovaltine! Fingers crossed for more reunions soon. Mine will be staying until the uk goes on the green list, so fx not too long...

Good news.
Usa and Uk has agreed on a travel corridor
www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/biden-johson-uk-usa-flights-b1862960.html%3famp

That's great Easter! I was hoping the G7 today might be taken as an opportunity for some discussions of travel arrangements. I remember last year the UK-France travel corridor was announced right after Macron's visit to the UK.

@theadultsaretalking Apologies, I hadn't realised your family are outside the EU, I see what you mean - that really does throw an extra layer of complexity into it.

missmopple apologies, yes, I wasn't counting 'fit to fly' PCR tests - I sort of always assumed those would be standard even with vaccinations, as they line the pockets of Johnson's mates

@QuimReaper

Really no need for apologies!

It is all crazy bonkers and deeply confusing.

@QuentininQuarantino - how lovely for you! I am counting down the days until I can hug my grandchildren who I haven't seen for 18 months.

Tick, tock ...

Hey @QuimReaper - indeed, no need to apologise, I am being a bit vague with the details to avoid people recognising me!

Also, have just booked my ticket, screw it - I am going to at least try to get there. I was too careful last year and missed the window when I could fly.

Bloody good for you @theadultsaretalking Have you booked for July in hopes of an easing by then?

Yep, as soon as the kids are out of school! Yay!

Hi - I’m new (although have been lurking for a bit as am in a similar position to many of you). Apologies for jumping in with a question. I’m biting the bullet and coming back to the UK (from an amber country) at the end of June. My dad has dementia, and the last few months have been so hard for my mum. I’ll be staying for a week and leaving on day 7. Does anyone know how it works with day 8 testing? Thanks so much

I would think once you’ve left the country nobody cares whether you do the day 8 test... but someone may come along and correct me!

@Trenisenne

Hi - I’m new (although have been lurking for a bit as am in a similar position to many of you). Apologies for jumping in with a question. I’m biting the bullet and coming back to the UK (from an amber country) at the end of June. My dad has dementia, and the last few months have been so hard for my mum. I’ll be staying for a week and leaving on day 7. Does anyone know how it works with day 8 testing? Thanks so much

I'm so sorry - we are in a similar situation and just don't know what to do. Need to get there, but also to be able to get out and about to take her to things like doctors, banks, solicitors, etc.

You may need a Covid test within 3 days of leaving the UK in order to re-enter your country, depending on where it is. I know we do to board planes to the US.

@ZZTopGuitarSolo - that’s really tough. I can stay at my parents, and no need to get out (it’s my mum that I want to be able to go out!), so that’s something. I’d be a bit stuck if I had to do things outside the house, although test to release shortens it a bit, I suppose. At the moment I need to have a PCR and quarantine on coming back here, so a collective three weeks 😁 and what feels like about 37 tests. I hope you manage to sort it out.

@Schulte, I agree, and a testing company said the same. I’m just paranoid about being turned away at the border! Thank you!

Anyone else hear Theresa May yesterday
"In a forthright intervention in the Commons, theformer prime ministersaid it is "incomprehensible" that the UK, which is "one of the most heavily vaccinated countries in the world", is the nation that is the "most reluctant to give its citizens the freedoms those vaccinations should support"

By the end of it I just wanted to stand up and applaud.

Saw it in the news, I’m glad she spoke up. However I think the other issue we’re running into is that some countries just don’t want us at the moment because of our rising Delta variant cases .

@Schulte

Saw it in the news, I’m glad she spoke up. However I think the other issue we’re running into is that some countries just don’t want us at the moment because of our rising Delta variant cases .

for example? france have removed the ban, as of now only Germany and Austria have got the ban.

Germany is to lift its virus travel warning for tourists heading to most countries from 1 July, the government has announced.

Only places with a seven-day coronavirus incidence of above 200 would remain subject to a general travel warning, DW reports.

I have had a lot of bad news from India today.A friend, and the husband of another friend, have died. Both not even 50, and seemingly healthy.Access to good care as well.

I don't think I will be visiting my family any time this year. I am not trying to scare anyone, but Delta seems to be more dangerous than I thought.

Really sorry about your friend Mare

DH suggested that DS and I fly to Hungary without him if things do not change by August. I do not want to! That is not a family holiday. But without an agreement between the UK and Hungary, he is not even allowed into a hotel or restaurant even after quarantine.

to Mare.