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Remind me how to go abroad post lockdown/Brexit...

13 replies

HelloCat · 20/08/2022 07:19

I've got a work trip to Spain in a couple of days. I'm getting really anxious about it - which is just completely unlike me, I'm not normally anxious at all and I love travelling!

Prior to COVID I flew all over the world quite regularly for work - several times a year. This is my first flight since just before lockdown/ Brexit.

I know it is really, really silly, but I'm really worried that there's something else I have to do which I've forgotten. My flight is at 4am (due to strikes) which isn't helping.

So far I've got:

Passport expiry date - checked I've got more than 6 months. (I've got a UK passport)
GHIC card
NHS proof of vaccination

Is there anything else I need to do to get out of the country (and back in?)

OP posts:
GrandSlamFinalee · 20/08/2022 07:23

Check the passport is also less than 10 years old.

Check the date of your last vaccination dose unless you’ve been boostered. If only 2 doses, you must’ve had your last one less than 270 days ago or else you’ll need a test.

Take a pack of masks with you as it’s still the law to wear them on public transport and in medical settings in Spain.

loveisagirlnameddaisy · 20/08/2022 07:28

Check out this page www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements

You only need three months expiry leeway for Spain

generalh · 20/08/2022 07:28

Travel insurance?

Panicmode1 · 20/08/2022 07:33

We got back from Spain 2 weeks ago. They barely looked at the Covid pass/documentation, just checked you had it. But they did ask what we were doing, where we were staying at passport control etc.

They are tight on the 6 month validity - a man behind us in the check in queue got very upset when they pointed out he only had three weeks of travel time left. (I think they were trying to be helpful, he accused them of stressing him out because he could still travel that day).

HelloCat · 20/08/2022 07:51

Thank you all - that's really helpful!

I didn't know about the masks actually. Should I take a pack of tests with me?

Passport is about 4 years old.

I've had three vaccines (two doses plus booster) - but this is exactly the kind of thing I'm worried about!

Luckily, because it's a work trip (conference), insurance is through my employer - and everything is booked and paid for, etc. But I'll print out all the relevant emails to confirm.

Has anyone had them ask for proof of funds? I've never come across this happening in any country I've been to, including those where they can technically ask...

OP posts:
GrandSlamFinalee · 20/08/2022 07:58

I wouldn’t take tests with me, no. If you feel unwell whilst out there they sell them in the pharmacy for 2/3€ a piece.

As you’ve been boostered - you’re good to go. Just have the QR code on your phone or printed out.

I’ve never been asked about proof of funds anywhere in the world so I wouldn’t worry about that.

BarbaraofSeville · 20/08/2022 08:11

For all trips, I try to make sure I never have a 'single point of failure' so don't have all your information in your phone, in case it breaks, battery flat, lost or stolen.

I always have everything printed out from my outward airport parking booking, boarding pass, insurance, transfer, accomodation and insurance as I find dealing with bits of paper far easier and less faffy than finding the right screen on my phone when it needs scanning somewhere.

But the proof of funds thing is nonsense, don't worry about that.

It's always been the rule for entry from a third country into the EU, so obviously we now have to comply, coming from the UK. It's also the rule if you come to the UK from many, if not all countries.

All they want to know is that you're not going to stay in the country illegally and try to work or claim benefits. If you have a return ticket and booked accommodation, you will be absolutely fine even if you don't meet the spending money requirement, which you probably won't at a conference as you'll probably be generously fed and watered morning, noon and night.

However, if you travel to Spain, for example with a one way ticket, 50 euro in your pocket and a vague plan to sleep on a mate's sofa while you 'look for work in a bar' then you might be singled out to explain yourself.

So the moral of the story is that, if this is your plan, to book the cheapest package holiday you can find and rip up your return ticket...

HelloCat · 20/08/2022 08:12

Thank you all for your reassurance!

OP posts:
SwedishEdith · 20/08/2022 14:47

I was grilled about my reasons for going to America once when I was in my 20s. But suspect it's not going to happen to UK citizens entering the EU for a few years. I imagine (just my guess) that there's a light touch approach for now.

dementedpixie · 20/08/2022 16:04

It's 3 months remaining for Spain plus on date of entry into the EU your passport should be under 10 years old.

Covid pass showing your vaccinations.

Take masks if you might go into a pharmacy or other medical setting or might use public transport

PlacidPenelope · 20/08/2022 16:16

Definitely take masks sometimes/some airlines want you to wear them on the plane, it's a bit hit and miss so better to be prepared than not. Arrive at the airport in good time I'd advise 2.5-3 hours before flight time, seems a long time I know but better to be airside waiting than stuck in a security queue whilst the time ticks away.

Other than that you are good to go, enjoy the trip.

Sandwichgirl · 20/08/2022 16:19

Don't forget about the liquids limit in your hand luggage. I've flown out of Stansted and Gatwick in the past 6 weeks and so many people were being pulled aside at security and having excess liquids confiscated.

PlacidPenelope · 20/08/2022 16:20

This advice from BarbaraofSeville:

For all trips, I try to make sure I never have a 'single point of failure' so don't have all your information in your phone, in case it breaks, battery flat, lost or stolen.

I always have everything printed out from my outward airport parking booking, boarding pass, insurance, transfer, accomodation and insurance as I find dealing with bits of paper far easier and less faffy than finding the right screen on my phone when it needs scanning somewhere.

Is excellent advice, it's what I do and would recommend it highly, seen far too many people faffing because their phone doesn't have a signal, they can't find the right screen, etc.

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