Covid tests entering EU - infuriating
Discussion
So we are all seeing how the UK has now basically lifted ALL coronavirus restrictions - all fine and dandy, I've no problem with that.
Let anyone in, no need to test, not even a passenger locator etc. Great.
But have our EU "friends" given us the same? Nope. Myself and Mrs DS have to go on the ferry to Holland the weekend after next, and of course we have to go through all the palaver - and more importantly expense - of getting tested on the day.
However if one of my Dutch mates (or any EU national) was with me then they'd not need a test. He could have been in the UK for months. He could have the exact same 3 Pfizer vaccine doses as me, but he doesn't have to shell out for a test etc.
I just find it so infuriating - I know I should just "suck it up", look at those sunlit uplands and relish the sheer lack of red tape now involved in travel. Still - at least I can bring back loads and loads of cheap booze and tobacco. Oh, er.....
This has been a Public Service Moan Brought to You by Dog Star.
Let anyone in, no need to test, not even a passenger locator etc. Great.
But have our EU "friends" given us the same? Nope. Myself and Mrs DS have to go on the ferry to Holland the weekend after next, and of course we have to go through all the palaver - and more importantly expense - of getting tested on the day.
However if one of my Dutch mates (or any EU national) was with me then they'd not need a test. He could have been in the UK for months. He could have the exact same 3 Pfizer vaccine doses as me, but he doesn't have to shell out for a test etc.
I just find it so infuriating - I know I should just "suck it up", look at those sunlit uplands and relish the sheer lack of red tape now involved in travel. Still - at least I can bring back loads and loads of cheap booze and tobacco. Oh, er.....
This has been a Public Service Moan Brought to You by Dog Star.
otolith said:
Given that we now have a full on “let it rip” strategy, why would anywhere let any of us in untested?
My point being that any EU citizen could have spent the last two years in the U.K. licking door handles - as long as they’re vaccinated (like the majority of people in the U.K. ) then they just walk back in, no testing. It makes no sense.
Countries are moving at their own pace, and we're in a mixed environment right now. Because of this, I choose not to travel, but clearly it's an arse if you need to. Covid has been an arse all along, but it's a thing we have to deal with.
Personally I'm betting that my road trip in France in July and beach hol in Greece in August will be unencumbered. We'll see.
Personally I'm betting that my road trip in France in July and beach hol in Greece in August will be unencumbered. We'll see.
Mark V GTD said:
I wonder how long the concept of 'fully vaccinated' will last in connection with travel.
Indeed, indeed, because, for the very very large amount of people that decided against a booster, travel will become very tricky in the next few months onwards. My Mrs hasn't had a booster. We just came back from Spain, but she won't be able to return without restrictions after next month. I've had one booster but I'm undecided whether it will be an ongoing thing and I'm not going to make the decision based purely on travel.
Griffith4ever said:
Mark V GTD said:
I wonder how long the concept of 'fully vaccinated' will last in connection with travel.
Indeed, indeed, because, for the very very large amount of people that decided against a booster, travel will become very tricky in the next few months onwards. My Mrs hasn't had a booster. We just came back from Spain, but she won't be able to return without restrictions after next month. I've had one booster but I'm undecided whether it will be an ongoing thing and I'm not going to make the decision based purely on travel.
Dog Star said:
l. Still - at least I can bring back loads and loads of cheap booze and tobacco. Oh, er.....
This has been a Public Service Moan Brought to You by Dog Star.
Came back from Mauritius recently with 1/2kg of tabacco at proper duty free prices, and 4 bottles of gin. Same from Spain last week. Baccy and four litres of aperol. Not much of a change TBH if travelling in a coup!e (for a decent allowance). Baccy was even cheaper in Spanish shops . This has been a Public Service Moan Brought to You by Dog Star.
Dog Star said:
otolith said:
Ah, why do they make exceptions for their own citizens returning from Plague Island? A fair question.
I repeat: what’s the difference between a fully vaccinated EU citizen returning from the U.K. and a fully vaccinated U.K. citizen?Absolutely none.
Dog Star said:
otolith said:
Ah, why do they make exceptions for their own citizens returning from Plague Island? A fair question.
I repeat: what’s the difference between a fully vaccinated EU citizen returning from the U.K. and a fully vaccinated U.K. citizen?Absolutely none.
otolith said:
Dog Star said:
otolith said:
Ah, why do they make exceptions for their own citizens returning from Plague Island? A fair question.
I repeat: what’s the difference between a fully vaccinated EU citizen returning from the U.K. and a fully vaccinated U.K. citizen?Absolutely none.
I personally see it as a bit of a "f--k you" to the UK, which I find very disappointing from Holland.
It's also absolute proof that it's got nothing to do with infections.
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