US Travelers to UK

[Terry]

Yes, postponing is probably a better way of saying it. Things are so crazy and uncertain right now. We are all also supposed to meet in Israel (tickets already bought) for my nephew’s wedding (Wendy &Danny’s son) in November. Travel restrictions there are starting to ramp up again, but maybe things will improve between now and then. Not how I was planning on spending my retirement!

 

[Terry]

So, I just canceled. It’s the right thing to do. BA is issuing us vouchers, and our visit will just have to wait. Feeling heavy-hearted, but just not worth the risk. Thanks for all the feedback.

 

[Pauline]

So sorry, but I think it is a good decision. The quarantine would not be good. And I wouldn’t want to be caught up in Heathrow chaos.

Amy just cancelled her November israel trip …

 

[Pauline]

The UK is going to change their ridiculous rule that only people vaccinated in the UK can avoid quarantine when entering the country.

Covid quarantine to be dropped for some Britons vaccinated abroad

Vaccines minister says government will recognise UK-authorised jabs given overseas from next month

www.theguardian.com

The article is about returning Brits vaccinated elsewhere but also mentions people from other countries. So if you enter the UK from an amber or green country you don’t have to quarantine (soon).

From the article: “He also hinted that all travellers coming from abroad who have been double-vaccinated with a jab authorised in the UK could have their doses recognised – not just those who are registered with a British GP – saying: “We want to offer the same reciprocity as the 33 countries that recognise our [NHS] app, and that will also happen very soon.”
Ministers are expected to announce the change later this week, as part of a review of the wider rules governing international travel due to be held before 31 July.”

 

[Terry]

Watching.

Btw, have you heard whether the situation (chaos) at Heathrow has improved at all?

 

[Pauline]

Paul Charles, the travel expert, said it was empty when he was returning home recently.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1418885935635341324

View: https://twitter.com/ppaulcharles/status/1418885935635341324?s=21


But that is a Brit using the e-gates. Some comments in that thread said they too had good experiences at Heathrow, other say crowds. I’ll watch for articles.

 

[Pauline]

From the Evening Standard:
Heathrow’s boss has apologised to passengers who had to queue for up to three hours after e-gates broke down during the airport’s busiest weekend of the year.

Our Delta variant numbers are going down!! They will probably put France back to regular amber, meaning no quarantine on return for vaccinated travelers and Brits will be going to France. I think the airports will be busy until the end of school holidays - September 6. If you wanted to go before that, mid week would be good.

 

[Terry]

Thanks. My son/DIL think I acted too abruptly! I'm watching and waiting. Hopefully things will loosen up for foreign fully vaccinated travelers. A protracted wait with thousands of other people in a confined area at the airport is unsafe at any speed.

 

[Pauline]

I disagree with them. It is too chaotic now. And you would have to quarantine. You don’t want to do that even if you can do it in their home. Once that quarantine is lifted for US travelers I would consider coming. In a couple of weeks things will be worked out at the airports. Fingers crossed!!

 

[Pauline]

Starting Monday, US and EU travelers to the UK who are fully vaccinated do not quarantine!

Covid: No quarantine for fully jabbed US and EU travellers to England https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57999362

 

[Terry]

Yes. I just saw this on the news. We will continue to watch. Since we now have vouchers, I think we’ll see how things unfold. Late September is now on my radar screen. I wonder how they will confirm the vaccinations. We both have cards from our pharmacy, but these are not considered vaccine passports, and, as I understand it, there are people known to make fake cards.

 

[Pauline]

From Twitter by the Government minister in charge of this. He doesn’t say how you prove this, but I’ve read in other threads that your CDC card works.

 

[Terry]

Well, this is encouraging. Hopefully, things will move in a good direction. We’ve got time to see how things transpire. Thanks for the view from your side of the pond. Any and all updates always appreciated!

 

[Pauline]

Today The Guardian is predicting more spreading of Covid next week when more people are allowed into the UK.

The article also says what is needed to show vaccination status.

“Europeans will need to produce their digital Covid certificate, while Americans who do not have an app should show the Centers for Disease Control card they were given when vaccinated.”

Lack of quarantine at England’s borders ‘risks havoc of Covid variants’

Labour and medical experts question reliance on vaccination status and tests for arrivals from Europe, the US and elsewhere

www.theguardian.com

 

[Terry]

Thanks for the article, Pauline. That chart of new cases in the UK is kind of freaking me out. Definitely a watch and wait situation.

 

[ElizaN]

Thanks again Pauline. Are you still planning an August trip to Switzerland?

Elizabeth

 

[Pauline]

Thanks again Pauline. Are you still planning an August trip to Switzerland?

Elizabeth

Yes, we are scheduled to leave in less than 2 weeks. BUT I am having a dental problem (like you!). I’ll find out tomorrow if we have to delay leaving to deal with it. Unfortunate timing!

We can go into France and Switzerland showing just our vaccination status. We may have to get tests to return to the UK.

 

[ElizaN]

Pauline, good luck tomorrow at your dental appointment! I found out when I went in to get my stitches out the my the crowns will not be put in before mid-October at the earliest. It's so terrible to look forward to a trip and then cancel/postpone it. I hope your dental issues will be resolved and you can still make your trip happen.

 

[Pauline]

I went to a specialist today and all is okay, so we don’t have to change the trip dates. I have a bit of tooth pain, but it is a tooth I’ve had lots of problems with (my front tooth which I broke when I was 20) and he thinks antibiotics will clear it up. I haven’t had problems with that tooth for 6 years!

So, full speed ahead.

 

[ElizaN]

Wonderful!