Gran Alacant Forum
Gran Alacant Forum => General Discussions => Topic started by: kevinb on March 22, 2021, 22:19.
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Just announced from Monday foreign Holidays are illegal until the 30th June unless revised.
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They are illegal now!! It’s just an extension of existing COVID laws until 30/06 unless reviewed earlier so no changes
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Just hope that they don't keep renewing it,even government scientists are saying no reason not to go abroad given the progress with our Vaccination program, personally I don't hold out much hope for a summer holiday in Spain this year.
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Stay home holidays are going through the roof, my son has booked a static caravan at West Bay Dorset for a week in the summer holidays, £2000 for seven days, I was browsing seafront rentals in Aldeburgh Suffolk last year, did a search and came up with a place, sleeps ten people, £1200 a night,yes that's right not a week a night. Another place a big period house, peak season £22,000 for a week. My wife has just found a static caravan same are in August one week £3000.
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No it’s getting ridiculous now. Think people who have places abroad should be exempt provided they have had both jabs. I expect we are expecting this third wave due to the inept vaccination programme in Europe and the scaremongering from Macron and his cronies. Looks like September /October May be a more realistic time but then who knows the goal posts are being moved all the time
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The economic fallout for the Costas if they don't have a decent intake of holidaymakers this year doesn't bear thinking about.
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Sick to death of the whole thing now. I'm ok with quarantine for 14 days after returning, pcr test before you fly etc. but adding another three tests when you return means an £80 return flight now costs £480 ish, the government doing everything possible to bugger up people's holidays just isn't on and I will remember this next general election.
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I really hope there would be some sort of mitigation for homeowers to get into their own places to check their homes over, if only for a limited period - but I cant see that ever being agreed until mass travel is allowed sadly.
Although we buttoned our house down and prepped it for a lengthy closure, would be good to get back in and chek it out (we dont have keyholders)
No it’s getting ridiculous now. Think people who have places abroad should be exempt provided they have had both jabs. I expect we are expecting this third wave due to the inept vaccination programme in Europe and the scaremongering from Macron and his cronies. Looks like September /October May be a more realistic time but then who knows the goal posts are being moved all the time
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Well Iceland & Cyprus have already announced that U.K. residents can visit with vaccinations and there will be no quarantine or tests required, obviously no one can travel until 17:05
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Good point - but even if the countries want us (such as Cyprus) travel will be dependent upon the UK Govt's acceptance of all that allowance.
If "we" arent allowed to travel (even with vaccines) then its a moot point I guess
Well Iceland & Cyprus have already announced that U.K. residents can visit with vaccinations and there will be no quarantine or tests required, obviously, no one can travel until 17:05
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Love cypress but what are the beaches like in Iceland ?
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Love cypress but what are the beaches like in Iceland ?
Our local Iceland has an extremely nice car park but unfortunately it would be of little use as an holiday destination as they have a two hour parking limit.
Derek
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I think that the government is now at a crisis point!what else do they want us to do?We have stayed at home,had the vaccine and given up all our social life.If they are too severe over the foreign holiday situation I fear Bristol will not be the only City with troubles.
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I've read the valid reasons for leaving the country and one is if you are buying or selling a house abroad suprisingly, I can imagine people trying it on using this reason.
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I just read up on the bit about buying or selling or getting it ready to rent , it also states any legal matters so if you book an appointment with your solicitor or legal representative or with an estate agent you will be allowed to travel . It seems you need proof of reason ie a letter confirming appointment or your rental agreement or your title deed if you take that you can travel. I’ve looked at the Spanish one and it says virtually the same thing .
I suspect this will be a well used loophole .
Pop in estate agents put it on market at twice its value so it dosent sell come back and take it off market .
Seems barmy but what do I know
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As Spurs noted re the various loop holes, didn't Boris Johnson's Dad use one of those loop holes to get to his place in Greece last year?
I've got to say it's wrong to be using loopholes to make a visit, it's folk "bending" regulations that in my view have made this dreadful situation drag on for as long as it has.
I do feel sorry for you guys wanting to go and check your places out.
However I do believe that until we understand the transmission of new variants of this virus and the effectiveness of vaccinations against them that overseas travel for holidays, or checking out overseas property should be strictly off the agenda.
Regards all
John
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Good points John I won’t be going yet . The press are calling it the Johnson loophole !
I’m still thinking maybe July
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Yes it's mad to have a loophole like this, I reckon it's got to be we can all travel or non, no ways of wriggling around it .
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Hi Spurs,
Can you post the link to the Spanish site you mentioned?
Cheers Dave
PS Anyone who beats the Villa is alright by me.
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Good points John I won’t be going yet . The press are calling it the Johnson loophole !
I’m still thinking maybe July
I do recall people on this forum and many others bending the rules though not breaking them last year, this being quite acceptable to many with any opposing thoughts being told to wind their necks in. What difference a year makes.
I will add that as of now I will be doing a Stanley at the first opportunity.
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Daily Telegraph is reporting that Spain will lift its restrictions on travel from the UK on 30th March.
https://uk.yahoo.com/style/travel-news-latest-travel-ban-082530400.html
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Hi Spurs,
Can you post the link to the Spanish site you mentioned?
Cheers Dave
PS Anyone who beats the Villa is alright by me.
Hi not sure where it was now but it was a Spanish press release on . Spanish residents returning home and people who could enter it also gave details of what you needed to bring ie negative tests and documentation including rental agreement or title deed etc I will keep looking but can’t find it now , unless they have removed it lol
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Here’s report from El País lifting U.K. restrictions
https://english.elpais.com/spanish_news/2021-03-23/spain-to-lift-ban-on-travel-from-the-uk.html
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Just heard that if you have a second home abroad you can travel to it
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Just heard that if you have a second home abroad you can travel to it
I hear a lot of things but a considerable number are untrue. What is your source?
Derek
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Whilst Boris has effectively locked the door so that we cannot escape, I wonder how tightly that door is closed travelling the other way? We've had a moat since the end of the last ice age but our drawbridge seems to be stuck in the down position.
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Spot on re drawbridge.
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"Updated 23 March: Spain has extended the ban on South African and Brazilian arrivals until 13 April but not the ban on British visitors arriving directly by air or sea from the UK. The ban on UK arrivals remains in place until 5 pm, 30 March but if nothing changes between now and then, British visitors will be able to enter Spain with the regulations in force for all visitors at that point. These include a passenger location form and, if the UK is still identified as a high-risk country, a negative PCR/TMA/LAMP test (see HERE). Obviously, this is the situation as far as Spain is concerned: the UK has its own ban on people travelling for leisure purposes."
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Looking at the latest update on Gov UK for entry requirements for Spain it doesn't give house sales or renting as one of the reasons for entering Spain.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements#permitted-reasons
Permitted reasons to enter Spain after 30 March 2021
From 6pm (GMT+1) on 30 March 2021 (5pm / GMT in the Canary Islands), passenger travel between the UK and Spain will resume, however entry restrictions and testing requirements will remain in force. Only Spanish citizens, those who are legally resident in Spain or those who can demonstrate through documentary evidence an essential need to enter Spain, will be allowed to enter the country. Permitted circumstances include:
Holders of a long-stay visa issued by a Member State or Schengen Associated State, who are travelling onto said country.
Health professionals, including health researchers, and elderly care professionals who are going to or returning from essential work.
Transport personnel, seafarers and aeronautical personnel.
Diplomatic, consular, international organizations, military, civil protection and members of humanitarian organizations.
Students who carry out their studies in the Member States or Schengen Associated States and who have the corresponding permit or visa and medical insurance, provided that they are travelling to the country where they are studying, and that entry occurs during the academic year or 15 days previous.
Highly skilled essential workers whose work cannot be postponed or carried out remotely, including participants in high-level sports events due to take place in Spain.
People traveling for imperative family reasons who can demonstrate an essential need to travel.
All of the circumstances above must be justified by documentary evidence. You should be aware that you may be questioned on arrival by Spanish border authorities to ensure you meet the entry requirements. Spanish border authorities will only grant entry if they are satisfied that your journey to Spain is essential and reserve the right to deny passage.
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It’s in the reasonable excuse section as below.
Other permitted reasons
There are further reasonable excuses, for example:
to carry out activities related to buying, selling, letting or renting a residential property
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Latest Legislation to come into force on March 29th
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/364/pdfs/uksi_20210364_en.pdf?utm_campaign=Buyer%20comms&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=117658484&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9wa9dT6LsBjlb3Y0PPwaKcoIVy1VVKBk6Okknys36axGSj2a27VBxcl7H5nZ3oevV_EbUkG_LVEOIVOu2w3-J3SaAT2g&utm_content=117658484&utm_source=hs_email
See Schedule 5 Reasonable Excuses to Travel outside the UK, Section 7, Page 71.
I can't find anywhere (must admit I've not yet tried very hard) to find what proof would be required to exit the UK, what would the returning requirements be or what proof would be acceptable to Spanish border control to enter.
Anyone know a good lawyer?
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Quick trip to home-finders to find out my house isnt worth what I hoped for covers that then .... and as Spain is errrrr "welcoming" us back from the end of March, whats not to like ?
to carry out activities related to buying, selling, letting or renting a residential property
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I wonder if it counts if you are getting ready to rent it out to family or friends. Personally think it’s all a ruse to show our EU neighbours who are threatening us with blocking the AZ vaccination that if they do that we won’t be allowed to travel so affecting their tourist industry. Ryanair wouldn’t have increased their routes and timetable if there was no hope to get to Europe this summer
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Thanks Dave G and Beachlife. Page 71 it's there in black and white the perfect excuse to leave the UK. Unfortunately (as far as I can tell) it's not a valid reason to enter Spain.
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Thanks Dave G and Beachlife. Page 71 it's there in black and white the perfect excuse to leave the UK. Unfortunately (as far as I can tell) it's not a valid reason to enter Spain.
Nor should it be.
I can't believe that anyone is seriously gambling with spreading the virus in order to visit a holiday home, appalling behavior.
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Thank you John H.......at last the voice of reason......who would want to spread this virus. Cannot believe that anyone is looking for loopholes to travel.
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Thanks Dave G and Beachlife. Page 71 it's there in black and white the perfect excuse to leave the UK. Unfortunately (as far as I can tell) it's not a valid reason to enter Spain.
Nor should it be.
I can't believe that anyone is seriously gambling with spreading the virus in order to visit a holiday home, appalling behavior.
Unless of course one can genuinely satisfy the criteria, provide the proof and abide by the UK departure and re-entry protocols and the requirements for entry into Spain when they lift the ban on UK visitors from the 30th.
I can certainly genuinely satisfy the criteria and provide the proof but at the moment the situation is either too onerous (leaving and entering UK) and vague (entering Spain) that I will wait until my second vaccination in late April by which time the situation at both ends should be clearer and the May 17th milestone will be nearer.
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We've got flights booked for October, not booking anything else as I don't think we will get the freedom to fly .
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Thanks Dave G and Beachlife. Page 71 it's there in black and white the perfect excuse to leave the UK. Unfortunately (as far as I can tell) it's not a valid reason to enter Spain.
Nor should it be.
I can't believe that anyone is seriously gambling with spreading the virus in order to visit a holiday home, appalling behavior.
Agree as any twisting of the rules will result in someone losing their life for sure and prolong the lockdown requirement.
There is such a thing as the spirit of the law surely meaning what is intended without a smart arse finding a way around the rules.
Derek
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Thanks Dave G and Beachlife. Page 71 it's there in black and white the perfect excuse to leave the UK. Unfortunately (as far as I can tell) it's not a valid reason to enter Spain.
Nor should it be.
I can't believe that anyone is seriously gambling with spreading the virus in order to visit a holiday home, appalling behavior.
Agree as any twisting of the rules will result in someone losing their life for sure and prolong the lockdown requirement.
There is such a thing as the spirit of the law surely meaning what is intended without a smart arse finding a way around the rules.
Derek
Pot and kettle comes to mind. Certain members thought that it was all very acceptable to visit GA last year during a global pandemic and the threat of further transmission and variants travelling with them back to the uk.
The Wilsons are double jabbed and the bag is packed.
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Thanks Dave G and Beachlife. Page 71 it's there in black and white the perfect excuse to leave the UK. Unfortunately (as far as I can tell) it's not a valid reason to enter Spain.
Nor should it be.
I can't believe that anyone is seriously gambling with spreading the virus in order to visit a holiday home, appalling behavior.
Wilson I hope that you are not suggesting "
Agree as any twisting of the rules will result in someone losing their life for sure and prolong the lockdown requirement.
There is such a thing as the spirit of the law surely meaning what is intended without a smart arse finding a way around the rules.
Derek
Pot and kettle comes to mind. Certain members thought that it was all very acceptable to visit GA last year during a global pandemic and the threat of further transmission and variants travelling with them back to the uk.
The Wilsons are double jabbed and the bag is packed.
Wilson I hope you are not suggesting that the saying "Pot calling the kettle black" applies to myself". The only time I visited Spain during the year 2020 was when no restrictions were in force and I have never suggested twisting the rules.
Derek
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We visited GA last year in October, the restrictions had been lifted so we went legitimately, I wouldn't under any circumstances try an circumvent the regulations as it's not being fair. Likely this evening the covid laws will be extended to September, who knows what will happen then.
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Yes Kevin the rules are there in order to protect life. If the rules allow travel then we can do so with a clear conscience, When I went over too GA I took additional precautions to remain safe as obviously even in a nanny state we all must take responsibility for our own well being.
Most people are keen to travel again and get their life back to normal. However in the UK over 126,000 plus their families will not have that opportunity again. Reckless action now will only prolong the time it will take to return to normality.
I have had my first jab but I still am careful to social distance etc. I have one flight booked for July with Ryanair. I used a voucher I had but if the conditions look unsafe or the rules do not allow I will stay at home.
The route of the problem as I see it is the lack of vaccinations in the EU to date and the effect this is having on new cases. For example yesterday, last 24 hours, France 65,373, Germany 23,757. Spain 3,064 and the UK 5,604. Obviously these figures can be a bit misleading because of the difference in population but even adjusting for this factor both the UK and Spain seem to be getting it under control.
Derek
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Spain is doing ok at the moment based on the facts that we have only been allowed to travel within our own areas (ie, within the Valencian region) and no-one is supposed to pass those boundaries. We cant even leave our own towns at the weekend, masks and gel are absolute, everywhere, outside too, and our bars and restaurants have reopened to strict rules at the moment as mostly just terraces, its only been the last couple of weeks that Anyone has been allowed inside and only a small percentage, the outdoor lifestyle definitely helps.
But a lot of my friends are wondering what the figures will be doing two weeks after the easter break. And as the only people in the general population that have had jabs so far are the over eighties, spare a thought when you are all so keen to come over here after having your jabs, for the vast majority of us that so far have no protection as yet. Its far from normal yet, and we would all like to get there.
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Derek
The problem with all the figures is that they all are based on testing . If you don’t do the test up front the illness and possible hospitalisation and death do not count in the figures. For example uk has done about 1.8 million tests per 1 million population. France about 800000 per 1 million population Spain 700000 per 1 million population Germany 500000 per 1 million population.
So it should be no surprise that our reported death rate is way above Germany’s frank or Spain’s of course it is we are testing twice as many so should in theory have twice as many cases and deaths etc.
The press never tell you this
The only true measure is deaths above a 5 year average as this includes all death where we compare very favourably with most countries in the world month on month.
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As the WHO said last March test test test is the way out. The UK conducts just under 2 million tests a day with 120 million conducted since March 2020. These tests are both PCR and LFT types hence the high number. The Wilsons do 1 pcr and 2 LTFs a week each as a employment requirement despite being jabbed up, my teacher friend does 2 LTFs a week not yet vaccinated ,my daughter in social care 1 pcr and 2 LTFs a week. This is why the UK still shows 6000 positive tests daily whereas I would suspect other countries are testing people who present with symptoms as the UK did 5 months ago. Whilst I’m very critical of the blonde blunderer the testing is now world class.
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"Whilst I’m very critical of the blonde blunderer the testing is now world class."
Really I hadn't noticed that (being critical) Wilson similarly to my not noticing your clarification on your "kettle calling the pot" comment.
Derek
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I reckon that over coming weeks and months BJ and his colleagues will have a new line added to their repetoire "no one is safe until everyone is safe".
As I've said previously, IMHO we won't be seeing flights full of holiday makers heading to Spain for quite a few months yet.
Regards all
John
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I do recall people on this forum and many others bending the rules though not breaking them last year, this being quite acceptable to many with any opposing thoughts being told to wind their necks in. What difference a year makes.
I will add that as of now I will be doing a Stanley at the first opportunity.
I do agree with Wilson. I never went last year felt it was too risky when it was all unknown like many people did but so desperate to get out and check on our property. We will have had both our vaccines by end of April. Flights are booked early June. If the flight is going then I’m going and I’m not the only one lots of friends I know will be doing the same. Whether it’s a Stanley Johnson or not. I will do whatever I can to get there. Happy to quarantine at home on my return so feel I’m not putting anyone at risk. This will still be here next year. We have to grab the opportunity when we can and this year with our good vaccination programme is no better opportunity
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I do recall people on this forum and many others bending the rules though not breaking them last year, this being quite acceptable to many with any opposing thoughts being told to wind their necks in. What difference a year makes.
I will add that as of now I will be doing a Stanley at the first opportunity.
I do agree with Wilson. I never went last year felt it was too risky when it was all unknown like many people did but so desperate to get out and check on our property. We will have had both our vaccines by end of April. Flights are booked early June. If the flight is going then I’m going and I’m not the only one lots of friends I know will be doing the same. Whether it’s a Stanley Johnson or not. I will do whatever I can to get there. Happy to quarantine at home on my return so feel I’m not putting anyone at risk. This will still be here next year. We have to grab the opportunity when we can and this year with our good vaccination programme is no better opportunity
Are you happy to self quarantine on arrival here in Spain too ? so that you're not putting anyone at risk in our hugely unvaccinated population ?
I know the uk is doing amazingly well ( and so agree with another persons quote about the blonde blunderer too) but Its very slow here and my concerns are that apparently this virus can be carried by vaccinated people, some vaccinated people will also still get it, and pass it on and that its also transmitted by touch too so people shouldn't get blase’ about being vaccinated themselves and should continue to take safeguards for the sake of others when they come
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It beggars belief that people are still looking at and fully intending to utilise ‘loopholes’.....it is totally selfish with no thought about people here in Spain who have not been vaccinated. Perhaps a 10 day quarantine should be implemented in Spain to help to protect us, if loopholes are used. I fully understand the problems associated with houses having been empty for a period of time.......but surely it is prudent to have a friend, neighbour or an official key holder when owning property in another country. I have read on here that if everything is switched off you don’t need your house to be inspected regularly. I can tell you that my neighbours, who are in Norway, had the basement damaged by a burst pipe in the fire hydrant on the street. So, no amount of turning your individual water off would have prevented this. Fortunately we have an emergency key for the house, and so were able to rectify the damage with the insurance company on behalf of our neighbours. It is worth maybe thinking about....
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I came over last July quite legally i followed all the rules and guidelines and filled in all the req forms then spent my 14 days in quarantine when I got home not bending or breaking any rules . As soon as I can legally I will be going again , as last time I will obey all the rules both while travelling and then in Spain
We cannot stay locked up forever we have already been on hold for a year and if we are vaccinated we have to trust the vaccine and get on with life .
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I came over last July quite legally i followed all the rules and guidelines and filled in all the req forms then spent my 14 days in quarantine when I got home not bending or breaking any rules . As soon as I can legally I will be going again , as last time I will obey all the rules both while travelling and then in Spain
We cannot stay locked up forever we have already been on hold for a year and if we are vaccinated we have to trust the vaccine and get on with life .
I agree with your last sentence. I also went over GA in July but there was no requirement to quarantine on my return (I think I went over on the 5th and returned 15th). as I have said before following the rules and applying some extra precautions to keep safe in surely the name of the game. I rode my motorbike over there and even used my own sleeping bag and pillow in the hotels that I stayed in on route. Avoided restaurants etc. A bit over the top but I am still alive (I think). However now I have had the vaccination hopefully that will provide an extra level of safety.
I am looking forwarded to the freedom to travel again but I will wait until there is no requirement to have tests or quarantine (hopefully that day will come). I just can't bring myself to pay for the tests on top of the cost of travel. (Similar to my reluctance to pay the BBC for a licence to watch the crap. Watch it for free in Spain and tucked up for £159 in the UK.)
Derek
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We haven't been out to our house since February last year,so we can't wait to get back to GA, but we won't be going back until we think everyone in the UK and Spain are safe.I and Mr J have had first jab and can't wait to get our second but won't be thinking of coming out until it is safe to do so.So sad that Roger has had to close.😪
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If you are concerned about Covid security, I would take solace from the closure (temporary) of Rogers :)
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Sadly gaveteran the closure of Rogers is not temporary, he had his last day yesterday, he could just not survive any more with no help from the government and a landlord that thinks it was a good time to put up rents ( he said this in his own post) even though everyone is struggling on massively less income.
And yes obeying the rules is a good thing but there is no quarantine on arrival here, i think thats a mistake and the government should have a quaranting period, but they are getting so desperate for tourists that it is not a requirement and i realise that even though we are an unvaccinated population at the moment, that people will come as soon as they are able unless our numbers do the same as those in France and other measures are put in place (a sad possibility). While i realise that people can not stay locked up forever, all i am saying to anyone planning to arrive here in the near future is be aware when you come that you are coming to a vastly unvaccinated population where there is still a lot of risk to people living here
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I thought that those that have been vaccinated are unlikely to be able to pass it on and infect others.
Therefore to travel to Spain once someone has been vaccinated dose not pose an additional risk.
The world cannot afford to be locked down forever. Whilst here in the UK they appear to have found a money tree sooner or later people will again have to produce something in order to receive a wage.
Derek
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I was being annoyingly cryptic. I meant he'll be open in the GA Center, just with less staff that are currently on ERTE's. I hope this time at least basic safety rules get followed. I don't know about the rent increase, but if it's on Facebook I can only assume it's true.
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We are going to have to learn to live with the virus, will be an economic disaster if we stay locked down any longer, it's going to be the young generation that are going to bear the brunt of taxes to pay for government borrowing, the virus will always be with us now. I see that from September they are giving booster injections to the over 70's to tackle variants of the virus, well done the scientists.
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I thought that those that have been vaccinated are unlikely to be able to pass it on and infect others.
According to the scientist's "a full course will reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill. We do not yet know whether it will stop you from catching and passing on the virus, but we do expect it to reduce this risk".
Hence the phrase they have started using "until we are all safe, no one's safe".
Regards all
John
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My understanding is/was that if you're vaccinated it reduces the chance of catching covid considerably but you can still be a carrier and pass it on to unvaccinated people.
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Apparently being vaccinated if you get the virus your viral load stays low, this hugely reduces the ability to infect other people.
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Whilst I understand the concerns of the expat community in GA not wanting visitors until it’s safe to do so I believe that point is years away. From a financial perspective we have paid a small fortune for a year for electricity, water, community charge, town hall tax etc and received zero assistance or support, I spoke with Iberdrola and asked if they could waive the standing charge as it’s turned off, the guy fell off his chair laughing. We have stuck meticulously to the rules for a year but now I’m at the point of if you can’t beat them join them. And whilst no doubt many in GA have done the right thing throughout many clearly didn’t.
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Fully agree Wilson.
As for the fears of "bringing the disease over" - what should we do? Stay away until Spain has vaccinated everyone? The way it is being run over there that won't be this year for sure. So I am with Wilson. I am coming over as soon as I possibly can.
I will be double jabbed, I'll do a PCR or quick lateral flow the day before travelling if necessary and then I'll visit my house.
Follow up on kevinB's note about the vaccine helping to stop transmission, its true .....
You will have 4 times less viral load (making it much harder to spread) - fact-checked from a very recent study in Israel, I trust the data
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.06.21251283v1
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Was going to ask Linea Direca what the discount on this year's car insurance was going to be as the car had been a zero risk for 12 months sitting in long-stay parking.
Think I can already guess the answer !
(its not that far fetched to expect something - BUPA dropped me a note yesterday saying they are offering a rebate on this years insurance for me and the Mrs due to the reduced availability of services)
Whilst I understand the concerns of the expat community in GA not wanting visitors until it’s safe to do so I believe that point is years away. From a financial perspective we have paid a small fortune for a year for electricity, water, community charge, town hall tax etc and received zero assistance or support, I spoke with Iberdrola and asked if they could waive the standing charge as it’s turned off, the guy fell off his chair laughing. We have stuck meticulously to the rules for a year but now I’m at the point of if you can’t beat them join them. And whilst no doubt many in GA have done the right thing throughout many clearly didn’t.
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Direct Line here in the UK have been refunding policy holders whom have done less miles this year. The same Company used to own the Spanish outfit but I don't think that is the case now.
Best go onto a Spanish Comparison site and get a lower price which you can use also use to beat the price down.
try www.acierto.com for starters
Derek
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Thanks Derek ....
Direct Line here in the UK have been refunding policy holders whom have done less miles this year. The same Company used to own the Spanish outfit but I don't think that is the case now.
Best go onto a Spanish Comparison site and get a lower price which you can use also use to beat the price down.
try www.acierto.com for starters
Derek
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A word of caution Beach life, a few years ago I was involved in and accident, my fault, where I wrote the car off.
The amount of correspondence I received from the courts was unbelievable.
It was brilliant to be able to nip into Santa Pola and see Linda Rowland, show her the various letters from the courts and ask what I needed to do!!
I didn't have to do that much as I'd ticked the "Legal Protection" box and they did the job they were paid to do.
It was only then that I valued what she actually did as an insurance broker, she was brilliant.
I might have saved a few Euro by going "direct" to an insurance company but I might have had quite a few sleepless nights.
Regards all
John
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I agree with John. You never know how good your insurance is until you need it and Linda Rowland has proved helpful to us on several occasions.
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Totally agree the viral load is much lower if you have been vaccinated and if everyone is sensible wearing masks which is suspect is still mandatory can’t see the problem in visiting our properties. Surely by the end of May when we may be able to travel Spain will have got its act together and vaccinated the vulnerable. My city in Devon has 128,000 people and we have about 20 cases ! So hardly posing a risk to people in Spain. I’m happy to take a lateral flow test the day before flying. I will have had both jabs and quarantine at home on my return. With reference to insurances we emailed Linda Rowland as our car has been sat on the drive for a year and we are still paying for insurances on it. She said it’s not like the UK you can’t take it off the road like a Sorn so we still have to pay
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Let's hope we can fly by June without having to 200£ each for e negative test before flying to Alicante, hoping that the double virus jab will suffice.
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£80 at BHX before you go.
https://www.expresstest.co.uk/
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Reports in costa Blanca news that dozens of brits refused entry into Spain this week after landing at Alicante airport, met guidelines for leaving uk but not for entering Spain
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Chris and Jackie just beat me to it.
British arrivals deported from Alicante airport
Dozens of British passengers arriving at Alicante-Elche airport have been escorted back onto a plane and deported after being refused entry into Spain.
An easyJet flight from London Gatwick touched down on Friday but only Spanish nationals and officially resident passengers were allowed through passport control.
Despite having fulfilled criteria to leave the UK – where foreign travel currently remains illegal – they were escorted back onto the same airliner.
According to the Spanish government and confirmed by the British Embassy in Madrid, the people had jumped the gun and did not meet regulations to enter the country.
Full report in Costa Blanca News – in the shops on Thursday this week due to the Easter holidays
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There'll be some great looking sun tans this year!!
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Seen this all over the press...but if you read the B.O.E. there is actually no mention of the beach......just open spaces (which is law now anyway) 8) :o
https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2021/03/30/pdfs/BOE-A-2021-4908.pdf
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They are certainly mentioning the beach on the TV news. My guess is that they are using that, understandably, as a tactic to make it less attractive to go to the beach. Thus avoiding mass beach overcrowding on the Easter weekend, mitigating travel etc. Certainly it isn;t stopping half of Madrid arriving here though, as the supermarket car-parks clearly indicate. Also, honestly, the noise they seem to make when talking to each other in said supermarkets haha. I think it's a hobby of Madrileñas to talk/shout at their husbands as loudly as possible constantly :)
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Agree with you GA Veteran, especially as Ana Barcelo has now said they will be reviewing this next Wednesday.........just after Easter 8)
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There was an article in the Mail published at 16:00 today that the Spanish government has bowed to pressure and people won't have to wear masks on the beach.
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Unfortunately the Daily Mail have been misinformed! ::)
There will be a Interterritorial Council meeting next week to discuss. At the moment as from yesterday, masks are mandatory on the Valencian beaches, however, understandably there has been a mass uprising about this from all sectors, so think it will be changed next week
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Must admit sounds about right from The Mail, they can't even spell in their online newspaper.
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Taken from this week's Euro Weekly News
It’s no secret that Spanish authorities are planning to come down hard on British citizens over‐staying the 90‐day limit, but one expat couple experienced the ultimate nightmare at Alicante‐Elche airport after following to the letter everything that the UK government website told them to do.
Speaking exclusively to Euro Weekly News, the distraught Brits told of their distress and being shouted at by officials at Alicante airport before being unceremoniously dumped back on the same plane they arrived in on and flown back to the UK. One of the expats, who prefers to remain anonymous, told EWN he was delighted when he found seats on an easyJet flight coming to Alicante on March 26, after four previous trips had been cancelled by the airlines, as he and his wife were anxious to return to Alicante to finalise the sale of their home here.
Having checked the rules on the UK government website, they headed to London Gatwick armed with a signed letter from their Spanish solicitor, an appointment with the notary, and a signed copy of their sales contract with the buyer, along with results of their £330 Covid tests. Upon arrival at the Spanish airport, when it was the couple’s turn to have their documentation checked, they were astonished to discover that rather than examining their documents to approve their stay, the Spanish police were instead completing their deportation order. When the man phoned his solicitor, an officer reportedly shouted: “Get off your phone. No pictures.” “I cannot understand why they were shouting so much. The police captain or chief was the most aggressive and even his other officers seemed surprised at how bad he was,” the disappointed man told EWN. “We were given a letter each, written in Spanish and told to go home. Then the final insult, like criminals, we were all escorted by guards directly onto the same plane that we had arrived on a few hours earlier.”
The angry expat told EWN that it is hard to accept Boris Johnson’s vow that British people with holiday homes will soon be allowed to travel to Spain after his horrendous experience. “The grandchildren will be so proud, that Nanny and Grandad got kicked out of a country,” he added ruefully.
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As sad as that story may appear.
Just because the U.K. government states that buying or selling property is a legitimate reason to leave the U.K., would you not automatically check the requirements for the country you are about to enter before flying ?
Spain for a long time now has only accepted Spanish nationals and those with residency from the U.K., the last time I looked, the date for that to be reviewed had actually been extended.
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As sad as that story may appear.
Just because the U.K. government states that buying or selling property is a legitimate reason to leave the U.K., would you not automatically check the requirements for the country you are about to enter before flying ?
Spain for a long time now has only accepted Spanish nationals and those with residency from the U.K., the last time I looked, the date for that to be reviewed had actually been extended.
Absolutely, yes, I would!
If there is one thing I have learned in recent times, it is to never, ever believe a single word that Bumbling Boris or his government lackeys come out with.
I, like many others, am anxious to get back to Spain again but have accepted that it could be a long time yet before I do.
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Here you go.....no mention of visits to do with property issues of any kind.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.es/faq/entry-into-spain-from-the-uk-after-march/
Regards all
John
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As sad as that story may appear.
Just because the U.K. government states that buying or selling property is a legitimate reason to leave the U.K., would you not automatically check the requirements for the country you are about to enter before flying ?
Spain for a long time now has only accepted Spanish nationals and those with residency from the U.K., the last time I looked, the date for that to be reviewed had actually been extended.
Absolutely, yes, I would!
If there is one thing I have learned in recent times, it is to never, ever believe a single word that Bumbling Boris or his government lackeys come out with.
I, like many others, am anxious to get back to Spain again but have accepted that it could be a long time yet before I do.
Yes blame Boris for it. If I read the post correctly it states "a reason for leaving the UK" which in my understanding is not saying anything about entering another country. Surely you are not holding the UK Government responsible for the entry requirements of Spain and others.
Derek
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Surely you are not holding the UK Government responsible for the entry requirements of Spain and others.
Derek
No, of course not, not what I said! I said I would not rely on what the UK might say and always check what Spain ( or wherever ) is saying before flying.
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From the British Embassy in Madrid (thanks to Guy Mitchell)
https://www.costablancapeople.com/?p=6962&fbclid=IwAR1lGaneihuj8pvTRWfzqMTfuBwnFH5MJRbhcaTtg1bqIRBszbQgUIubf5I
If you are in the UK and considering travelling to Spain or are in Spain and have friends or family wanting to visit, you should be aware of the continuing travel restrictions on both leaving the UK and entering Spain. UK Nationals must make sure that they meet both the requirements to leave the UK and those to enter Spain, bearing in mind that they are not the same. From 30 March, entry to Spain will only be granted to those passengers who can demonstrate that their journey is essential, as well as to those who are already legally resident in Spain. Entering merely to visit, even if you have a second home here, is not a justified reason for entry. You may be questioned on arrival by Spanish border authorities to ensure you meet the entry requirements and they will only grant entry if they are satisfied that your journey to Spain is essential and reserve the right to deny passage. Ultimately, the decision on whether to grant entry into Spain is made by Spanish border officials as set out in our Travel Advice. For the latest information and links to the restrictions on leaving the UK and entering Spain, we advise people to visit our Travel Advice page on gov.uk and sign up for alerts, so that they are notified of any changes: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain
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It all seems quite straightforward, the Stanley clause of entry seems a goer. Watch this space.
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According to most media outlets there will be a traffic light system for travel announcement with only countries with low virus rates &!high vaccinations level on green, mentioned USA & Israel, Gibraltar but most European countries will be amber requiring quarantine in return to UK
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Perhaps they just (stupidly) jumped the gun
"From 30 March, entry to Spain will only be granted to those passengers who can demonstrate that their journey is essential"
"he found seats on an easyJet flight coming to Alicante on March 26"
When I heard of people being turned back earlier this week I thought they were tempting fate flying early.
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On another note, Mrs BL's Eire passport has turned up now - so as her spouse I am applying this weekend.
As EU passport holders travel may be a little easier 8) 8) 8)
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On another note, Mrs BL's Eire passport has turned up now - so as her spouse I am applying this weekend.
As EU passport holders travel may be a little easier 8) 8) 8)
No doubt about it if you are a holder of an Irish passport the virus will not infect you. I am told by a reliable source that Coronavirus and Guinness do not mix.
Derek
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Double jabbed and PCR tested just before flying will mean the Guinness is just a bonus
On another note, Mrs BL's Eire passport has turned up now - so as her spouse I am applying this weekend.
As EU passport holders travel may be a little easier 8) 8) 8)
No doubt about it if you are a holder of an Irish passport the virus will not infect you. I am told by a reliable source that Coronavirus and Guinness do not mix.
Derek
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I’m entitled to an Irish passport as mother Irish but haven’t got around to it yet as never thought I’d need it, my sons got them as thought they may need them if they wish to work in Europe post Brexit.
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I searched for an Irish ancestor to stay a member of the EU without luck
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On another note, Mrs BL's Eire passport has turned up now - so as her spouse I am applying this weekend.
As EU passport holders travel may be a little easier 8) 8) 8)
Another door may be opening....................Mrs G has an Eire passport as although born in the UK her father was Irish; as her spouse can I have an Irish passport (I didn't think so) or is Mrs BL Irish by birth and that's the difference. Like B&WS I searched in vain for a Irish ancestor.
Another loophole exploited by Stanley J - he's got a French passport and a house in Greece.
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I might take up another free trial of 'Ancestry.com' or 'Find My Past' or similar.
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I might take up another free trial of 'Ancestry.com' or 'Find My Past' or similar.
I can really recommend those DNA tests that trace the location of your ancestors. For £120 I discovered that Louis Armstrong might be my uncle.
Derek
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What a wonderful world Derek
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What a wonderful world Derek
That's got to be on the shortlist for the reply of the month award 🤣🤣
Brilliant.
Regards all
John
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I searched for an Irish ancestor to stay a member of the EU without luck
Out of interest how far can you go back to qualify for a EU passport ?
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I searched for an Irish ancestor to stay a member of the EU without luck
Out of interest how far can you go back to qualify for a EU passport ?
I think it is difficult to go back further than 1066.
Derek
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I searched for an Irish ancestor to stay a member of the EU without luck
Out of interest how far can you go back to qualify for a EU passport ?
If you’re a child of an Irish born person you are automatically entitled to a passport, as a grand child the paperwork & forms are a lot more complicated, we had to get copies of our birth, marriage certificate, my mothers birth/marriage certificate & her parents birth/marriage certificates which was time consuming as they were born 1906 .
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I found out that I may be related to Ghengis Khan, but so apparently are millions of other people.
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Spain have extended the ban on Brits (unless you have a legitimate reason to enter the country under their rules) until the 25 April.
https://www.mscbs.gob.es/en/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/spth.htm
A few more Brits who don't understand the difference between the rules to leave the UK and the rules to enter Spain.
https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Industry+Sectors/Airlines/Ryanair
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I see that Ryanair are also gripping about EU approved financial support for Air France/KLM. So much for "level playing field". Imagine if Boris had bankrolled BA. Ms Van der Lying would be jumping up and down.
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I think the difference is that Air France/KLM are 28% jointly owned by the French and Dutch governments so will never be allowed to fail as they are the respective national carriers. Ryanair by contrast is owned by Eires equivalent of Derek Trotter, And Queen Ursula probably finds our Micheal quite tiresome and irritating like the rest of us.
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Don’t think Ryanair need a baleout from us most of its pilots have been layed off and are out delivering for DPD certainly the Stansted ones are doing that round our way. One told me they were furloughed until the firm had to put some cash into it then they were layed off I suspect most of it staff are In Same position
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Don’t think Ryanair need a baleout from us most of its pilots have been layed off and are out delivering for DPD certainly the Stansted ones are doing that round our way. One told me they were furloughed until the firm had to put some cash into it then they were layed off I suspect most of it staff are In Same position
Don’t think it’s just Ryanair doing this, all airlines are laying off aircrew, ground staff etc . Unless travel starts soon even more will.
Lots of uk accommodation owners are seeing thus delay in foreign travel as a chance to fleece the pubkyby doubling or trembling prices for some fairly average properties
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‘Eire’s equivalent 0f Derek Trotter’. Can’t be Michael O’Leary as he owns less than 4% of the shareholding. How we would all love to see the 200 airborne Ryanair planes that carried 150 million passengers in year to March 2020. Over 2000 flights a day... a sad sight viewing Flight Radar these days.
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So looks like having had the vaccines won’t make any difference to traveling to Spain as we will now have to have several PCR tests to get there and on return. Hope they drop the price a bit to make it more affordable but at least we have the choice of being able to travel after May 17th. Will definitely pay the price for the tests to get to GA but may have to only do one trip this year if this continues.
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‘Eire’s equivalent 0f Derek Trotter’. Can’t be Michael O’Leary as he owns less than 4% of the shareholding. How we would all love to see the 200 airborne Ryanair planes that carried 150 million passengers in year to March 2020. Over 2000 flights a day... a sad sight viewing Flight Radar these days.
Don’t see your point, he owns a share of a multi billion airline, he is the CEO and the public face and he is a scoundrel. In fact I was probably doing Del Boy a disservice as even he new right from wrong and had some morals.
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Point is he doesn’t own it. He owns a small part of it. Second point is carried 150 million passengers - must be doing something right.
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‘Eire’s equivalent 0f Derek Trotter’. Can’t be Michael O’Leary as he owns less than 4% of the shareholding. How we would all love to see the 200 airborne Ryanair planes that carried 150 million passengers in year to March 2020. Over 2000 flights a day... a sad sight viewing Flight Radar these days.
Don’t see your point, he owns a share of a multi billion airline, he is the CEO and the public face and he is a scoundrel. In fact I was probably doing Del Boy a disservice as even he new right from wrong and had some morals.
But he gets bums on seats and makes a decent profit. All are free to pay more for other airlines. Makes me smile when I hear the lefties complain about how little he pays his staff yet they are the first up the steps to broad his flights. I assume you travel on other airlines then Wilson. Nothing like voiting with your feet (as long as it does not cost extra money).
Derek
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I love Ryanair. Heaven help us if they ever pull out of BHX - ALC and we have to pay Jet2 prices.
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Yes, say what you like about Ryanair, they are cheap, we use them all the time, used to use easyJet by they got too expensive and they were always late.
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As Paul who used to run DTs used to say, 'It's a bus, you hop on one end and two and a half hours later you hop off the other.' It's not as if the difference is £5 a flight, usually when I look it's £30-40 difference per flight.
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I usually drive to Spain but when I don't: -
Another vote for RYR.
Read the T&C's.
Pack a sandwich and off you go.
I don't need to know who runs it, pays for it or where the money goes, as long as routes from Manchester keep going.
When do the renamed Max8's start flying?
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Have used Ryan Air a few times but personally prefer easyJet as times are normally better, flew Italy to Spain with Ryan and it was a bit cringing when passengers starting clapping encouraged by crew as the plane was on time landing !!
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I use Ryanair easyjet Jet2 and anyone else who flies Stn to alc , as long as you read all the small print when booking and don’t expect to get away with any oversize or over heavy luggage etc they are all about the same . The only issue is price I will take the cheapest.
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I used to fly easyJet from Stansted and went to Ryanair when they dropped flights to Alicante, didn't fancy Luton
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🤪
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Dave G, what route do you normally take and costing, I’m thinking of doing it hopefully this year.
Any info would be great.
Thanks in advance
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A little unwise to makes such references on a public forum me thinks.
You are entitled to think that but to post it I am not so sure it is a good idea.
Derek
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Dave G, what route do you normally take and costing, I’m thinking of doing it hopefully this year.
Any info would be great.
Thanks in advance
Hi Steve, I sent you all the info following a previous post last year - emailed on 15th May 2020 and you confirmed on the 16th. I can send again if you lost it; let me know.
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This might get useful for people of uk if it continues to evolve and is accurate.
https://ukcovidtests.ccplatform.net/
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DaveG, yea I still have that information thanks , I forgot with all this going on.
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PCR + Fit to fly certificate £80 Drive in at NEC or on foot at BHX
https://www.expresstest.co.uk/
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The route DaveG took via Le Mans and the three recommended by AA Routefinder all come in between 1100-1200 miles and between18 - 19 hours of driving. Using the AA site it is possible to use the 'via' option and plan a different route. I have crossed the Pyrennes at San Sebastian, Andorra and Perpignan driving form GA to Le Mans and back and there's very little difference time wise or mileage wise. It really depends which way you want to go.
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I usually cross at San Sebastian especially if traveling in winter because you avoid the Central Massif and other high altitude routes; but have taken the central route through Milau to see the viaduct and also down through Pau to use the Somport tunnel. But as you say the difference in mileage is negligible over the whole distance.
I did it once from Manchester, and never got lost or deviated off the motorway using the Coquelles / Rouen / Le Mans / Poitiers / Bordeaux / Irun / Pamplona / Zaragoza / Valencia route it was 1229 miles door to door. I wish I could do it tomorrow.
The route DaveG took via Le Mans and the three recommended by AA Routefinder all come in between 1100-1200 miles and between18 - 19 hours of driving. Using the AA site it is possible to use the 'via' option and plan a different route. I have crossed the Pyrennes at San Sebastian, Andorra and Perpignan driving form GA to Le Mans and back and there's very little difference time wise or mileage wise. It really depends which way you want to go.
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Just to clarify the times and mileage I gave are from Calais
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Just to clarify the times and mileage I gave are from Calais
Hi B&W, yes I realised that but went a bit off piste with my reply. We all start from somewhere different in the UK. Sorry for any confusion.
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Living just outside Portsmouth, some years ago I've done the Poitier/Irun/Zaragoza/ Albacete route which used less motorway back when they all had tolls which was fairly straightforward and quick- about a thousand miles. I've also gone via Calais and used the Francilliene to skirt to the east of Paris before picking up the motorway system. The Francilliene is a real pain and unless you have your wits about you, easy to get caught in the wrong lane, miss turnoffs etc. I'd never do that again.