Anyone planning on driving south now France has opened?

[ChesterB]

Have just cancelled our intended crossing from Harwich to Hook of Holland and booked a crack of dawn start from Dover for this Friday.

For testing, I have ordered antigen kits (£20 each) from EGL (Everything Genetics Ltd) which we hope to complete via phone/app on Thursday morning and then drive up to Dover in the afternoon & park on the seafront overnight.

The fall back plan is a firm called DAM Health in Swindon who will do in-clinic tests for £29 pre-booked, or £39 on the day.
I too have researched the "photo or video link" debate, but can find nothing to say the French have specified one or the other, so am keeping fingers crossed. Countries such as South Africa apparently specify clearly that it must be a supervised video link test if done other than in a clinic.

Garratt - a little alarm bell rang when I saw you were heading for Samoens - do note that if you intend to go out of France (ie routing thru Switzerland etc) you are required to comply with the same entry requirements as when you leave the UK, probably meaning another test unless you're still within the 24hr window of your UK test. I only noticed this on the French site last night.

For those travelling from Wales/Scotland, in theory you could still pre-order your test kits and take them with you to complete nearer your departure port (internet signal permitting!) I know that doesn't help if your come up positive, but it may be the only practical option. The other good point about ferry crossings is that one you're checked in it doesn't matter if there is a delay as your Covid test has already been checked.

We're off down to the Massif Central to check out a few of the smaller ski resorts en route to the French Alps and some of our favourite haunts such a Huez and Montgenevre. Here's hoping the temperatures start dropping and the snow falling!

Best to all.

Cb.

 

[Mad dog]

Out on eurotunnel Wednesday pm. LTF booked with Simply Test Me. Looks a bit too easy but we’ll see

Simply Test Me are brill

 

[Pirahna]

I've been in Spain for the last 10 days (got a ferry from Ireland) and have stayed inland. I'm pretty far south and have started to meet people coming in from the coast. They all say it's packed and are having trouble finding anywhere to park.

 

[599]

Have just cancelled our intended crossing from Harwich to Hook of Holland and booked a crack of dawn start from Dover for this Friday.

For testing, I have ordered antigen kits (£20 each) from EGL (Everything Genetics Ltd) which we hope to complete via phone/app on Thursday morning and then drive up to Dover in the afternoon & park on the seafront overnight.

The fall back plan is a firm called DAM Health in Swindon who will do in-clinic tests for £29 pre-booked, or £39 on the day.
I too have researched the "photo or video link" debate, but can find nothing to say the French have specified one or the other, so am keeping fingers crossed. Countries such as South Africa apparently specify clearly that it must be a supervised video link test if done other than in a clinic.

Garratt - a little alarm bell rang when I saw you were heading for Samoens - do note that if you intend to go out of France (ie routing thru Switzerland etc) you are required to comply with the same entry requirements as when you leave the UK, probably meaning another test unless you're still within the 24hr window of your UK test. I only noticed this on the French site last night.

For those travelling from Wales/Scotland, in theory you could still pre-order your test kits and take them with you to complete nearer your departure port (internet signal permitting!) I know that doesn't help if your come up positive, but it may be the only practical option. The other good point about ferry crossings is that one you're checked in it doesn't matter if there is a delay as your Covid test has already been checked.

We're off down to the Massif Central to check out a few of the smaller ski resorts en route to the French Alps and some of our favourite haunts such a Huez and Montgenevre. Here's hoping the temperatures start dropping and the snow falling!

Best to all.

Cb.

hi we use these asda ashford <Broken link removed>

 

[Fluffy]

Booked last week, so confident (hopeful) was I of improvement in situation.
Off at end of March, (Belgium/Holland) start of May (Vercors) and back end of June (Austria or Northern Germany) thanks to getting hold of 3 Frequent Traveller tickets to be used by end of June

Considering April but with all the changes, does anyone know when you can get a list of all paperwork now needed to travel to France and Spain please?

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[Fluffy]

Would like to go May but does anyone know where you can get an updated list of paperwork that is now needed to drive france and spain? Thank you in advance?

 

[Offagain]

Hi
How do you get on taking your MH to Greece, are there plenty of places to stay? Where do you go? Sorry lots of questions! I absolutely love Greece and have so missed going there these last couple of Covid years. We have our first MH on order, hopefully be here April/May and trying to decide where to go first once we hit Europe. I don't want to get my hopes up as we have been trying to buy one for a year...have had to bite the bullet and buy new now.. and until it is here, or at least know its definitely coming I don't want to get my hopes up and start the trip planning until I know that it is finally happening!

Our experience of motor homing in Greece is quite limited so I suggest you read and follow Northernraider ’s current thread https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/tam-co-the-great-winter-escape.251858/ and also his previous one called hunting Zorba (or something similar!)
There are a few other good ones including Mousy ’s a couple of years ago.
We go twice a year - end of April to beginning of July and end of August until end of October-ish, last year it was November - as we keep a yacht in the Ionian. Until last year we had used the motor home purely to get to the boatyard via France and Italy, then were on the boat the rest of the time. But last year, after the boat had been lifted for the winter, we spent a couple of weeks touring around and saw some amazing places. We hope to do the same this year, if my mother’s health permits
Wild camping is “not allowed” in Greece, but as long as you don’t leave a mess it’s usually tolerated.

 

[Neodave]

Been in Spain for two months now and there are certainly a lot of motorhomes about, perhaps more than usual especially German vans. Usual wild spots very busy 134 vans between Villaricos and Palomares beaches last week and not a single Brit amongst them. Cabo de Gata beaches packed with plenty of young hippie types amongst them. But the sun is shining so get on down it will be great to get a few more Brits here before we head home until May.































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































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[suavecarve]

Would like to go May but does anyone know where you can get an updated list of paperwork that is now needed to drive france and spain? Thank you in advance?

I really really wouldnt be concerned about entry to or transit through france or spain until a week before travelling.

Its all looking good for us not to have any tests at all for returning at the back end of this month or the start of the next (for double jabbed) so Schengen are a couple of weeks behind us and werent shy in opening up the last couple of years.
I foresee no issues with testing for the summer period.

If I were leaving now and coming back in 3 or 4 weeks, I would not be buying an LFT until a couple of days before returning. (as i m triple jabbed)

 

[Lenny HB]

We are looking to do the same in 2 weeks time. What route are you taking through Spain to get to the Algarve? Its our 1st time so any advice welcome.

Have a look at my trips links in my signature.

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[Wools]

Off to Benidorm 25th of this month. Happy days.

 

[Twogirls]

Would like to go May but does anyone know where you can get an updated list of paperwork that is now needed to drive france and spain? Thank you in advance?

In all honesty it's way too far ahead, as you know things have been changing every few weeks. Probably best to wait till a couple of weeks before you plan to leave then check on the requirements at that time.

 

[aleclitchfiel]

We’re giving it serious thought.
We’ve been 18 months UK locked.
Anyone else thinking of going over soon?

We planning a holiday to Italy via Germany Aug. Sept. Can't

 

[Wengar]

hi we go on 30th jan antigen test with these <Broken link removed>

Thankyou for that do you have to travel to one of their centres and they do the test or do they post one to you never done this before and trying to figure out how to get one done within the 24hrs of when we go any advice is appreciate.

 

[Wools]

Yep
Covid hoops about to be jumped through, tunnel booked, will be in Benidorm a week Friday. We hope.

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[jumar]

I've been in Spain for the last 10 days (got a ferry from Ireland) and have stayed inland. I'm pretty far south and have started to meet people coming in from the coast. They all say it's packed and are having trouble finding anywhere to park.

That's very true, in one particular spot which sees on average 15/20 units, it was reported by a visitor here that they had left because it became uncomfortable for them, he estimated 140 units.....mainly German and French....without doubt, its the busiest I have ever seen in 23 years." So much for Spain needs us Brits", I'm sure the can squeeze you in somewhere...please don't use inland locations, that's all ours....

 

[Baldeagle7470]

Hi and another big Enjoy.

 

[Bobandfay]

Already here in Águilas and the weather is fab

Hi we are in Aguilas till tomorrow been lovely weather this weekend

 

[599]

Thankyou for that do you have to travel to one of their centres and they do the test or do they post one to you never done this before and trying to figure out how to get one done within the 24hrs of when we go any advice is appreciate.

sorry it was passed my bed time . yes we drive to asda at ashford take the test 15min's later they email you certificate to show French border police . if you go on there web site you can pick where you want to have the test

 

[wfdTamar]

This might help with the terminology - in Australia the cheapo DIY tests are called Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT). I'm guessing that's the same thing as an LTF.

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[Wengar]

sorry it was passed my bed time . yes we drive to asda at ashford take the test 15min's later they email you certificate to show French border police . if you go on there web site you can pick where you want to have the test

Thankyou for that I was getting confused as to wether you have to get it done by someone else or if you could have a test delivered and do it yourself and send results back to get the certificate also getting the results back time with some saying within 12 hours so results in15 mins is really good had a quick look at website and being in Derbyshire there’s not one local but the asda at ashford looks like it’s on route to the euro tunnel folkestone.
You can tell we’ve not done this since covid but hoping this will be the first of many trips really appreciate your help so Thankyou

 

[599]

hi wengar . we all learn something everyday that's why we give & take things from the forum no matter how many years you have been touring . yes asda Ashford isn't far from the tunnel we stay here so you are only 5mins drive to asda not cheap but only 1 night

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[Wengar]

hi wengar . we all learn something everyday that's why we give & take things from the forum no matter how many years you have been touring . yes asda Ashford isn't far from the tunnel we stay here so you are only 5mins drive to asda not cheap but only 1 night

Watercress Farm CL | Caravan and Motorhome Club

Watercress Farm is a Certificated Location in Kent. Enjoy a five-van site suitable for caravans & motorhomes, reserved exclusively for members.

www.caravanclub.co.uk

Your so helpful and carnt thank you enough and hopefully eventually I’ll be able to help others when I know what I’m doing
our departure time is 16.20 and with their results being quick was thinking of doing test on the way down or do you advise to do day before and stay over also went onto the site and it was asking for log in details couldn’t see where to register but could see appointments available at ashford so will allow me to book them so is registering done during booking the appointments or do you have to download an app sorry to keep asking you’ve been really helpful many thanks again

 

[Norman Jones]

We are booked to drive through France on 31st Jan to Spain, have got paperwork and Covid test sorted for France … do we need anything for the entry to Spain ?

Some very useful info on this thread, thank you. Just ordering test kits from C19. Fingers crossed.

 

[Mousy]

We will be at abbeywell vets feb 2nd to collect our dogs AHC then onto Asda to do our tests, tunnelling early doors feb 3rd. Straight through France to sunny Spain. Can not wait!

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[Yup]

We’re giving it serious thought.
We’ve been 18 months UK locked.
Anyone else thinking of going over soon?

Off on Wednesday

 

[Tigertom]

Eurotunnel next Monday and down to Spain for a month or so🏍

 

[orridge]

Your so helpful and carnt thank you enough and hopefully eventually I’ll be able to help others when I know what I’m doing
our departure time is 16.20 and with their results being quick was thinking of doing test on the way down or do you advise to do day before and stay over also went onto the site and it was asking for log in details couldn’t see where to register but could see appointments available at ashford so will allow me to book them so is registering done during booking the appointments or do you have to download an app sorry to keep asking you’ve been really helpful many thanks again

Is you use the testing centre at Ashford you would get the results within 15 minutes for a lateral flow test.

If you use Simplytestme they guarantee results within 6 hours but my experience has been it is more like 1/1.5 hours to get the certificate.

We general booked the test as close to within 24 hours but with enough buffer incase of delays and the time of the result is from when you take the test not when you get the results.

 

[Wengar]

Thankyou for that information iv just booked us both for our tests at 9am on day of travel which is at 16.20 results with certificates sent within 2 hrs £29 each booked through DAM who have several clinics in different areas including one in Derby so ideal for us so we can then after our tests start our journey down to FolkestoneThankyou to everyone with replies and help I’d still be struggling to understand it all without all your helpJust got the 3 doggies AHC appointment on Wednesday and then hopefully we’re all good to goCan I get excited now

 

[bellabee]

Bobandfay , wp1234 , Where have you been staying in Aguilas? Just wondering how busy it is. We normally stay at the Anibal camper stop. We like it there, but I've noticed that there's also another camper stop at what used to be the municipal campsite.

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