We are now in France having managed to get away on Sunday, so I can add our experience for the benefit of others.
We went with DFDS from Newhaven, (£123 one way with their over-60's discount). I booked it Thursday as soon as Boris announced the new rules.
Ordered the Antigen Tests from C19 as above. Very fast and arrived the next day. This is a simple Lateral flow test like the free ones from the NHS, but of course you need a 3rd party to verify so have to pay £29 a pop. Bear in mind you have just 48 hours from test time to travel time. We didn't know how long it would take to get the result so did it 47 hours before our sailing time. In fact the certificate was back by email within an hour so we could have left it longer to allow a better window. Live and learn.
A side note. We decided to leave the return test for now, after all it could change before we return, but now I'm thinking maybe it was worth buying 2 more for later? I didn't realise that a lateral flow test like this was acceptable for the return trip nor that we could get an approved certificate so quickly via email.
Careful studying of the rules confirmed that as well as the negative test we need proof of our vaccinations and to download and complete an honesty declaration that we haven't been in contract with any covid cases. Although all available on the phone I decided to print them out so the border folk had an easier time. It really was easier than fiddling around with little screens at 10.30 PM with a queue behind....
The ferry was scheduled for 17.30. On arrival the check-in was done inside their office rather than at the entry posts. The lady had to pop out and tell us (both) to come inside. She was very relaxed and friendly and as well as passports wanted to see the negative test certificate. She commented on it having just an hour before expiry otherwise was happy.
Once the gate opened a single guy had a brief conversation with each vehicle. It was very brief, He only asked if our gas was turned off and poked his head inside the hab door without going in. There were no other officials around and certainly no one from the French side.
It wasn't long before were boarded.
When I say we, I mean literally 5 cars, 4 trucks, 3 vans, 2 foot passengers and one motorhome (us). Only the partridge in a pear tree was missing.
The sea was smoother than a millpond. Euro final was on the screens and Italy got their equaliser as it docked.
We were soon awaiting checks at the border control kiosks. As mentioned previously, the ones fiddling with screens took the longest. When our turn came (we were last but that was hardly a big deal) I handed over the passports and printouts and few minutes later we were driving into Dieppe for the night. Simples.
So apart from needing to show the aforementioned covid documents it was a lot easier than prior to Brexit proper, we still had a fridge full of dairy and meat too.
Obviously not everyones experience will mirror that, presumably the sunday evening crossing is especially quiet? But we found it much easier than expected so hope this helps others?
We went with DFDS from Newhaven, (£123 one way with their over-60's discount). I booked it Thursday as soon as Boris announced the new rules.
Ordered the Antigen Tests from C19 as above. Very fast and arrived the next day. This is a simple Lateral flow test like the free ones from the NHS, but of course you need a 3rd party to verify so have to pay £29 a pop. Bear in mind you have just 48 hours from test time to travel time. We didn't know how long it would take to get the result so did it 47 hours before our sailing time. In fact the certificate was back by email within an hour so we could have left it longer to allow a better window. Live and learn.
A side note. We decided to leave the return test for now, after all it could change before we return, but now I'm thinking maybe it was worth buying 2 more for later? I didn't realise that a lateral flow test like this was acceptable for the return trip nor that we could get an approved certificate so quickly via email.
Careful studying of the rules confirmed that as well as the negative test we need proof of our vaccinations and to download and complete an honesty declaration that we haven't been in contract with any covid cases. Although all available on the phone I decided to print them out so the border folk had an easier time. It really was easier than fiddling around with little screens at 10.30 PM with a queue behind....
The ferry was scheduled for 17.30. On arrival the check-in was done inside their office rather than at the entry posts. The lady had to pop out and tell us (both) to come inside. She was very relaxed and friendly and as well as passports wanted to see the negative test certificate. She commented on it having just an hour before expiry otherwise was happy.
Once the gate opened a single guy had a brief conversation with each vehicle. It was very brief, He only asked if our gas was turned off and poked his head inside the hab door without going in. There were no other officials around and certainly no one from the French side.
It wasn't long before were boarded.
When I say we, I mean literally 5 cars, 4 trucks, 3 vans, 2 foot passengers and one motorhome (us). Only the partridge in a pear tree was missing.
The sea was smoother than a millpond. Euro final was on the screens and Italy got their equaliser as it docked.
We were soon awaiting checks at the border control kiosks. As mentioned previously, the ones fiddling with screens took the longest. When our turn came (we were last but that was hardly a big deal) I handed over the passports and printouts and few minutes later we were driving into Dieppe for the night. Simples.
So apart from needing to show the aforementioned covid documents it was a lot easier than prior to Brexit proper, we still had a fridge full of dairy and meat too.
Obviously not everyones experience will mirror that, presumably the sunday evening crossing is especially quiet? But we found it much easier than expected so hope this helps others?
then another little hop before our tunnel Sunday. 
Bob.
, it seems France has been inundated with new dog registrations from UK residents and they don't like it. Janie
