Trials and Tribulations
Having just returned from a family medical emergency in Spain, I thought it would be helpful to share the anxiety, stress and at times ease of our recent road trip through France, Spain (and a sneaky bonus, Portugal) during 'Lockdown 2021' due to Covid19’s second wave.
Once we had agreed and decided that we needed to take this urgent trip, (sadly not for pleasure this time, but definitely a necessity on 'Medical Grounds'), I began by looking into the hurdles we faced getting us to our destination, just outside Madrid.
Once we had agreed and decided that we needed to take this urgent trip, (sadly not for pleasure this time, but definitely a necessity on 'Medical Grounds'), I began by looking into the hurdles we faced getting us to our destination, just outside Madrid.
Documentation Required
Firstly, I researched what documentation was needed to present at the borders in order to be allowed into both France and Spain, and to confirm what list they were on either Green, Amber or Red. I read through everything I managed to source on the government travel advice sites in detail, but there was no mention of what was required to travel through France by road, rather than actually staying in France. Below are some helpful links:
https://www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england
I next thought it best to do a Google search for the UK Border Force Control (as I wanted absolute confirmation from the horse's mouth, as they say), but to no avail - no numbers were listed for Dover. I then tried calling several local numbers in Dover and I can't remember now who I finally got through to, but spoke to a very friendly and helpful lady. She confirmed that there is in fact no number available for the UK Border Force in place, but she was able to help me with the information I required for our urgent trip - which was amazing!
Declaration Forms - UK
It just so happened, that the UK also enforced a 'Declaration Form' just as we were about to travel (as the borders have now opened up, I don't believe this is a requirement at this present time). Along with this, we had to have a valid reason to travel as well as evidence of the medical emergency/treatment/hospital admission, etc (which we managed to get hold of electronically).
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-declaration-form-for-international-travel (form not available at this present time)
Declaration Forms - France
At the time, the French were asking for a 'Sworn Statement' Declaration Form, which I also downloaded and filled in electronically. In turn, I emailed the latter to myself in order to present it on my mobile phone at Border Control (as we didn't have any access to a printer). See links below:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france
https://uk.ambafrance.org/COVID-19-rules-for-travel-to-France-and-the-UK
https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/L-actu-du-Ministere/Certificate-of-international-travel
https://uk.ambafrance.org/COVID-19-rules-for-travel-to-France-and-the-UK
https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/L-actu-du-Ministere/Certificate-of-international-travel
Declaration Forms - Spain
With regards to Spain, we couldn't find any information which enforced showing their 'FCS' declaration forms at their land borders with France. They were, however, enforcing it if you were flying into Spain. I'm not sure about now. See links below:
PCR Tests (Polymerase Chain Reaction) - 'Not the NHS Lateral Flow/Rapid Antigen Tests'
Our biggest stress and worry was having to sort out the PCR tests in time for travel. I spent two whole days researching this, going through the government list of test centres. A complete waste of my time - their list is pretty useless. It doesn’t include a quick search button allowing you to source a local test provider. The list doesn’t specify area or price. I basically had to go through all the numbers and note the ones I thought would be local. Either looking the centres up online (of which a few didn't exist!), or had to call the number to find out both their 'Location' and 'Price'. Producing a very long list with National & Greater London providers/Name/Tel/Web address without a local search function is not helpful at all.
I then decided to also do a Google search for any local centres - but the centres that Google listed weren't on the government list. I noticed that a few are not accredited laboratories either - it is vital to use one that is! I can't stress enough how stressful this experience was. I was running out of time and couldn't find a reasonably priced local centre. Just by chance, I had to pop to Boots for some medication, and happened to ask the Shop Assistant if she knew of any local centres. To our surprise, she confirmed that Boots in Westfield, White City was a PCR test centre. (Bizarrely, it never came up in any of my searches online, not listed anywhere!).
We immediately walked straight there to try and book ourselves in for a test, but were informed that this needed to be done online. Unfortunately, the time slots we needed had already been booked, but we were able to book in tests soon after. Our next stressful hurdle was to work out the 72 hours requirement (from taking a test, receiving a negative result, to the time booked in to travel). We were really relieved that we could book an evening test, as many providers didn't have this option.
To book in our Boots PCR Tests, we had to create an account online for each one of us. However, in order to have the PCR Tests taken at the same time, we had to add the other person's name onto one booking. Otherwise, you are not offered the same time slot or even day, if you do this separately. We tested on a Wednesday evening and travelled on a Saturday afternoon which was a 48 hour test turnaround time. 24 hour tests are also available, but they’re more expensive.
Note: You will need your passport details and a Document photo (jpeg of your passport showing the details) for upload.
Note: You will need your passport details and a Document photo (jpeg of your passport showing the details) for upload.
https://www.boots.com/covid-19-testing
https://boots.recova-19.com/ - to sign into account once created
https://boots.recova-19.com/ - to sign into account once created
The test was straightforward. A swab of the back of your throat and then each nostril (throat & nose) is taken. We had a lovely man take care of us, who put us immediately at ease. And the PCR Tests cost £120 each - brilliant and easy service, I must add!
I had been quoted £400 for a same day test when I phoned around, which is outrageous! I feel the government should have capped the cost across the board rather than allowing companies to charge whatever they pleased.
Fortunately, we both received a negative test result and didn't have to cancel our trip at the last minute (you’re sent an email notification once the results are in, but you have to log into your account to get the result and to download the certificate. (Considering we had been in hibernation for so long, we would have been very shocked if it had come back positive!)
Ferry - P&O
We normally use P&O - so we got a quote and booked online (easy peasy). You do not need to specify your vehicle registration, so this really helps if you're hiring a car to take abroad.
https://www.poferries.com/en#route / Tel: 0800 130 0030 / 01304 4488888
More info further on.
Car Hire - Europcar
Having used Europcar for a number of years now (renting both cars and vans to drive abroad), we automatically contacted them for a quote. Once again, we booked our car over the phone without a hitch. We much prefer dealing with a human being rather than booking online when it comes to car hire.
We always take the following into account:
- Additional Driver
- Europdrive Cover
- Highest mileage count per day -presently 120 miles or unlimited mileage depending on branch. (We cover a lot of mileage on our road trips so this is vital)
- Medium Protection Package - £350 Excess (We used to book ‘Zero Excess’ but this package was dropped in recent years)
Note: If you choose the Free Basic Package, the higher the risk and cost you pay in the long run (£1100) if you were to have an unfortunate accident.
- Additional Driver
- Europdrive Cover
- Highest mileage count per day -presently 120 miles or unlimited mileage depending on branch. (We cover a lot of mileage on our road trips so this is vital)
- Medium Protection Package - £350 Excess (We used to book ‘Zero Excess’ but this package was dropped in recent years)
Note: If you choose the Free Basic Package, the higher the risk and cost you pay in the long run (£1100) if you were to have an unfortunate accident.
Europcar Quotes/Reservations: 0871 384 9900 (8am-7pm)
Reservation Enquiries/Amends: 0371 384 1007 (8am-7pm)
Reservation Enquiries/Amends: 0371 384 1007 (8am-7pm)
Note: When you collect your vehicle, you will need your booking reference, the same payment card you made your booking with, driving licences as well as needing to supply Europcar with your Driving Licence code in order to share your Driving Licence Information (Status and Endorsements). This can be done at:
More info below.
OUR ROAD TRIP
Car Hire - Europcar
All prepared (and with all documentation in place), we decided to cycle up to pick up our hired car (forever budgeting!). Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to leave our bikes locked up in their forecourt or garage so we had no choice, but to lock them to some railings on the main road and hope for the best. More to this story later...
Now a somewhat expert on car hire, my partner remembered to ask for the VE document for use abroad. Luckily, he was on the ball that morning as we were about to leave without it and may have noticed this too late - that wouldn’t have been funny!
Check list (before leaving forecourt)
Check list (before leaving forecourt)
- Inspect vehicle for any damage (take pics)
- Full tank of petrol
- Mileage (take pics)
- VE document / Rental Agreement
Dover Border Control / P&O Ferry
Once in Dover, we just had the misfortune of having to queue up behind a coach. There were not many people on board, but their paperwork was being presented and scrutinised one by one by the French Border Control. When it came to our turn, we were just asked to show our passports and PCR negative certificates (which I did on my phone). The UK Border Control again asked to see our passports, as well as questioning the reason for travelling. Neither asked to see any of the Declaration Forms, nor any medical evidence, which surprised us slightly.
With hundreds of trucks taking over the port, we nearly queued up behind them by mistake (like a few unfortunate others). We managed to find the gap and made our way through to the P&O check-in. Unfortunately, with the delays of getting through Border Control and arriving at the port a little later than expected, we just missed our ferry and had to wait a couple of hours to get onto the next one - luckily at no extra charge, thank goodness!
I must say, it was one of the most pleasant journeys we’ve ever experienced on board. Very surreal indeed, with hardly anyone around - the silence and peacefulness was bliss, an absolute blessing and change from the norm! There were probably only around four cars on the top level, but the bottom level was filled with trucks. It was sunny and one of the calmest crossings we've ever had - amazing! Masks were compulsory on board, but we noticed a few people taking them off whilst seated in the front lounge area. It was also our first trip since the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement on 31st December 2020, but nothing much had changed.
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France
Upon arrival in France, we thought we would be asked to show our documentation but RIEN/NADA! There was no one controlling entry into France on their side of the channel. Even though France was also in full lockdown at the time, we were allowed to drive off to wherever we needed to go without any checks or any need to quarantine. I had read ‘Travellers entering France from the UK must isolate for a period of 7 days.’ but this was not the case if driving through.
We made our way down to Donostia, San Sebastian via motorways with no problem, via the A16, A28, A10, A63 - an average of 1050kms, at a cost of 100.26 EUR on tolls. Just stopping off for petrol and some food along the way. As a full lockdown and curfew was in place, we had no choice but to buy food at the Motorway Service Stations. Over the years, we have enjoyed the ‘Pasta Boxes’ (6.50 EUR each) which are quite delicious and easy to heat up using the service stations’ microwaves. So, we had these for a very, very, late dinner. We were, however, unable to eat them on the premises this time around, as the eating-in areas were closed due to lockdown.
In recent years, we have started taking snacks/food with us to eat along the way, as it can become quite expensive buying from the Service Stations, but as I had read that since Brexit many foodstuffs are no longer allowed through, we didn't bother bringing any with us this time around. Below is an interesting article regarding post Brexit regulations.
https://www.completefrance.com/home/rules-for-travelling-to-france-after-brexit-1-6960357
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/personal-food-plant-and-animal-product-imports
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/personal-food-plant-and-animal-product-imports
We also took advantage of the Service Station’s safe surroundings and had a bit of a rest in the car. Uncomfortably sleeping for a couple of hours, but at least we got some rest. Once rested, we bought breakfast and stocked up on snacks for lunch and were soon on our way. With hardly anyone on the roads, travelling on the motorways was a breeze.
Wearing of Masks
Even though wearing masks is compulsory for all indoor spaces in France, and in some outdoor areas too, masks were worn by everyone we came across at all times.
Spain
We were a tad worried about what was required at the French/Spanish border as we hadn't filled in the Spanish FCS forms, but again NADA! Not a dicky bird... absolutely no one around to check any documentation. The next leg of our journey was from San Sebastian to Madrid via the AP1, approx 436kms, at a cost of 14.65 EUR. Again, upon arrival there was no need to quarantine or take any PCR tests.
Wearing of Masks
During our stay we noticed that masks were worn by everyone, at all times, everywhere. Whether it was indoors or outdoors. Raining or boiling hot, whatever the weather - it was compulsory and everyone adhered to it. Not a maskless person in sight (apart from me who twice forgot to put one on when getting out of the car - no wonder I was getting funny looks). I think the Brits would be up in arms if we made them compulsory here. We're so into claiming 'our rights' that sometimes we don't see the bigger picture. If we had made them compulsory in the first instance, when we were first made aware of Covid19, maybe the virus wouldn't have spread so much or so quickly - just food for thought!
Portugal - (a sneaky whirlwind road trip)
As I was desperate to also see my family and being so close to Portugal, it was a tough time for me in Spain. The borders between Spain and Portugal were closed and Portugal was a Red list country at the time. But, things soon changed and suddenly I received news that it had been taken off the Red list and the borders were opening up. Fortunately for us, this happened on the Friday just before the May Bank Holiday weekend. We therefore quickly travelled down from Madrid via the A5, approx 414kms, no tolls.
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/coronavirus
https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/covid-19-measures-implemented-portugal
https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/covid-19-measures-implemented-portugal
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Again, the border was completely opened with no one checking any documentation and no PCRs or quarantine required - super lucky for us! We even managed a drive up to Fatima on country roads and down to Lisbon on the A1, 125kms, 8,15 EUR tolls. All before returning back to Madrid on the Bank Holiday Monday. It had been cold and wet leading up to that weekend and suddenly the sun came out beaming. It was seriously boiling, and we even managed to fit in two delicious outdoor BBQs - what a treat!
Wearing of Masks
Once more, masks were mandatory at all times in all public places, along with social distancing and everyone complied - no nonsense!
Returning to the UK
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to extend our stay for a little while longer and called both Europcar and P&O to extend the hire and reschedule our return journey. All was smoothly and efficiently rearranged over the phone, with no problems at all.
Before returning back to the UK, I again researched what was required for our return trip as things were changing so frequently. This consisted arranging the following:
- PCR Test (negative certificate)
- Day 2 and Day 8 PCR Tests (having visited amber countries)
- Passenger Locator Forms (QR codes)
- Quarantine for 10 days on arrival (having visited amber countries)
https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/before-you-leave-for-the-uk
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england#history
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england#history
PCR Tests - (Abroad)
At this point PCR tests were still required to enter the UK. Surprisingly, we were able to find a local provider in Spain quite easily. They were super nice and professional and we only had to book our appointment over the phone. There was no need to open an account and fill in any details online. Soon after booking, we had to cancel our tests as we needed to stay a little longer (no cancellation fees were charged). When the time finally came for our re-scheduled return, they were more than happy to book us in again.
Not being familiar with the area, we recced the PCR provider as they warned us that we would find parking difficult. We managed to find a free car park just down the road. Upon arrival, we were asked to fill in a quick form. Our tests were taken very quickly at a cost of 98 EUR each, on a 24 hour turnaround. Thankfully we received our negative results the very next day.
Unfortunately, this was slightly stressful for me as we had been given a url, username & password each and mine wasn't working, no matter what I tried. I was grateful that they sorted this out immediately. Someone had entered an incorrect username by mistake. Once sorted, all we had to do was to download the negative certificate and email it to myself so it would be accessible on my phone for presentation.
Unfortunately, this was slightly stressful for me as we had been given a url, username & password each and mine wasn't working, no matter what I tried. I was grateful that they sorted this out immediately. Someone had entered an incorrect username by mistake. Once sorted, all we had to do was to download the negative certificate and email it to myself so it would be accessible on my phone for presentation.
Day 2 & Day 8 PCR Tests
In order not to have the same stress looking for yet another UK PCR provider, I just checked to see if Boots offered this service and thank goodness they did. I booked these online for £160 each. Again, it was an easy process. Note: You will need to specify the ship name if travelling back by ferry.
Public Health Passenger Locator Forms
I idiotically left sorting this out to the last minute and had to fill in the forms on my mobile whilst on the road, which wasn’t easy at all. In hindsight, this would have been much easier on a laptop. It took a few goes as it wasn’t very straightforward. I initially tried to locate last year’s form to see if we could use the same account, but things had changed since then and weren't able to. When I tried to create a new account, it wasn’t accepting our telephone numbers. I tried every which way, and it only worked when I actually included the plus sign (+) before the number. I was also confused on what to do next once I had created the account. ‘Create a new form’ wasn’t very obvious on my phone, I was also incorrectly assuming that it meant ‘create a new account’. Let’s just say it was not very user-friendly, but very frustrating! Note: You need to include your Day 2 & Day 8 PCR Test reference on this form as well as the ship name if travelling back by ferry.
Return Journey - Rest Areas in Spain/France
More prepared this time, we decided to buy food/snacks from the supermarket for our return journey. We got used to the super tasty 'tortillas' and 'tuna empanadas', 'chorizos' and 'jamon serrano' and managed to find the perfect spot just before reaching Burgos (20kms to be precise) for a quick picnic in the sunshine. Spain sadly is a little lacklustre when it comes to rest areas. Over the past few years they have managed to build a few, dotted along the motorway, but they have forgotten to install any toilets - tut tut!... On the contrary, we cannot fault the French with regards to theirs. All their service areas are amazing! They have obviously taken motorists' needs into consideration, especially truckers. Incredibly, the UK really lags behind by not supplying free rest areas to stop off when exhausted (yet it states that you should rest frequently). The road conditions are also far worse than on the continent. It’s fair to say that some motorways are a little pricey in France, but at least you can see where the money is being invested.
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Spain/France Border
French Police were present and stopping cars at the last Spanish toll booth at Donostia-San Sebastian. They probably assumed we had all our documentation in place as we were allowed to drive on.
Alternatives to Motorways (France)
We had the misfortune of taking the wrong road on our return journey through France. We had to make a last minute decision (panic) as neither Poitiers nor Tours were listed on the signs from Bordeaux to Poitiers (as well as not having a sat nav in the car) - we took the N1 by mistake. As I was used to seeing or going through 'Angouleme' as a child, I thought we were on the right road, but to our dismay this route took us much longer. There were also less petrol stations and rest areas available and the speed limit went up and down like a yo-yo! We're still praying that we weren't caught on camera. We hope to never make that mistake again, unless we want to drive through a more scenic route, or have all the time in the world. Although it was free, it was a real pain to have mistakenly taken this road at night. (Note: When you receive a ticket on a hired car abroad, not only do you have to pay the fine of around 44 EUR, you also have to pay Europcar an admin fee of £40 for the latter to pay it upfront and process).
Calais - Ferry Check-in
We arrived at the port of Calais a few hours early. Both the French & UK Border Police checked our passports, no other questions asked. The French Police checked the car twice. It was only P&O Check-in that asked to see all our documentation. Passports/Negative PCR Certificates/Day 2 & Day 8 PCR Test Confirmation Emails/Passenger Locator Forms. Showing all the documentation on the phone was acceptable, but quite a task with all the back and forth sourcing emails. Even though we were very early, we weren’t able to get on an earlier ferry and had to wait to board as scheduled. Again, there were only around four or five cars, the rest were trucks. Another smooth journey across.
Back in the UK
Not surprisingly, the car was searched at the UK end, and we were asked to show all of the documentation again to the UK Border Control. This was surprising as I don't believe we would have been allowed onto the ferry if we hadn't had the correct documentation in the first instance, before boarding.
Once on the M20 (no tolls), we noticed that truckers seem to be in a real hurry when leaving Dover. They start speeding up, and we nearly had a collision because of this. Let’s just say we were very blessed that day! A truck just missed going into the back of us as he was speeding up and the traffic ahead had come to a halt. He swerved into the fast lane just missing us at the very last second and then just missed crashing into a truck up ahead, which was entering the slow lane, by swerving again. Unsurprisingly, he slowed down considerably after those two very, very close shaves, no doubt counting his lucky stars.
Car Return - Europcar
Upon dropping off the car at Europcar (All that was required was to hand over the car key. Final paperwork, (invoice and statement of return) are emailed soon after), we weren't really shocked to see that our bikes had been tampered with. Parts had been stolen from both and neither was in any condition to ride. So, we decided to take the strong locks off them both (no help in this instance), and let the rest be taken away to whoever wanted the scraps. One was gone by morning, the other, no doubt, not long after. That's the only grumble we have with Europcar, a little disappointing that they weren't flexible in letting us store them away in their huge open air car park, whilst we were away.
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Quarantine - Day 2 & Day 8 Testing
We received notification from Royal Mail of our Boots package delivery via text/email. They were delivered the day before Day 2. Both Day 2 and Day 8 tests were included in the package. Taking and returning the tests was quite straightforward, the instructions are easy to follow. You do, however, need to find the nearest ‘Priority’ Post Box to post them in. You will then be notified by email when your results are ready. You just sign into your account to see your results and download a certificate if necessary.
We stuck to the rules and quarantined for 10 days, even with the sun shining and heat rising outside. And both received a call daily from the NHS locator staff to check if we were in quarantine at the specified address. They also asked us to confirm if we had taken our Day 2 & 8 tests and gave us information regarding Covid and advice on what to do if we were to receive a positive result. (Last year we didn't receive one call - this year 10 each). The tracking system is definitely in place!
Last July, we managed to do our usual trip through France, Spain and Portugal, just as we came out of lockdown, with much ease. We didn't need to take any PCRs at that time. This time around, it cost us £730 for our PCRs, which is somewhat extortionate, (that's the cost of a trip somewhere nice in itself). Having to take three tests, especially when you're in quarantine anyway, is just an exaggeration. And, having to quarantine when you have received negative tests throughout is also questionable - where's the logic in that? Overall, we do believe it's all about the money rather than keeping people safe and saving lives.
If people were to adhere to the following, it would certainly help reduce the numbers infected considerably:
1. Wear a mask at all times when outdoors (public places).
2. Social distance (meet others outdoors).
3. Wash your hands/use sanitiser regularly.
4. Get vaccinated.
1. Wear a mask at all times when outdoors (public places).
2. Social distance (meet others outdoors).
3. Wash your hands/use sanitiser regularly.
4. Get vaccinated.
Spain and Portugal do not have quarantine and Day 2 & 8 PCR tests in place - so why do we?
Hope the above info has helped in some way...
Stay safe - safe travels!
PS. Don’t forget to arrange Travel Insurance too!
Hope the above info has helped in some way...
Stay safe - safe travels!
PS. Don’t forget to arrange Travel Insurance too!
For further information on car hire/ferry bookings and driving in France, Spain & Portugal, please see links below:
Photography: beepbeepeurope
© Copyright. All rights reserved.
© Copyright. All rights reserved.
