Current travel from/to UK

[beachlife]

 We found having hard copies easier than hunting through phone emails but they can be used as well.

We've opted for the belt an braces approach, so have applied for NHS letters of Covid Vaccination Confirmation.

Apply here:  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronaviru...ss-letter/

It took only three days for our letters to arrive from what appears to be an automated system.

The advantage of the hard copy is that it doesn't have an expiry date, whereas the NHS app requires you to login in every month to keep the vaccination data updated.

[cjm]

We've just returned to UK after a very pleasant two weeks on Fuerteventura. Would have stayed for three weeks but for various reasons came back early. Here is a blow by blow account of how the administration went.

• One of us is vaccinated, the other not
  
• Received a vaccination certficate in post and as download in good time. PCR test was arranged at Glasgow airport in lieu of vaccination
  
• The pre departure PCR test was quick and easy and result emailed
  
• Both of us downloaded SPTH app and received a QR code with no problem
  
• I printed everything off for the outward journey in case of phone issues
  
• Arrived at airport in good time and got through security fairly quickly. It was busier than I was expecting
  
• First snag was encountered at the gate. When our boarding cards were scanned they flashed up red. Apparently we should have checked in at a desk to have our paperwork checked. This wasn't made clear on Jet2 website and someone else encounted the same problem. It was no big deal. They checked the paperwork and we were held up no more than a couple of minutes
  
• Only 71 passengers on way out  
  
• Can't understand why but plane didn't use and air bridge. We were all rammed into a bus. Not particulalrly COVID safe. Same on way back
  
• On arrival our paperwork was checked. I think my paperwork was scanned and wifeys was only looked at. Process was painless
  
• Passport wasn't checked or scanned
  
• The return trip was a bit more painful
  
• Arranged RAT tests at clinic 36 hours before departure. No problems other than the cost
  
• The UK PLF is the most hideous document especially compared to the SPTH app
  
• Wouldn't scan the vaccination document. Had to add as attachment. Ironically the process is easier if you're unvaccinated
  
• We had booked the day 2/8 tests with CTM before departure. Getting in touch with them to change our travel dates was a waste of time. Got fobbed off by Indian call centre who advised just cancelling. Booked with Expert Medicals on recommentaion from a colleague. Much cheaper and much more straightforward process
  
• Unlike outbound we were advised to check in at desk to have peperwork check and receive boarding card. No problem here and was through to security quickly
  
• Security was a nightmare. They had me tip every single phone charger and electrical item out of my case. Never been subject to that level of checks before
  
• No issues boarding. Passprt stamped 
  
• Maybe slightly more people on way back, circa 100
  
• Have subsequently claimed back day 2/8 tes fees from CTM but won't hold my breath
  

All in all I found the whole process quite stressful. At no point in the process could you be certain all your paperwork is in order. Although you get the various QR codes etc at no point does it actually say you have fully complied with all the requirements. Even if you are fully vaccinated the additional testing costs add up and are most likely prohibitive for families. I wouldn't have bothered if we were only going for a week. I also don't think we'll return until there is a more significant easing of the barriers.

On a plus note we received 94 Euros back from Payless for bringing the car back early.

Best regards