Originally Posted by
Stavros
Arriving back in the UK has been a useful comparative exercise. The day before departure from Germany, we went to a DIY store but as my companion was in need of a new Covid test to enter the restaurant we were going to in the evening (the DIY store is exempt) , we both had a lateral flow test in the testing centre outside. As it then transpired, when I checkd in at the Lufthansa desk, I needed my Covid Pass, and the Passenger Locator Form (filled out online at least 2 days before departure), and a negative Lateral Flow Test [LFT] result not more than 48 hours old. I had not been told I needed the latter, so I don't know what would have happened had I not had one the day before.
Before arriving in the UK, I booked an LFT online -the package was delivered the day I arrived- which I need to complete no more than 2 days after arrival. Moreover, because the LFT is done by a private company not the NHS it cost me £19 (22.80 Euros or $25.91). On arrival at the regional airport I used, there were no staff at passport control but biometric machines, so no questions to answer or documents to show. I have done the test and sent the results online, but there is no way they know it was in fact me other than my declaration. Someone else could have done the test knowing they were negative and sent that.
The Germans have test centres all over the place, and it is free. The test resuts can be sent by phone, whereas the one I had the day before my departure was a document with an official stamp and signature. And, just as masks are de rigeur even in some major streets, the regulations here are quite poor in comparison. We may be heading towards the end of the worst of this pandemic, but I still wonder who has the best policy.
And definitely, travellers should ensure they know what documents they need before they fly -I assume it would be similar on the Eurostar or other rail, and road connections. It does take time, it does require a computer and even better, a smart phone, but it is worth it if you need, or want to travel. And of course for so many connections online, user IDs and those damn passwords....