paulaf

When is their list updated ? Do you have a feel if we will go Amber?
Can you ask for a swab test on arrival or is it their discretion so they might say no and do 14 days quarantine instead?

LTN Phobia

I have no idea when it is updated (e.g. whether they do it on some kind of a schedule), but I believe the last update was on 12 September to put some areas of France on their Amber list.

I am guessing that the UK will be Amber by the time BA resumes flight to MLA (25 October is the first one) if the number of cases is not brought well under control. I am only worried about it ending up being off the Corridor list entirely though (I have no idea whether that will happen at all, given the UK is still counted as a 'semi-EU' in the EU until the end of this year) in which case, it won't be possible to enter the country unless you are resident in Malta or a Maltese citizen or meet other criteria). This is what I am worried about in terms of waiting until BA resumes flights to Malta - that is, if they do resume it.

There is a provision to get tested on arrival and/or be quarantined for 14 days if you are flying from an Amber country/area, but surely that is not a good idea if you are going on a holiday? You could end up being quarantined for 14 days there and not allowed to leave during that time?

I suggest referring to the following official pages:
https://deputyprimeminister.gov.mt/e...es/travel.aspx
https://legislation.mt/eli/ln/2020/333/eng/pdf

paulaf

Thanks, this I was misinterpreting the 2nd part that the passenger could opt for a test on arrival but it's ambiguous so yes too risky. I am entitled to an NHS test periodically do you know if they are acceptable instead of a private one?

LTN Phobia

I have no idea and it is something I would say you need to research yourself.

However, there is an issue of the time constraint (sample needs to have been collected <72 hours prior to arrival) and potentially inappropriate use of NHS resources unless it happens to have needed to be done at the right time that you perhaps need to consider.

Besides all that, putting my moderator hat on, this is veering off the topic on BA, so any further questions need to be asked in Europe or Covid sections of the forum unless it specifically involves BA.

LondonElite

Without wishing to go further OT, I am genuinely curious whether the NHS provides free Covid tests so that people can go on holiday? It seems to me that those should have to be done privately.

secretplantofightinflation

I believe you can only get a test booked if you are showing symptoms.

Obviously, one could lie and get a test - but that is dependent on one’s own moral compass.

Truthmonkey

No.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/corona...e-coronavirus/:

LTN Phobia

Cancellations for late October to MLA seem to be happening right now. So far, it looks like at least some flights will survive, for now.

lcylocal

I do think it is quite interesting that both Germany and Italy are offering arriving travellers free tests for inbound travellers with, in at least Germany’s case, the stated aim of supporting their tourist industry. This type of approach doesn’t seem to be on the radar in the UK though. I’m not justifying breaking the rules mind which seem to me to be clear.

T8191

The T-72 pre-travel PCR test is presenting challenges everywhere, not least here in Jersey where the limited private testing facility may not even meet the time-line as samples have to be sent to UK laboratories.

However ...
https://www.businessinsider.co.za/so...d-list-2020-10
And indeed ...
https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/...m/coronavirus/
It has been the same challenge to Governments everywhere, trying to balance Health with Tourism/Economics. Eventually we will discover which Governments actually made the right choices in the face of those conflicting needs for their Nation.

paulaf

Looks like frequency reduced from 5 to 3 per week? Do you think the 3 that are left will survive?

LTN Phobia

"Amber" corridor (i.e. prior negative PCR test required <72 hrs) list for Malta has been updated, according to Times of Malta. Included in the newly added locations are the United Kingdom (Belfast, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle).
The article says it will be with effect from midnight on Friday.

https://timesofmalta.com/articles/vi...blished.826351

The official government page has not yet been updated, but it should be in due course:
https://deputyprimeminister.gov.mt/e...es/travel.aspx

Do bear in mind if you have a trip booked to Malta (I am posting this update especially as BA is about to resume flights to MLA shortly).

paulaf

Thanks had spotted that too, at least Heathrow escaped for now. We booked a holiday there and cancelled it about 4 days later when they brought in the new mask rules outside.

LTN Phobia

On the other hand, if you are able to get tested if needed and can quarantine on return to the UK, it's absolutely glorious here right now. - I'm sitting here in a sleeveless top and enjoying the sunshine (with a shed load of sunscreen on!).

mrandery

Was looking at going to Malta in December / January - but cannot find any BA flights from London (neither to book nor on the timetables page).

It seems BA do not fly there anymore (for the winter at least?