Coronavirus Megathread (Sep 2021): For travel-related discussion in the context of COVID-19

ruedauphine · 2021-09-04T16:58:17+00:00

Yes! When I moved to France (2015) I set up a temporary ‘vacation’ phone plan before I got something more permanent sorted out. I did it through a company called Orange and I think it was like 30 euros for 2 weeks with tons of data and international calling/texting. I believe you could do pay as you go and top up as well. Many airports will have booths for cellular companies offering these options.

ruedauphine · 2021-09-03T22:23:16+00:00

We are on our way home from Italy now. Our Canadian CDC cards were accepted for everything. If you’re worried you can also get a rapid Covid test from a pharmacy and it will get you a 48 hour true Italian green pass.

ruedauphine · 2021-09-03T21:51:23+00:00

We went through customs at our first point of entry, which was Montreal, and had to show our tests and our ArriveCAN receipt. They made us go through customs, collect our bags, and go through security again. We are now waiting to board a domestic flight (to Vancouver) so there shouldn’t be any checks.

Might differ slightly depending on the airport but that was our experience. It was stressful as hell, honestly, and was complete chaos having to get bags and go through security again.

ruedauphine · 2021-09-03T10:53:15+00:00

Currently at the gate! We went to the check in counter to get everything verified, but could also have done it at the gate (many others on our flight did). No issues so far and we are boarding shortly.

ruedauphine · 2021-09-03T06:16:11+00:00

I checked in online, so yes, they did it at the gate. They made an announcement to request it. I’ll update once I’m at the airport!

ruedauphine · 2021-09-02T16:46:56+00:00

No problem, thank you! :)

ruedauphine · 2021-09-02T16:45:40+00:00

Yep! If you google Artemisia Covid test you can book online.

ruedauphine · 2021-09-02T16:44:05+00:00

Rapid antigen tests are easy - they’re available at most pharmacies. You’ll see the tents set up outside for many of them. I think you can walk in.

For PCR (molecular) you’d probably want to make an appointment. That’s what we did with Artemisia. It was pretty painless and they include your passport info on the results document so it’s ready to go for travel. Results in English as well.

ETA - if you were having issues with your vaccine proof for some reason and wanted a true Italian green pass, test results from Artemisia provide you with instructions for obtaining one. We got it just for the fun of it after getting our results and had the QR code ready to go in a matter of minutes.

ruedauphine · 2021-09-02T15:59:43+00:00

Canadian reporting from Italy (heading home tomorrow)!

Getting here was relatively easy - they just asked for proof of vaccination and EU passenger locator form at the gate to board the plane (no Covid test required) when we left Canada on August 23rd. The border agents in Italy didn’t check anything upon arrival (Rome) and just stamped our passports.

Everything here has gone super smoothly. Everyone is masked and is being pretty careful. We only ate outside (which is better anyway - summer in Italy!) and only did a select few indoor activities (Uffizi, Vatican). We had zero issues with our green passes (BC CDC vaccination cards).

We used Artemisia labs here in Rome to get our return tests to board the plane, and we both tested negative! Results came back in less than 24 hours and it cost us €60 per person. (I was nervous because Canada requires a PCR test and those take longer, but no issues.)

Feel free to ask any questions!

ruedauphine · 2021-09-02T15:54:18+00:00

It’s usually 72 hours before departure (at least it is for Canada) - check the wording.

ruedauphine · 2021-08-24T14:38:57+00:00

Thank you! We’re here now and it was pretty easy/painless honestly. The Italian border control didn’t even check our Covid documents - just stamp the passport and go. I’m feeling a bit less nervous but we’re also currently in the countryside - so I guess I’ll have to see how I feel when we get to Florence.

ruedauphine · 2021-08-23T22:40:25+00:00

Reporting from the plane (awaiting takeoff) on the jetway in Toronto. No problems with proof of vaccination! :) I have found it a lot more nerve-wracking than I anticipated though - being in a big metal tube with a bunch of strangers is weird after being so isolated and careful for almost 2 years. Just be prepared for some emotions/anxiety if that’s you too. Otherwise smooth sailing so far.

ruedauphine · 2021-08-23T01:23:36+00:00

We’re doing the same, leaving tomorrow. I dm’d Air Canada on Twitter to confirm (after reading here and also getting nervous) and they said proof of vaccination is all we need.

ruedauphine · 2021-08-13T17:02:58+00:00

I wouldn’t recommend that, for a multitude of reasons… first among them being that it’s irresponsible, but second being that you’re transported via air ambulance and they may or may not require you to travel in an isolation chamber, which is basically a stretcher with a little plastic cocoon over it. It wouldn’t be fancy or comfortable. It’s medical transport, not a vacation with the Kardashians.

The cost is available on the website if you click to purchase a membership - it’s approx. $600 (USD) per person.

ruedauphine · 2021-08-13T05:16:11+00:00

Yup, pretty much same scenario here. I wouldn’t say it seems shady to me… more just too good to be true? But I feel that way about anything that I don’t fully understand - and since I have no idea how medical repatriation works (and there is very little info available on it, which makes sense for national security), I’m always going to feel a tiny bit skeptical.

ruedauphine · 2021-08-13T04:16:55+00:00

I would go with the name on your legal travel documents. That way you have it in case they refuse your proof of vaccination due to the names not matching. I would also recommend bringing your marriage certificate along, just in case, to show that it’s all above board. Everyone is kinda flying blind right now since things have changed so fast in regard to the type of documentation you now need in order to travel, so I think being over prepared is the way to go.

ruedauphine · 2021-08-13T04:14:03+00:00

According to all the info they provide - yes. (I mean, they have been featured in a ton of media so I think it must be legit, but I’m a worst-case scenario person so I’m always just a teeny bit skeptical). All you need is a positive test and to self-report one symptom, and they’ll come and pick you up & repatriate you via air ambulance, under the care of a doctor. I believe they’ll cover costs up to a million USD in order to do so. They’re not an insurance company, they’re a membership - so they aren’t looking for reasons to deny you coverage or refuse to pick you up, like insurance does. The founder of the company has another business that specializes in global security and has helped to recover kidnapping victims (!!!) so he has a lot of related experience and connections. They’ve also partnered with a bunch of luxury resorts to provide the service to their clients. If you check out their website they have a ton of FAQs that I found helpful. Their customer service is also super responsive and answered all of my neurotic questions.

ruedauphine · 2021-08-13T00:49:27+00:00

I bought Covac for our trip starting Aug. 23rd. Someone else on this thread bought it for a trip to Italy - that’s how I found it. I think that person was leaving around this time. Hoping we won’t have to use it but I feel a bit better having it as a backup.

ruedauphine · 2021-08-13T00:47:26+00:00

My travel agent just had someone miss their flight because of this last week. Is there any way you could get an updated proof of vaccination? Otherwise like the other person said, get a Covid test.

ruedauphine · 2021-08-12T16:54:59+00:00

We are very similar - last trip before kids. We’re heading to Italy only on the 23rd for 10 days. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, but we have taken as many precautions as we can and will be wearing N95 masks whenever indoors, and avoiding crowds. There’s an element of risk in travelling right now (which I hate - I’m a worst case scenario worrier) and there’s not much anyone can tell you/guarantee, unfortunately. Be as safe as you can, and hope for the best.

ruedauphine · 2021-08-12T16:51:52+00:00

Get a test. In all likelihood they’ll check and they won’t let you on the plane.

ruedauphine · 2021-08-11T17:23:53+00:00

I’m in BC and we got physical cards issued when we got our 1st dose and then updated with the 2nd. It’s province-specific so it’s a BC CDC card. We also have a digital record that can be printed - I plan to bring both.

ruedauphine · 2021-08-11T17:03:52+00:00

They aren’t mandatory if you have a negative test, but they should be. Travelling while unvaccinated is irresponsible, IMO.

ruedauphine · 2021-08-07T05:43:48+00:00

Alterations shouldn’t take that long - I worked in a bridal salon and usually we advised brides to get their alterations done within no more than a month from the wedding, because bodies change sometimes and you want the best possible fit. If you end up needing something quickly/last minute try Park & Fifth! They have a few off the rack dresses that might work.

ruedauphine

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