Future Eurostar timetable

[edwin_m]

There were plenty of flights from Wuhan to the UK before the Chinese lockdown. Also, we didn't know about asymptomatic spread...

The swab is pretty quick; the logistics are getting to the lab then running the test. You can probably set up a testing machine at the airport.

Anyway, Czechia is requiring you to provide a negative test before entry to the country, basically: file:///C:/Users/adamc/Downloads/Conditions_for_entry_to_CZ_and_quarantine_measures_from_April_27th_2020_-_02200426.pdf Getting one a day or two before departure from a testing centre isn't unfeasible.

I agree with the suggestion that getting a test before boarding would be better. However I doubt there are enough machines available to think about setting them up at airports and Eurostar stations, and even if there were people would probably have to show up several hours before to ensure the test was processed before their departure time. The Eurostar lounges are cramped enough without expecting people to hang around for that long.

The antibody test is alleged to be like a pregnancy test, showing up a result in 20min or so without needing any other equipment to process it. That would be more workable, only it wouldn't show up people who've recently been infected and don't yet have antibodies.

 

[Gadget88]

The papers say there could be a 4 hour wait to board planes how would this work with Eurostar? Also with social distancing could trains have to run half empty?

 

[Gadget88]

Also if Eurostar was cut back long term like the virus would it mean the end of the 373’s and a much reduced rolling stock? And a worst case very few trains to Amsterdam? Or would it go the other way more trains due to airlines going bust? Any thoughts?

 

[StephenHunter]

50% maximum capacity seems reasonable - they're doing that on long-distance trains in Denmark, I believe.

As for getting a test, they'd probably allow one within 48 hours of departure or something. While of course it is possible for you to contract the virus between a test and departure, it's not massively likely.

 

[Gadget88]

50% maximum capacity seems reasonable - they're doing that on long-distance trains in Denmark, I believe.

As for getting a test, they'd probably allow one within 48 hours of departure or something. While of course it is possible for you to contract the virus between a test and departure, it's not massively likely.

I can’t see people wanting a test or vaccine I seen a survey saying many don’t wanna to take the jab like some refuse the flu jab. Isn’t a temperature check at customs a better option? Also airlines want to hold passengers 4 hours how would this work with a train?

 

[StephenHunter]

A temperature check only shows those with a fever. Not everyone with Covid-19 will have that. I'd happily take a test before travel.

 

[Gadget88]

A temperature check only shows those with a fever. Not everyone with Covid-19 will have that. I'd happily take a test before travel.

I thought we have a shortage of tests and also testing everyone will be expensive. I travel Eurostar a few time’s a year no way would I be taking multiple tests. Would be a right pain for those to just travel to Lille for lunch and dinner and back to London.

I think unless a cure or vaccine is found international travel will be down for quite some time.

 

[StephenHunter]

You'd have to get the test at your own expense through your GP, but for those taking longer trips, definitely worth it. We'll be able to do a lot more tests by high summer.

I definitely agree it will be down a lot for a while.

In any event, I'd already booked a trip for September before all this. As a physically healthy man in his 30s, I'm pretty low risk.

 

[superalbs]

The papers say there could be a 4 hour wait to board planes how would this work with Eurostar? Also with social distancing could trains have to run half empty?

A bit annoying, but definitely works for me, if the only way for international travel is a 4hr wait, then so be it!

 

[edwin_m]

I can’t see people wanting a test or vaccine I seen a survey saying many don’t wanna to take the jab like some refuse the flu jab. Isn’t a temperature check at customs a better option? Also airlines want to hold passengers 4 hours how would this work with a train?

I'd say if they refuse both they wouldn't be allowed to travel, end of (with possible exception for anyone who has some medical reason). Not much different from requiring jabs to go to various foreign countries today (or a couple of months ago).

Hopefully there'll be some sort of internationally-recognized certificate of vaccination or antibody test, which could be verified on a website like MOT certificates.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I'd say if they refuse both they wouldn't be allowed to travel, end of (with possible exception for anyone who has some medical reason). Not much different from requiring jabs to go to various foreign countries today (or a couple of months ago).

Hopefully there'll be some sort of internationally-recognized certificate of vaccination or antibody test, which could be verified on a website like MOT certificates.

There's already a system of certification for Yellow Fever, so there is a long-running precedent to study.

 

[Gadget88]

So do people expect changes to Eurostar? I mean say France has less restrictions perhaps these extra checks will be limited to flying only?

 

[duesselmartin]

So where do we go from here? France only allowing essential travel at the moment. Only one train per day what happens next? How long before we return to normal?

only God knows that. It depends how things develope. I can imagine that countries that have the virus relatively under control would also be restrictive of UK residence visiting.
I supect (not know) that it will be at least a year until we are back to normal+recession.
Martin

 

[RT4038]

I thought we have a shortage of tests and also testing everyone will be expensive. I travel Eurostar a few time’s a year no way would I be taking multiple tests. Would be a right pain for those to just travel to Lille for lunch and dinner and back to London.

I think unless a cure or vaccine is found international travel will be down for quite some time.

In this circumstance, where you say there is no way you would be taking multiple tests, the answer is quite simple - you can't go then! Simples.

 

[daodao]

Only God knows that. It depends how things develop. I can imagine that countries that have the virus relatively under control would also be restrictive of UK residents visiting. I suspect (not know) that it will be at least a year until we are back to normal+recession.
Martin

By the time Covid-19 related travel restrictions between the UK and mainland Europe are lifted, a "no deal" Brexit is likely to have replaced the current transitional arrangements between the UK and the EU, and visas may be required by UK nationals entering the Schengen zone.

 

[StephenHunter]

Visas, unlikely. An ETIAS waiver needed? Almost certainly.

 

[daodao]

Visas, unlikely. An ETIAS waiver needed? Almost certainly.

The ETIAS website states that "As of now, it is still unclear how travelling for British citizens will be arranged post full Brexit. The EU and UK will be negotiating about the free movement of people, and there is a possibility that the outcome would be: ETIAS for UK citizens!" However, the default position would be a visa requirement to enter the Schengen zone, as currently applies to citizens of other non-EU European states such as Russia and Belarus. The EU is extremely angry with perfidious Albion over Brexit and won't be going out of its way to assist the UK or its citizens.

 

[Gadget88]

Eurostar now requiring you to wear face masks at stations or on board.

 

[leytongabriel]

At present Eurostar are saying that you can check if your train is running 24hrs beforehand and there is only a very limited Covid-19 lockdown service. Does anybody know what the plans are after May 11th when things start to be eased in France, including travel regulations? I have a ticket for 19th May (already rebooked from late March) but need to know if I can go more than a day in advance as need to organise pet car, onward travel etc.

 

[StephenHunter]

While the UK is exempted from the 14 day quarantine rule France has just imposed, there is no current plan to open the borders for non-essential travel.

 

[Gadget88]

So they are insisting on face masks? Do you think they will relax this or allow say a scarf or a plastic visor in the future instead?

 

[StephenHunter]

Any type of mask is suitable as long as it effectively covers your nose and mouth.

That's from the Eurostar website.

 

[Gadget88]

So France exempt from quarantining so I guess the channel tunnel will be fine. Not sure about Belgium though?

 

[StephenHunter]

Need to see the full details, but Johnson said "by air".

 

[Jamesrob637]

What is the current service? One train per day from Pancras to Paris and return and one train per day from Pancras to Bruxelles and return? No Disneyland, Amsterdam or South of France?

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

What is the current service? One train per day from Pancras to Paris and return and one train per day from Pancras to Bruxelles and return? No Disneyland, Amsterdam or South of France?

Yes I think you are correct. I was supposed to be going to Amsterdam and back using their direct services both ways next month.

 

[Gadget88]

My solution:

Paris train stops in Lille no quarantine

Brussels becomes direct to London with quarantine.

Seems to be a debate about Lille passengers on Brussels train problem solved above.

 

[StephenHunter]

Or you negotiate a bilaterial no quarantine deal with Belgium. Better that, the entire Schengen Area.

 

[edwin_m]

Or you negotiate a bilaterial no quarantine deal with Belgium. Better that, the entire Schengen Area.

Then everyone heading for the UK from all other countries just has to pass through France or Belgium to avoid quarantine. Probably good news for Eurostar but it rather defeats the point of the restriction. A quarantine area doesn't really work unless all countries within it have a similar approach and are at a similar stage in the outbreak, probably have compatible and co-operative contact tracing systems and processes, and impose quarantine on any entrants from outside the quarantine area.

 

[StephenHunter]

Those countries have their own quarantine policies. Eventually, this should be down to manageable levels across the EU and internal borders can reopen.