WSJ speaks

What does YMMV mean?

Your mileage may vary. (Your experience may be different)

Thanks, I learn something new everyday!

Thank you for the synopsis, phred. The Cinque aterre walkers filling up the availability - I wonder how many are Americans, not relying on the immediate CDC advice, and how many are coming from everywhere else?

For England, is the potential 10 day quarantine dependent on the results of the test taken upon landing, or might be imposed regardless of a negative test? No mention of being vaccinated, either? Apparently that’s not a factor, being vaccinated or not?

I hope the Cinque Terra has finally opened up the trails. The last two times I was there, most of the trails were closed. It seems to have been that way for at least 5 years.

They advise that most French sights are outside which is good,

I wonder what they mean by this.

Kim, maybe this isn’t statistically accurate, but the article might be implying that fir every indoor Louvre museum, there’s an essentially outdoor Eiffel Tower, plus a definitely outdoor Gorges du Verdun.

Maybe that also figures that other European countries’ sights are mostly indoors. Is that right, that for every Camino de Santiago in Spain, there are 2 museums?

For England, is the potential 10 day quarantine dependent on the results of the test taken upon landing, or might be imposed regardless of a negative test? No mention of being vaccinated, either? Apparently that’s not a factor, being vaccinated or not?

No, it's mandatory irrespective of tests. You are also required to take a day 2 and day 8 test, neither of which will release you early from the quarantine period if proven negative however you can take an early release test on day 5 (the cynic may view this as nothing short of a cash grab). Vaccination status is irrelevant.

I'm travelling to Spain next week and I held off buying my 2 and 8 day test kit until the decision aound the 'traffic light' status of countries was updated yesterday. As it was, Spain remains at amber so I've bought my rapid antigen test kit which is required prior to returning back to the UK. It can be done in your accomodation via remote video call with a representative of the company. The cost was £39 and I'll pack it with me to be undertaken at least 72 hours before my return flight. The day 2 and 8 kit cost £84 which is cheaper than the average £120. I've ordered it and it will be here waiting for me on my return, I also have a link for the reference number which is required on the passenger locator form. Without this form you will not be allowed entry to the UK. A day 5 early release kit costs around £50. I haven't decided whether to opt for that yet. Quarantining at home for 10 days is no big deal, I've pretty much been doing it for over a year more or less, hopefully I'll be able to enjoy the sun in the garden.

I'm fully vaccinated but this has no bearing on the test or quarantine requirements.

For England, is the potential 10 day quarantine dependent on the results of the test taken upon landing, or might be imposed regardless of a negative test? No mention of being vaccinated, either? Apparently that’s not a factor, being vaccinated or not?

What JC says.

Matters not if you are vaccinated or not if you are from an Amber List country

So, then,

You are also required to take a day 2 and day 8 test, neither of which will release you early from the quarantine period if proven negative however you can take an early release test on day 5 (the cynic may view this as nothing short of a cash grab). Vaccination status is irrelevant.

So with a cheerful, “Welcome to the UK, please stay still for your initial test,” Americans will then be directed to a quarantine hotel for at least a minimum of 5 days? That’s not simply a cash grab with the UK saying essentially the entry fee to the nation is a hotel rate X 5 days, it’s derailing a vacation visit for 6 to 8 days.

So tourists can supply their own test kits, or will those be only sold to arrivals, as well? Amber status clearly isn’t anything close to Green. It would be really nice if the situation improves, medically as well as convenience-wise and time-wise, before the end of summer. Stay safe, all.

No, you can't supply your own test kit, you need to book your tests with a provider that meets the minimum standard before you arrive in the UK. The government has a list online.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/testing-on-day-2-and-day-8-for-international-arrivals

Given that the Government is advising against travel to all but green list countries, I assume they have no interest in making it easy for tourists from those countries to visit.

You are only directed to a designated quarantine hotel if you arrive from a Red Country. If arriving from an Amber Country you can quarantine at a location of your choice however you must observe the quarantine rules. The test kits that you use yourself can be purchased from a number of government approved suppliers or you can be tested at a number of sites around the country. This link provides the details https://www.gov.uk/find-travel-test-provider

Yeah, nobody said that meeting these new requirements for entry would be easy.

People realllllllly need to look at what is involved.