Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
@telford_mike, Good luck.
After all it is free
After all it is free
telford_mike wrote:
On the plane now, an hour late, but it’s leaving
WOW, please report back when you get there safely, where did you depart, where did you land & where are you staying........good luck
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
@Jonny996, he is a Swiss resident so they have to let him back in.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
I suppose the big question is how many non EU/Swiss residents/Nationals were on that flight, and intending to enter the Country?
How many were turned away at check in?
and how many, if any, of the others are allowed to enter?
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
My understanding of the gov.uk website currently is that you can transit through geneva to france -
"There is no quarantine requirement for those in transit airside at the airport".
So does that mean that I can fly to Geneva (from Bristol) and head to France to ski?
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
Nadenoodlee wrote:
@Jonny996, he is a Swiss resident so they have to let him back in.
Thank you for the clarification.
It would be really helpful if posters stating travel success let it be known that they have a different status from the majority on this forum.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
james75 wrote:
My understanding of the gov.uk website currently is that you can transit through geneva to france -
"There is no quarantine requirement for those in transit airside at the airport".
So does that mean that I can fly to Geneva (from Bristol) and head to France to ski?
No. The key words here are " transit airside at the airport" in other words transit onto another plane without entering Switzerland
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
james75 wrote:
My understanding of the gov.uk website currently is that you can transit through geneva to france -
"There is no quarantine requirement for those in transit airside at the airport".
So does that mean that I can fly to Geneva (from Bristol) and head to France to ski?
My read of that is the keyword is "airside". If you get off one plane and into an another, no quarantine. If you leave the airport to drive into France, quarantine.
But it remains ambiguous, Mrs Gadge is currently waiting in a queue to try and clarify for our flight in Geneva and then to Val T next Sunday. She's been in the queue an hour already, not convinced she'll get an answer, suspect the travel companies can't keep up with the rule changes...
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Gadge wrote:
james75 wrote:
My understanding of the gov.uk website currently is that you can transit through geneva to france -
"There is no quarantine requirement for those in transit airside at the airport".
So does that mean that I can fly to Geneva (from Bristol) and head to France to ski?
My read of that is the keyword is "airside". If you get off one plane and into an another, no quarantine. If you leave the airport to drive into France, quarantine.
But it remains ambiguous, Mrs Gadge is currently waiting in a queue to try and clarify for our flight in Geneva and then to Val T next Sunday. She's been in the queue an hour already, not convinced she'll get an answer, suspect the travel companies can't keep up with the rule changes...
UK previously* used the airside rule. You could fly from a red country to elsewhere via a UK airport without quarantine if you stayed airside. Fortunately immigration officials were able to stop the virus at passport control to stop it drifting landside.
*not sure of current rules
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
james75 wrote:
My understanding of the gov.uk website currently is that you can transit through geneva to france -
"There is no quarantine requirement for those in transit airside at the airport".
So does that mean that I can fly to Geneva (from Bristol) and head to France to ski?
If I am not mistaken, arriving at GVA on an international flight you have to pass through Swiss territory and formalities first, even if exiting the airport on the French side ? ie. so you won't remain in transit airside.
Also isn't the French side temporarily closed for a refurb ?
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Quote:
If I am not mistaken, arriving at GVA on an international flight you have to pass through Swiss territory and formalities first, even if exiting the airport on the French side ?
No, that's not the case, but at present it's been made clear that it's not possible to use the "French exit" and then drive to the ski resorts without entering into Switzerland at all (which is normally possible).
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
I've been informed by the hotel we've got booked in Arosa for 26th Dec:
In addition to the current new regulations, "also seems that it won't be changing anytime soon" and they've offered a full refund. [We paid in advance].
I listen to the cerebral Dr Chris Smith this morning calmly explaining where we stand with Omicron, that there is no bad news at all yet in terms of hospital consequences, this may end up being just another variant and governments have acted swiftly as a precaution. All very sensible.
Then I get the impression that governments are so determined not to be criticised this time around, that they won't be reversing emergency measures no matter the ensuing evidence.
@james75, As the EasyJet staff in Bristol don't know their bottom from their elbpw you won't get as far as GVA.
Mrs WoC was refused boarding despite being a Schengen resident returning home, being double jabbed and having a neg test. They only boarded around 25% or the pax yesterday and some of those denied were Swiss Nationals.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Snow&skifan wrote:
I've been informed by the hotel we've got booked in Arosa for 26th Dec:
In addition to the current new regulations, "also seems that it won't be changing anytime soon" and they've offered a full refund. [We paid in advance].
I listen to the cerebral Dr Chris Smith this morning calmly explaining where we stand with Omicron, that there is no bad news at all yet in terms of hospital consequences, this may end up being just another variant and governments have acted swiftly as a precaution. All very sensible.
Then I get the impression that governments are so determined not to be criticised this time around, that they won't be reversing emergency measures no matter the ensuing evidence.
Based on what?
They only implemented said measures a few days ago.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO EXIT DIRECTLY FROM THE FRENCH SIDE
WHEN ARRIVING ON AN INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT WITHOUT PASSING
THROUGH SWISS TERRITORY?
No, you must pass through Swiss territory from an international flight.
I wonder if this is just because of the temporary works then, rather than the normal situation then. Must admit I've only ever used the Swiss side.
In any case @pam w it ties up with what you say, that it doesn't look possible.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
WindOfChange wrote:
@james75, As the EasyJet staff in Bristol don't know their bottom from their elbpw you won't get as far as GVA.
Mrs WoC was refused boarding despite being a Schengen resident returning home, being double jabbed and having a neg test. They only boarded around 25% or the pax yesterday and some of those denied were Swiss Nationals.
That’s a shocker! What reason did they give for denying boarding?
After all it is free
After all it is free
Snow&skifan wrote:
... there is no bad news at all yet in terms of hospital consequences
... Then I get the impression that governments are so determined not to be criticised this time around, that they won't be reversing emergency measures no matter the ensuing evidence.
We shall see, but I do think that perhaps they've realized that the way to deal with this is to react quickly and massively, then "let up" restrictions as you learn it's safe to do so.
The other way around has already been proven as inefficient and massively disruptive.
I'm not pessimistic myself. Let's wait for the data, which to be fair is precisely what they are telling us to do,
although the nay-sayers will forget that by the time we know it's not as bad as it could be.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
Transiting is considered arriving and so you need to quarantine for 10 days when coming in Geneva, for example.. bad news .. no way around it i was told by Swiss officials.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Any thoughts on Swiss dropping the 10 day quarantine witin the next 3 weeks, and going back to just requiring a neg PCR?
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
philwig wrote:
Snow&skifan wrote:
... there is no bad news at all yet in terms of hospital consequences
... Then I get the impression that governments are so determined not to be criticised this time around, that they won't be reversing emergency measures no matter the ensuing evidence.
We shall see, but I do think that perhaps they've realized that the way to deal with this is to react quickly and massively, then "let up" restrictions as you learn it's safe to do so.
The other way around has already been proven as inefficient and massively disruptive.
I'm not pessimistic myself. Let's wait for the data, which to be fair is precisely what they are telling us to do,
although the nay-sayers will forget that by the time we know it's not as bad as it could be.
Hi, I'm by no means a Stanton pessimistic/doomonger, far from it, I always look for solutions.
Just relaying the hotel's view, after all they have a feel for their nation's politics, I as a Brit in the UK don't.
I'm at a stick or twist dilemma with the booking.
Tempted to make a free cancellation booking with a hotel in another ski nation, as a reserve.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
@BobinCH, In Mrs WoC case they said it was the border between CH and FR was closed.
I know this is BS, because on hearing that she would have to fly to Lyon I went to GVA airport from France (crossing on the main the lake road) to go and get her car out of the airport car park.
Not only was the border very much NOT closed, it was also completely un-staffed in both directions.
Problem is the gate staff hold all the power - Quote from yesterday
Gate Staff : "Am I going to have to call security ?"
Swiss Passenger : "Yes, absolutely".
I don't know how different it was on other carriers, but calling upon security to maintain your completely wrong position, rather than taking time to establish the facts seems to fly in the face of customer service - which should be their motto.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
The airlines are stuck in the middle of this...
The Swiss changed the rules late on the weekend with partial rules that weren't clear (a significant chunk of which appear to be via twitter... A great idea - lets give complex updates on travel restrictions via a communications channel allowing 140 characters total and then have limited availability to for people to ask for clarifications...)
If the airline carry you and entry is denied, they have liability to return you to country of origin (and IIRC this can be a case of being put on the next available flight by border control at their expense... Yes they can then pursue you for this, but while refusing flights is bad, returning a family of 4 inc children to two different airports (neither original airport) on 4 different flights looks even better in the press and is way more expensive than the limits on compensation if they refuse boarding incorrectly (and are even held liable given confusing information).
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
Go and have a look at Morzine Source posts on Insta or Facebook - interesting update provided directly from GVA airport.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Nadenoodlee wrote:
Go and have a look at Morzine Source posts on Insta or Facebook - interesting update provided directly from GVA airport.
Some hope at last!
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Nadenoodlee wrote:
Go and have a look at Morzine Source posts on Insta or Facebook - interesting update provided directly from GVA airport.
the facebook post
"..We’ve a small but potentially encouraging travel update for you this morning.
.
Our ‘man at the airport’ reports that Swiss border police have reinterpreted the rules re landing at Geneva Airport and travelling to to France in a meeting this morning. It’s now possible to land and travel into France with a ‘droit d’établissement’ - proof of French residency for example, second home ownership potentially (untested but ) or a work contract (some encouraging movement on this for season workers, some less encouraging reports also). This update isn’t currently published on any official websites, just to note.
.
This rule change is slight progress on where we were last night, and it indicates that a change to the regs for tourists may be possible in the coming days. It certainly feels like there’s a tonne of political and administrative stuff at play and an equal amount of opinion.."
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
That might be progress. Possibly trickier to negotiate this when you're returning to Switzerland after only seven days in France.
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
WindOfChange wrote:
@BobinCH, In Mrs WoC case they said it was the border between CH and FR was closed.
That’s just incompetence. I mean there are thousands of frontaliers living in France and working in Switzerland who. Ross that border daily. The Geneva hospitals would have no staff if they closed the border
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
I flew into Switzerland from the UK yesterday, along with friends who were transitting to France. I also saw how others around me got on. Most of the filtering was done at the departure airport by easyJet, who were actually trying to be as lenient as possible within the rules the Swiss had given them (if you are flying to Geneva or Basel, you are flying directly into Swiss territory even if you plan to go to France). If you were a Swiss resident or permit holder then there was no problem, just 10 day quarantine on arrival with no option to have the 7 day test to release (at least according to the canton helpline I called and waited an hour to speak to). The people being allowed to board who wanted to go to France appeared to be EU passport or ID card holders, permit or visa holders (CdS but also lesser visas). Basically if you are a tourist heading from the UK to Switzerland or France via Switzerland you won't be able to board. I saw a UK passport holder turned away with only a hotel booking in France for instance. The rules the Swiss put on their website Saturday night were full of ambiguities such as 'everyone entering Switzerland has to quarantine even if you are just transitting' but then it also said 'if you want to leave Switzerland before the end of the quarantine period, you can do so'. Also it mentioned that 'a test' was required, but not whether it should be PCR or Lateral Flow etc (Lateral Flow seemed to be ok). On the Swiss side they checked the covid pass, passport and residence permit but not the covid test and provided no information about the new quarantine rules. Omicron has now been found in Switzerland and no doubt the new variant will be everywhere in and around the neighbouring countries soon, which will make the new border controls with the UK look a bit out of place.
I flew into Switzerland from the UK yesterday, along with friends who were transitting to France. I also saw how others around me got on. Most of the filtering was done at the departure airport by easyJet, who were actually trying to be as lenient as possible within the rules the Swiss had given them (if you are flying to Geneva or Basel, you are flying directly into Swiss territory even if you plan to go to France). If you were a Swiss resident or permit holder then there was no problem, just 10 day quarantine on arrival with no option to have the 7 day test to release (at least according to the canton helpline I called and waited an hour to speak to). The people being allowed to board who wanted to go to France appeared to be EU passport or ID card holders, permit or visa holders (CdS but also lesser visas). Basically if you are a tourist heading from the UK to Switzerland or France via Switzerland you won't be able to board. I saw a UK passport holder turned away with only a hotel booking in France for instance. The rules the Swiss put on their website Saturday night were full of ambiguities such as 'everyone entering Switzerland has to quarantine even if you are just transitting' but then it also said 'if you want to leave Switzerland before the end of the quarantine period, you can do so'. Also it mentioned that 'a test' was required, but not whether it should be PCR or Lateral Flow etc (Lateral Flow seemed to be ok). On the Swiss side they checked the covid pass, passport and residence permit but not the covid test and provided no information about the new quarantine rules. Omicron has now been found in Switzerland and no doubt the new variant will be everywhere in and around the neighbouring countries soon, which will make the new border controls with the UK look a bit out of place.
It's just started...Hopefully someone can provide a translated update for us.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
Some friends are just waiting to board their flight to GVA with the assurance from BA they can transit back home to France without issue, I'll update later........
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
KenX wrote:
Some friends are just waiting to board their flight to GVA with the assurance from BA they can transit back home to France without issue, I'll update later........
I think the key there is "back home". If they can prove French residency, that puts them in a different category from mere UK tourists.
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
) or a work contract (some encouraging 
