Can someone please help.

andys15

My son is due to travel to Bulgaria tomorrow. 

He is currently on the phone to TUI now and they don’t even know. 

He tested positive for Covid on the 3rd Jan via lateral flow and then tested positive the day later on the PCR

The 10 days is up today. He has tested positive today on the PCR test but apparently that can show false positive for 180 days. 

The NHS Covid app shows today that he has completed his isiolation, but they have said that won’t update for 48 hours to show his vaccinations. 

I have now found companies who for a massive fee will provide a Covid travel pass. 

On the GoV website it says that to go to Bulgaria you need to have a positive result 11 -180 days ago and have the Covid free certificate but it also states a negative pcr test which is impossible. 

Nobody knows what is going on. Tui have no idea and say it might be ok getting the certificate, but I don’t want to take him to the airport and then get turned away. 

This is all an absolute shambles. 

sheramber

Unfortunately, Bulgaria makes its own rules which   we have no control over.

You could try the Bulgarian Embassy for information.

cx6

If the rules state he needs a negative PCR test and hasn't got one then he will be denied boarding or, even if allowed to board, will be denied entry into Bulgaria.

Does he have proof of vaccination?

Caz3121

It looks like Bulgaria required a negative PCR max 72 hours before departure.
this can be accompanied by either a proof of vaccination or proof of recovery

Many airlines use Timatic to check entry requirements
"must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at most 72 hours before arrival; and
- a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before arrival. Vaccines accepted are AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Covaxin, Janssen, Moderna (Spikevax), Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Sinopharm, Sinovac and Sputnik V; or
- a COVID-19 recovery certificate issued at least 11 days and at most 180 days before arrival. Exception: This does not apply to passengers younger than 12 years."

It looks like he will not be able to travel without a negative PCR as UK are in Bulgaria's list of red countries
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/travel-and-covid/bulgaria/index_en.htm

andys15

Thanks all. 

Yes he has proof of vaccinations.  The nhs wont update the travel pass until 48 hours after your 10 days is up, which is a complete scam as companies have cottoned onto this and will provide it for £150.
It’s the negative pcr test that he cannot provide. he hasn’t got Covid and has been testing negative on the lateral flow test for days, but positive on the PCR. 

It’s all crazy. No one knows what they are doing. Tui advise is crazy. They don’t know so have told him to go to the airport and see what happens. 

That hasn’t helped as that is what he now wants to do, even though it will cost £150 to get the certificate of Covid clear and have to drive 2 hours to the airport. 

Caz3121

getting the travel pass updated / getting a certificate does not change the fact that the current rules require a negative PCR to enter Bulgaria from UK. (would be different if we were on their Amber or Green list but we are not)

andys15

Caz. I completely understand this. 

What’s frustrating is that TUI and the ski company he is going with, think that he doesn’t need this. Even though we are telling them that is what the uk government website says. 

I hope it doesn’t create a problem for a refund. 

andys15

He is resigned to not going now. Problem is it was a group skiing holiday. The others can go. ( they already put it back 2 weeks because he had tested positive at a cost of £250 each extra). The insurance was group insurance so now I am not even sure he will get any money back. 

This is so insane. He hasn’t got COVID( although who knows anything with these tests) and he has never had symptoms. He is vaccinated and got the booster. Just so disappointing and unjust. 

Caz3121

Travelling at this time is very stressful with constantly changing rules.
The TUI site does provide information to confirm PCR is required (and no exemptions for recovered unlike some other countries)
https://www.tui.co.uk/holidays/where-can-i-go-on-holiday/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Entry-requirements-for-our-holiday-destinations-140122.pdf
It is disappointing that TUI did not refer to their own information.
The insurance will depend on the policy inclusions

andys15

Thanks caz. 

Yes we have seen that. He is going with crystal holidays. Technically it does say you need to book and pay for a pcr test. It doesn’t state you need to be negative or positive. It also states that once in Bulgaria they will randomly test people with a lateral flow. The irony is that he will pass that. 

andys15

Arrrrgghhh. It’s getting worse. On the phone to crystal/tui to get a refund. They won’t do it because they say he can go and if they ask for proof at the airport then he can do a lateral flow test.