Disembarking at Santander or Bilbao?

[Jmp]

Has anyone had any recent experience of getting off the ferry at either Santander or Bilbao now we are not in the EU and Covid is still a problem?

Does it take a lot longer to get through customs with all the new paperwork etc?

Any info would be great particularly Bilbao but guess its the same at both ports?

jmp

[jimny1]

I am interested in this information too J, but the other way around , travelling from spain to the uk and back
I thought it might be better doing it this way rather than travelling through france with all the extra regulations and restrictions they might have in place

[Jmp]

Hi jimny1
looks like there's nobody travelling by ferry. or don't wish to share their experiences!!
jmp

[Brandyboy]

Hi jimny1
looks like there's nobody travelling by ferry. or don't wish to share their experiences!!
jmp

I would think that it's the former as members on here are always willing to share their experiences.

[jimny1]

Hi jimny1
looks like there's nobody travelling by ferry. or don't wish to share their experiences!!
jmp

I would think that it's the former as members on here are always willing to share their experiences.

Thats true B, it is probably because nobody has taken this route that nobody has replied, normally as you say someone would
I think the only ferry people are taking is across the mersey , as gerry sang

[Brandyboy]

Hi jimny1
looks like there's nobody travelling by ferry. or don't wish to share their experiences!!
jmp

I would think that it's the former as members on here are always willing to share their experiences.

Thats true B, it is probably because nobody has taken this route that nobody has replied, normally as you say someone would
I think the only ferry people are taking is across the mersey , as gerry sang

Showing your age now J.

[chrisz]

We've just completed an arrival in Santander and departed Bilbao.

At Plymouth check-in took slightly longer than usual due to presenting the extra pieces of paper now required. Our dog is Spanish so there was no problem with her passport but it was a different story for those with UK dogs. At least two people had incorrect paperwork despite having paid over £100 to their vets. Fortunately BF had an emergency vet on standby who was able to rectify the paperwork - I think I heard the figure was a mere £160.

Restaurants are open on both the Pont Aven and the Cap Finistere.

On arrival in Santander our temperatures were taken by BF staff before disembarkation. Then it was a slow process to disembark. Random checks were made by Immigration to check we had the NHS Jab form and the Spanish locator form as we drove towards immigration and passport control. Passport was stamped on entry.

Every car was stopped and inspected, some closer than others. I'd say it took around 90 minutes to drive off the boat until exiting the port.

We returned from Bilbao on Monday morning into Portsmouth. Check in was smooth. Took a little longer than usual again, because of producing the extra paperwork for checking. Again cars were checked - ours consisted of opening the boot and then closing it 10 seconds later. On to passport control where the passport was stamped and drove onto the boat.

Arrival in Portsmouth and it took about an hour to exit the port - we just showed our passports but others were being made to produce their other bits of paper.

Overall it all took a little longer than before but once you exit the port it's the usual easy drive down to Torrevieja.

[gail]

I know we don't use the ferry, but thank you very much for letting us know how it was for you. Hope you enjoyed your break away. We aren't being brave enough to try it until next year - driving from Calais.

[Jmp]

Thank you Chrisz

Just the info I was looking for!


jmp