Flying to Newcastle, UK from Malaysia during the pandemic | International student | syaziah

Описание: Airline used: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Route: KL - Singapore - Amsterdam - Newcastle

Do let me know if there are some mistakes, I'll update this.

The journey will be smooth if your documents are in order and well organised. For me, I prepared 2 different sets of documents for each transit:

1. KL to AMS boarding pass/e-ticket, Police permit, MTP and PCR test.
2. AMS to NCL boarding pass, PCR test and Passenger Locator Form.

*** 24 June - Applied for MyTravelPass for Malaysian
Choose Travel Purpose as "Others"
Explain briefly on the Travel Description
I made myself as the applicant and included my parents as applicant #2 and #3
Documents submitted: Passport, Cover letter in Malay, Birth Cert, BRP card, CAS and student card.
Got approval on 1st July
Although the government says continuing students and accompanying parents do not need MTP, however, I think the process along the way will be much smoother with an MTP (less explanations needed)

*** 18 July
Booked our Airbnb for our 10-day quarantine

*** 2 September
Ordered day 2 and day 8 test from NPH Group
This can be ordered early as it will only deliver it on the day of your arrival
Make sure to receive the 12 digit reference number (this is for the Passenger Locator Form later)

*** 4 September
Home visit COVID RT-PCR test by Doctor2U
Got our result 7 hours later on the same day.
A valid PCR test to travel to the UK must be within 3 days before your last departure to the UK (in our case, it is Amsterdam)
I saw some comments saying that KLM is very strict when it comes to PCR check so, to be careful..it is safer to have the PCR test 48 hours before your last departure to the UK
Got our police permit from the nearest police station to travel to KLIA using E-hailing services
2 sets of these documents were submitted to get the permit:
Permit form, MTP, Flight ticket, University registration letter, and proof of residence in UK.
KLM online check-in and submit the Passenger Locator Form (this must be done within 48 hours from your UK arrival)

*** 5 September - KLIA, Malaysia
Travel to KLIA using E-hailing services
KLIA entrance checks for passport, boarding pass, PCR test and MTP
For KLM and transiting through Amsterdam, we needed to scan a QR code during KLIA check-in to get a confirmation of quarantine declaration (this is required by the Dutch government)
We will choose to be exempted since we're not "entering" Netherlands
At the KLIA check-in, Passenger Locator Form was asked to be shown.
During the immigration process, the police asked for MTP from both of my parents despite explaining that I am an existing student.
No aerotrain so, using bus only.
Bag security check was very strict, shoes have to be taken off and all electronics must be taken out.
Having a mesh A4 zipper holder helps because I'll just place my phone and watch into that.
Before entering the departure gate, the confirmation of quarantine declaration from before was asked to be shown.

Bring at least extra 10 masks - I change my mask every 3 hours during our 15 hours journey.
Sanitising wipes and spray are also advisable to bring, especially when using the toilets.
If you have mild asthma or a history with asthma, please bring an inhaler, everything may seem rushed and you'll easily get out of breath.

Arrived in Singapore, all belongings must be brought out and we will go through another bag security check.
Ankle high shoes must be taken off and laptops must be taken out of its cover.
Always make sure your phone is sufficiently charged.

6 September - Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam
Undergo baggage security check.
Go to the specific gate for UK travellers to get your PCR checked.
Do hurry, because there will be a long queue.
KLM sets up a few counters to check your Passport, boarding pass, PCR test and Passenger Locator Form.
If everything is okay, then they will let you know which exact gate to get to your flight.

Newcastle International Airport
Border control was very quick and there wasn't a long queue like I've seen for Heathrow.
We bought some food at the airport for dinner and the next morning since we will not be allowed to leave the house during the quarantine and it may take a couple of days to arrange for grocery delivery.
We got a taxi from the airport using Arrow Cars.
We went straight to our flat and sanitize our bags and clean ourselves.
The rest of the day we just rest.

Thank you for watching this video and I hope this might ease the anxiety of students for their upcoming trip because I know exactly how it feels like. I hope everyone has a smooth flight and stay safe.

Filmed using iPhone SE (2020)
Video editing: Wondershare Filmora9

Music:
Daystar - A slow evening, Cozy cafe, Night and Cotton candy trip

Disclaimer: Information is correct at the time of my trip and based on my experience. This may change due to policy changes and COVID situation.