Germany's new COVID test requirements for travelers flying into the country came into force on Tuesday.
The rules change comes as Germany is grappling with a third wave of infections and as thousands of German tourists have flown abroad for the Easter holidays.
What are the new rules?
- Travelers will be required to take a COVID test before departure, regardless of the risk level in their country of origin.
- Airlines will only be allowed to let passengers on board with proof of a negative COVID test.
- The test must be taken no earlier than 48 hours before arrival in Germany.
- Travelers will have to pay for the tests themselves. PCR tests and approved rapid tests will be accepted.
- Airline crews are exempt, as well as children under 6.
- Those returning will be required to quarantine according to the local rules set out by Germany's 16 states.
- The testing requirements will last until at least May 12 and could be extended.
Why were the travel rules changed?
The new testing rules went into effect shortly after midnight on Tuesday, after their implementation had been postponed to allow airlines and travelers more time to prepare.
Previously, only people returning from countries designated high risk were required to present a negative test before traveling to Germany.
The move to implement new travel rules comes as thousands of German vacationers flew to the Spanish island of Mallorca in recent days. The German government lifted its travel warning for the popular destination in mid-March after the incidence rate put it in the low-risk category.
Until now, those returning from low-risk areas weren't required to quarantine or get tested upon return.
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Restrictions on nonessential travel in Europe — country by country
Poland
The Polish government has begun to ease the recent lockdown rules, although some restrictions remain in place until further notice. Many tourist attractions will open again in the next few days and hotels follow from May 8. Restaurants will be allowed to serve food in outdoor areas from May 15, and indoor dining returns from May 29. Nightclubs, however, remain closed until further notice.
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Restrictions on nonessential travel in Europe — country by country
Czech Republic
Travel to the Czech Republic for tourist reasons remains prohibited. After more than half a year, all retail stores are permitted to reopen on May 10. Masks may then be removed outdoors if a distance of two meters can be maintained. Restaurants and hotels, meanwhile, remain closed. Outdoor restaurants are to be allowed to open on May 17.
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Restrictions on nonessential travel in Europe — country by country
Finland
The Finnish government decided to extend the restrictions on entry into Finland until May 25. Restaurants are expected to reopen this month with limited seating and opening hours. In June the plan is to lift restrictions on public gatherings and allow travel from most other European countries. Travel for business reasons from outside the EU into Finland may be permitted from July.
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Restrictions on nonessential travel in Europe — country by country
Sweden
Travelers from most EU countries, and people travelling from non-EU countries who are exempted from the EU's entry ban, will have to show a negative COVID-19 test no older than 48 hours on arrival, or be turned away. These rules will apply until May 31. There is a ban on entry to Sweden from the UK, Denmark and Norway, apart from Swedish citizens and people who live or work in Sweden.
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Restrictions on nonessential travel in Europe — country by country
Denmark
Non-essential tourist travel is still warned against but fully vaccinated people from EU countries ─ including tourists ─ can now enter Denmark. Unlike other travelers, they do not have to show a negative COVID test and they are not subject to testing and quarantine after arrival. Stores are open again in Denmark. Cafés, restaurants and bars are allowed to serve customers outdoors again.
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Restrictions on nonessential travel in Europe — country by country
Switzerland
Travelers arriving by air must present a negative test no more than 72 hours old and only arrivals from risk areas have to quarantine. Hotels are open, as are museums, stores, theaters, cinemas, zoos and amusement parks. Food and drink can be served on restaurant terraces. Wearing masks is mandatory everywhere. There are no curfews. There are no special concessions for vaccinated persons.
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Restrictions on nonessential travel in Europe — country by country
Luxembourg
Travelers from EU and Schengen Area countries can enter Luxembourg without the need to present a negative COVID-19 test unless they arrive by air; since January 29 a negative test must be shown at boarding. Nonessential travel from most third countries is banned. Non-essential shops are open, but bars and restaurants are closed in Luxembourg and there is a curfew from 11 p.m.
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Restrictions on nonessential travel in Europe — country by country
Norway
Norway’s borders are closed to all but essential travel. A negative COVID-19 test result is required upon, entry while people from some countries have to take a test upon arrival. Everyone who does arrive in Norway has to register and quarantine for ten days. There are quarantine hotels at major entry points. Quarantine can be reduced to 7 days subject to 2 negative tests after arrival.
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Restrictions on nonessential travel in Europe — country by country
Turkey
All travelers aged 6 years and above have to show a negative PCR test result before they can enter Turkey and may be subject to health screening when they arrive. A passenger locator form has to be filled out. Until May 17 the country is in full lockdown, meaning residents have to stay indoors except for essential shopping trips and urgent medical treatment.
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Restrictions on nonessential travel in Europe — country by country
Croatia
Croatia is following a traffic light system for travel restrictions and anybody coming from an EU country on the "green list" can enter the country without any restrictions. That's providing they show no symptoms and haven't been in close proximity to an infected person. All other travelers have to show a negative COVID-19 test no older than 48 hours on arrival.
Author: Susan Bonney-Cox
Are other travel measures on the horizon?
The German government is still reviewing whether it is possible to implement a temporary ban on foreign vacations all together.
A decision is expected to be made later this week.
What is the coronavirus situation in Germany?
Last week, Chancellor Angela Merkel and the country's 16 state leaders agreed to extend the country's lockdown into April, but quickly reversed a decision to implement a 5-day hard lockdown over Easter.
Germany is currently battling a third wave of infections — driven primarily by the highly-contagious B117 coronavirus variant that was first discovered in Britain.
On Tuesday, the seven-day incidence rate of new coronavirus infections continued to rise, up to 135 new infections per 100,000 residents. Officials agreed to implement stricter lockdown measures in areas where the rate surpasses the critical benchmark of 100, although implementation has been inconsistent.
Correction: A previous version of this article stated that tests must be taken no earlier than 48 hours before departure. It is 48 hours before arrival in Germany. We regret the error.
rs/rt (dpa, AFP)
