New testing obligation for entering Germany by plane

Germany has updated testing obligations for individuals entering Germany by the air route.

As per the Federal Ministry of Health, “From 30 March 2021, in principle all persons entering the Federal Republic of Germany by plane are required to present their carrier with a negative test result before departure.”

Responsible for a variety of policy areas, Germany’s Federal Ministry of Health actively focusses on the drafting of administrative regulations, bills and ordinances.

The recently announced obligation for undergoing a mandatory testing and providing proof of the same will be applicable to all, regardless of whether or not the individual is coming to Germany from a risk area.

The swab specimen for the COVID-19 test must have been taken within the 48 hours before entry into the Federal Republic of Germany.

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The obligation for undergoing COVID-19 testing and providing evidence will initially beeffective from March 30, 2021 until May 12, 2021 [inclusive].

While all individuals that intend entering the Federal Republic of Germany by plane, “as of 0:00 a.m. on 30 March, are required to be tested before boarding”, certain exceptions do apply.

Crew members and children below the age of 6 years will be exempt from the testing obligation.

Testing is to be done at authorised locations overseas.

In situations wherein an individual is unable to obtain a test certificate, their air carrier might perform, or have performed, the COVID-19 test prior to departure.

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An air carrier will only be allowed to transport the passenger to Germany if the coronavirus test rest comes out as negative.

The COVID-19 test result must be available before departure so that the same could be presented to the carrier.

Travellers will have to pay for the test themselves.

While an individual cannot be forced to undergo a test, an airline can only carry them to Germany if they are able to provide a negative COVID-19 test result.

What COVID-19 tests are recognized under the new testing obligation for persons entering Germany by plane?

·         Nucleic acid amplification tests [NAAT] such as PCR, TMA, LAMP and antigen tests forthe direct detection oftheSARS-CoV-2 coronavirus are recognised.

·         Rapid antigen tests are recognised, provided they fulfilthe minimum criteria recommended by the World Health Organization [WHO].

·         Antibody tests are not recognised.

The COVID-19 test must have been performed or supervised by a third party that is legally authorised for performing or supervising such tests in the country that the test is conducted in.

The proof of the testing is to be submitted in either electronic or paper format in English, German, or French.

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