Initially scheduled for 1 October, the new rules on entry to Germany will apply from 15 October. The decision was taken in response to the upsurge in cases of covid in Europe.
Two measures are likely to discourage many business travellers. Quarantine becomes compulsory even with a negative covid test. Travellers will also have to register on an online site to ensure that their health can be tracked.
The new mandatory testing strategy for travellers "will be introduced under a new jurisdiction", Federal Interior Ministry spokesman Steve Alter told the German press. Because of the country's federal structure, the measures will be passed on by each Land.
Until 15 October, travellers from high-risk areas (including almost all of France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Swiss cantons of Geneva and Vaud) could enter Germany simply by presenting a negative covid-19 test result. The only requirement was that the test be carried out less than 48 hours before arrival in Germany.
Alternatively, free tests were available at German airports, with a quarantine period required until the results were known. From 15 October, travellers will have to pay for these tests.
A lock that doesn't live up to its name?
The aim of the new regulations is to reduce the amount of space required in test laboratories. From now on, travellers will have to undergo a compulsory quarantine. This will last for five days if the traveller presents a negative test on arrival. For all tests carried out in Germany, a ten-day quarantine is required. A negative result will mean a reduction to five days.
Registration on the online file for passenger tracking is also becoming the norm. travellers will be required to produce printed confirmation of this registration on arrival in Germany or at the request of the authorities. Failure to do so may result in a fine or even imprisonment.
However, border travellers will be exempt from all these new rules. A measure that includes the region Grand Est in France.
These political decisions have led to disappointment in the airline industry. According to airports and airlines, the quarantine requirement is likely to result in a collapse in travel demand. The airline industry believes that these rules are tantamount to another lockdown of the country, as was the case in June.
