March 30, 2021, 9:28 am | Read time: 6 minutes
A COVID-19 test before returning to Germany by plane is mandatory starting today–for every destination abroad. What are the implications of this sudden decision for returning travelers?
The general testing requirement for entering Germany by plane raises many questions–not just for vacationers in Mallorca. The regulation is in effect as of today. What returning travelers need to know about the mandatory COVID-19 tests.
Overview
- Which COVID-19 tests are recognized?
- Do returning travelers have to arrange the COVID-19 test themselves?
- What to expect at the airport currently
- Do I have to pay for the test myself?
- Do I have to pay quarantine costs if I test positive?
- When does travel health insurance help here?
- What if I was falsely tested positive?
- Can I cancel my vacation for free because of the regulation?
Which COVID-19 tests are recognized?
According to the Federal Ministry of Health, the admissibility of tests is based on a list maintained and published by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). Recognized methods include PCR, LAMP, and TMA, as well as antigen tests that meet certain minimum criteria.
Do returning travelers have to arrange the COVID-19 test themselves?
In principle, returning travelers must arrange the COVID-19 test themselves, albeit with support. Airlines and tour operators are working hard on the logistics to offer travelers additional testing options before their return flight, according to the German Travel Association (DRV).
Tui spokesperson Aage Dünhaupt confirmed: “We organize the tests and provide assistance to our customers.” In Mallorca, guests are tested in hotels. “If someone tests positive, they won’t even take the bus to the airport.” Additionally, there are agreements with clinics on the island that offer tests. The aim is also to relieve the airport in Palma.
Tour operators DER Touristik and FTI also claim to handle the organization of the tests.
Airlines can also provide assistance. “We will not conduct the tests ourselves, but will inform where local test labs can be found. The customer is responsible for arranging the test,” said a Lufthansa spokesperson upon request.
The new testing requirement, however, is not limited to Mallorca. Testing is more challenging at long-haul destinations that are already open for tourism, as heard from the travel industry. This includes places like Cuba and the Maldives.
In destinations classified as high-risk and virus variant areas, returning travelers must already take a COVID-19 test before their return journey. FTI points to the Emirate of Dubai, which is well-booked over the Easter holidays.
The German Aviation Association also warns: “Not all global destinations have sufficient testing capacities and infrastructures available for passengers.” Urgent exceptions need to be regulated here. “Otherwise, passengers will be stranded abroad.” One suggestion is to test travelers only after they arrive in Germany.
What to expect at the airport currently
Nuno Alves, Editorial Director of TRAVELBOOK, shares his experiences returning from the high-incidence area of Portugal.
Do I have to pay for the test myself?
Generally, the traveler bears the costs. “Guests pay for the tests themselves,” said Tui spokesperson Dünhaupt. In hotels in Mallorca, the cost for an antigen test is about 30 to 40 euros. FTI states the cost in Mallorca is 30 euros. DER Touristik covers the cost of the test only if a customer booked a package tour to Mallorca between March 16 and 22 for the travel period from March 27 to April 30.
Do I have to pay quarantine costs if I test positive?
A positive COVID-19 test at the vacation spot, with all its consequences, is considered by travel law expert Paul Degott from Hanover as a general life risk. It is no different than a broken leg or any other illness. This means: The traveler initially bears any resulting costs.
The DRV confirms: If guests test positive before their return flight, the infection protection regulations of the respective country apply. “In general, the traveler bears the costs incurred.”
Many tour operators offer special COVID-19 insurance for this case. At Tui, for example, the “Covid Protect” travel insurance applies in the event of a positive test. This coverage includes the costs for the quarantine stay in the hotel and rebooking the return trip. This insurance is already automatically included in the travel price for all Tui customers.
DER Touristik offers a so-called Safe-Super-Carefree package that applies in the event of a positive COVID-19 test. In the case of quarantine, the tour operator covers costs up to 3,500 euros.
FTI previously covered costs only in Turkey, but now also in several other countries–including the Canary Islands, Italy, Egypt, and Morocco. Then, accommodation and meals during quarantine are covered.
When does travel health insurance help here?
Travel health insurance provides coverage for accidents and illnesses that occur during the trip, explains the Association of Private Health Insurance (PKV). It only reimburses costs for treatments or medications that were not expected before the trip. This also includes a COVID-19 illness while on vacation.
Travelers should familiarize themselves with the benefits of their travel health insurance in advance. If uncertain, it is advisable to contact the insurance company directly.
Important: Most general insurance conditions exclude coverage if a travel warning is in place for the country. However, if travelers are already in a country where a new travel warning is suddenly issued, it does not affect the insurance coverage.
If the return flight cannot be taken at the end of the trip due to a positive test, the insurance does not cover a flight rebooking. Return transport to the home country is only insured if it is medically necessary or medically advisable. This is assessed in the case of a COVID-19 illness. If medical necessity is evident, tariff benefits for the return transport are covered.
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What if I was falsely tested positive?
According to Tui, if an antigen test is positive, a PCR test is conducted to be sure. It is therefore advisable to take the test as early as possible–while staying within the window of no more than 48 hours before departure.
DER Touristik explains: If guests are tested at the airport and are positive, a PCR test is conducted. The respective test station organizes this. “We transport our travel guests in a specially equipped vehicle to the COVID hotel.” A telephone support program with experts has also been set up.
Can I cancel my vacation for free because of the regulation?
Legally, this is uncharted territory, so travelers cannot rely on it. Generally, for package tours: A cancellation without cancellation fees is possible if unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances significantly affect the vacation. But does this apply in this case? “That is debatable,” says Paul Degott. There are no court rulings on this yet. Vacationers thus risk having to pay high cancellation fees if they abruptly cancel their package tour now.
Individual travelers have even fewer rights. For them, as long as the airline operates the flight, the usual costs apply for canceling the ticket–minus taxes and fees.
With material from dpa