My gut feeling is that it should work. He needs a written proof (pilot's license and maybe a written order from his employer to bring back the plane). This is purely from the coronavirus perspective - I don't know what documents are needed by an U. S. private pilot in general to fly in Germany.

Maybe worth giving the German Federal Police responsible for the border control in FRA a call (+49 69 34004999). Don't know how well they speak English though.

Another thing to be concerned is whether the airline bringing him to Germany would let him board at all - again maybe worth checking with them.

I suspect it could make a difference whether the pilot is an actual employee versus a freelancer. He says employee and doesn't specify whether it's a corporate jet (where he might be an employee of the corporation) or an individually owned aircraft (where he might be employed by the owner, do freelance work for the owner, or be employed or function as a freelancer for some company that services private aircraft and provides crew for them). In the latter case, as well as the corporate jet and corporate employee case, I would expect the corporation or private aircraft servicing company to be responsible for checking entry requirements, providing documents, and making any applicable arrangements in advance.

I'm trying to imagine circumstances that would have a USA private aircraft on the ground so long in Germany during this time. Someone doing specialized medical treatment not available in the USA (would that be optional) or a long visit to a specialized spa? (Wealthy) private individual with a foreign residence, dual citizenship, or European spouse? I don't think a rock star or celebrity athlete would stay away from home in one place for so long.

Just as an update, I was able to get clarification directly from the Border Force at FRA. Provided pilots remain in transit area (dont clear customs) they will be allowed to clear with normal documents and flight plans for return flight. The only thing that is unclear is how they will reach the aircraft parked at the FBO. I was able to get clearance for them to use the transit hotel at FRA to get the required rest.

This is good news. Just remember that if he is flying commercial to Germany, he'll also need to convince the airline to let him board his flight to Germany. So he needs supporting documents for that too.


Have you tried contacting the FBO about it and asking? They probably know how to arrange this (or whom to contact). It's probably easier to get it done this way than trying to find the right contact at Fraport (the Frankfurt airport operator), which is not a very efficient organization.

I don’t think you understand what I meant when I said “first.” Our world has never been as globalized as it is now. During the “Spanish Flu” as an example you couldn’t hop on a plane and go from Beijing to LAX, and depart the same day you arrived non-stop.

None of the pandemics you listed had a global shut down to EVERY state and facet of the developed world, and turned all our countries into hermit states.

This is the first time in history when commerce- the entire world- is at a total standstill. The entire developed world has been ordered to stay indoors, and essentially not leave your residence except for health, or another reason of necessity. THIS pandemic and the ramifications of it are a first for history.

I did understand the meaning of what you wrote. I wrote my last sentence to show what the reason for this "first" was. Does anybody (other than professionals in the field) know that in the year 2000 there were more than 28 million cases of measles resulting in 535,000 deaths? (They were down to ~150,000 in 2018, the newest figures are not yet out). So, it's not the pandemic and its severity that is a first, it's the reaction to it. As a matter of fact, without the social media presenting a great platform for the spread of fake news, conspiracy theories, etc., there may have been more children vaccinated against measles and the number of deaths might have been lower. Who knows...

For that “private pilot” trying to get to Germany let us know what happens I am curious.

Also it looks like Germany is opening things back up May 4th. Though with the social safety nets they have there, I’m assuming people aren’t as eager to get back to work as Americans. (Then again they are Germans...)

Anyway, my flight is booked for June 2nd to Germany and I’m assuming it wIll operate but I’m not expecting anything.

The foreign ministry has just announced that its travel advisory for Germans traveling outside the country will be extended until at least 14 June. Now, this is not the same thing as extending the entry restrictions, but it is reasonable to assume these will follow in lockstep. Your comment about eagerness to get back to work was unnecessary. Let me assure you, everyone is eager to get back to business.

Thank you for that information.

Condor canceling flights to the US until June 27 makes more sense now. I had to rebook everything so thanks for bringing this up. When the German government announces something, please feel free to post it.

One other question: I read somewhere Belgium is opening their international borders. If I get into Schengen, can I get into Germany without a passport check or being denied entry.

No, German land borders are closed with the same restrictions as posted above.

Correction; the border with Belgium is open but the restrictions on entering Germany remain the same as above. You are not permitted to enter. Doing so for anything other than the permitted reasons will have consequences.

Documentation showing employment as a pilot and credible indication of being a pilot operating a private repatriation flight that is going back to where it came from in rather short order would probably fly ok on arrival.

I thought they kept their land border with Holland and one other country open. Meaning no stops to enter if you go by land from Holland to Germany (and I forgot if it was Belgium or Luxembourg too?)

It is common for BP checks to occur at all land borders in normal times (illegal immigration controls). At the moment it is a certainty that at all land borders there will be BP stationed and possibly inspecting cars. These checks sometimes occur as much as 30km inland.

For your plan to work, you’d have to get into Belgium or the Netherlands, rent a car or take the train across the border, and hope that you are not subject to a random check. If you are checked, you will most likely be deported immediately, given a fine, and possibly restricted from entering Germany in the future. The decision rests with the BP. This all ignores whatever quarantine you’d be subject to. This could all change in two weeks, but I see many flaws with this plan. The risk, of course, is yours.

So what happened to this 14-day quarantine that you claimed the UK was in the process of initiating?