Negative test for transit ?
Jan 23, 2021, 5:24 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 7
Negative test for transit ?
Hello I have a flight Oslo to mexico via Frankfurt with 5 hours connection time.do i need a negative covid test result for this? If so if its 48 hours is that 48 hours up to the check in time in oslo or the arrival time in Frankfurt? Thanks alot
Jan 23, 2021, 11:58 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Programs: LH SEN***, Bonvoy LT Titanium
Posts: 1,727
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/e...lt/coronavirus
That link is in English. The interesting section for you is:
“Those in transit from high-incidence areas and other risk areas are exempt from registration, testing and quarantine requirements under certain circumstances. This includes transit through a risk area without a stopover prior to entering Germany as well as transit through Germany via the fastest route, e.g. with a confirmed onward flight to a third country.“
Oslo is considered a high-incident area according to this page (in German) - https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/R...herheit/205878
My overall reading of the first link mentioned is that you will not have to do anything. From a rules perspective you should not leave the airport since you are in transit and need to stay on the most direct path to the third country (Mexico). In the end the rules will mostly be enforced by the airlines - I recommend you place a quick call to your airline to make sure you are prepared.
I hope that helps. Enjoy your flight!
That link is in English. The interesting section for you is:
“Those in transit from high-incidence areas and other risk areas are exempt from registration, testing and quarantine requirements under certain circumstances. This includes transit through a risk area without a stopover prior to entering Germany as well as transit through Germany via the fastest route, e.g. with a confirmed onward flight to a third country.“
Oslo is considered a high-incident area according to this page (in German) - https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/R...herheit/205878
My overall reading of the first link mentioned is that you will not have to do anything. From a rules perspective you should not leave the airport since you are in transit and need to stay on the most direct path to the third country (Mexico). In the end the rules will mostly be enforced by the airlines - I recommend you place a quick call to your airline to make sure you are prepared.
I hope that helps. Enjoy your flight!
Jan 24, 2021, 7:09 am
#4
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There is nobody (reliable) to call. The only places you should rely on are either German government website (not anything from a travel provider such as an air carrier) or TIMATIC (which is what your carrier's check-in personel will rely on at check-in.
Then recheck these closer to the date of travel and then again on the date of travel. These requirements change quickly.
Then recheck these closer to the date of travel and then again on the date of travel. These requirements change quickly.
Jan 24, 2021, 11:17 am
#5
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Gdynia, Poland
Posts: 631
According to Lufthansa. Entering Germany, in case of passengers arriving both from risk areas and high risk areas, transit / transfer in Germany (Schengen/Non-Schengen) is possible without test and DEA (table "Overview of entry regulations for passengers arriving in Germany").
Jan 24, 2021, 11:56 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: OSL
Posts: 2,645
You need to be aware that Norway changed its quarantine requirements applying from midnight tonight (24/1). You now need a test that’s taken less than 24hrs in advance so best you can probably do is to get an electronic certificate.
https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuel...ion/id2829765/
Apologies - misread. See you’re going to MEX - however it may apply on your return so leaving here for others knowledge.
https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuel...ion/id2829765/
Apologies - misread. See you’re going to MEX - however it may apply on your return so leaving here for others knowledge.
Jan 24, 2021, 1:50 pm
#7
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You need to be aware that Norway changed its quarantine requirements applying from midnight tonight (24/1). You now need a test that’s taken less than 24hrs in advance so best you can probably do is to get an electronic certificate.
https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuel...ion/id2829765/
Apologies - misread. See you’re going to MEX - however it may apply on your return so leaving here for others knowledge.
https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuel...ion/id2829765/
Apologies - misread. See you’re going to MEX - however it may apply on your return so leaving here for others knowledge.
As to a test, it seems only prudent to do one pre-departure whether it is required or not. Do you really want to arrive in Mexico and find that you are seriously ill and may not be able to travel for months? Even with a mild case, it is a matter of isolation and being close to home with a support network can make this all the more manageable. If one is really ill and hospitalized even more pointed need.
Jan 25, 2021, 4:01 am
#8
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
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There is nobody (reliable) to call. The only places you should rely on are either German government website (not anything from a travel provider such as an air carrier) or TIMATIC (which is what your carrier's check-in personel will rely on at check-in.
Then recheck these closer to the date of travel and then again on the date of travel. These requirements change quickly.
Then recheck these closer to the date of travel and then again on the date of travel. These requirements change quickly.
The response can be used to pacify any hyperactive agent at checkin/boarding.
Jan 26, 2021, 2:17 am
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Programs: LH SEN***, Bonvoy LT Titanium
Posts: 1,727
I agree that this is difficult. I had a situation I mentioned in another thread where the German authorities told me they could not tell me which rules would apply to my situation and recommended I contact a lawyer to determine the answer. In the end I just did the most reasonable thing in my opinion. And apparently I was the only one that cared, since I was never once confronted my any person of authority although I was coming from a high risk country.
Jan 26, 2021, 11:21 am
#10
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: PHL
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Posts: 5,271
I've been looking for this answer as well, specifically US citizen non-Schengen to non-Schengen via germany.
Looking here, US Embassy: https://de.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
However, I think this is wrong.
I found this which I believe is the official law:
https://www.bmvi.de/SharedDocs/EN/Do...ublicationFile
I'm not a lawyer, but from reading this, it sounds like transit passengers are exempt
Though there is a newer post that seems to say nothing about exceptions
https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/...ublicationFile
TIMATIC also says nothing
It might be best to look at the airline directly since they are the ones who will be checking paperwork.
https://www.lufthansa.com/xx/en/flight-information.html
Looking here, US Embassy: https://de.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry?
YES. Starting January 14, mandatory COVID-19 testing is required to enter or transit through Germany, with specific conditions depending on the type of risk area the traveler has visited prior to entering Germany.
YES. Starting January 14, mandatory COVID-19 testing is required to enter or transit through Germany, with specific conditions depending on the type of risk area the traveler has visited prior to entering Germany.
I found this which I believe is the official law:
https://www.bmvi.de/SharedDocs/EN/Do...ublicationFile
Section 2 Exemptions from obligation to register
(1) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), section 1 does not apply to persons who
...
2. are only passing through the Federal Republic of Germany and will be leaving the country by the quickest route to complete their transit,
3. in the context of border traffic, spent less than 24 hours in a risk area or will spend less than 24 hours in the Federal Republic of Germany
...
Section 4 Exemptions from obligation to undergo testing and provide proof of negative test result
...
1. Persons to whom an exemption from the obligation to register provided for under section 2 (1) applies
...
In justified individual cases, the competent authority may, upon application, grant further exemptions where there is valid reason to do so or it may limit the exemptions set out in sentence 1.
(2) Section 3 (2) does not extend to the following incoming passengers from high-incidence areas:
1. Persons who only passed through a high-incidence area without a stopover,
2. Persons who are only passing through the Federal Republic of Germany and will be leaving the country by the quickest route to complete their transit,
...
(1) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), section 1 does not apply to persons who
...
2. are only passing through the Federal Republic of Germany and will be leaving the country by the quickest route to complete their transit,
3. in the context of border traffic, spent less than 24 hours in a risk area or will spend less than 24 hours in the Federal Republic of Germany
...
Section 4 Exemptions from obligation to undergo testing and provide proof of negative test result
...
1. Persons to whom an exemption from the obligation to register provided for under section 2 (1) applies
...
In justified individual cases, the competent authority may, upon application, grant further exemptions where there is valid reason to do so or it may limit the exemptions set out in sentence 1.
(2) Section 3 (2) does not extend to the following incoming passengers from high-incidence areas:
1. Persons who only passed through a high-incidence area without a stopover,
2. Persons who are only passing through the Federal Republic of Germany and will be leaving the country by the quickest route to complete their transit,
...
Though there is a newer post that seems to say nothing about exceptions
https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/...ublicationFile
TIMATIC also says nothing
It might be best to look at the airline directly since they are the ones who will be checking paperwork.
https://www.lufthansa.com/xx/en/flight-information.html
Last edited by eng3; Jan 27, 2021 at 1:13 am