New travel conditions in Germany: negative COVID-19 test or self-isolation for those traveling from 7 counties in Romania.

UPDATE 9 August 2020: The official message sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs!

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs that during the evening of August 7 this year, the authorities of the Federal Republic of Germany revised the conditions for entry into German territory following the updating of the list of "risk areas". The German side informed the Romanian side of the measures taken, through diplomatic channels, prior to the decision to revise the conditions for entry into the Federal Republic of Germany. 

7 counties in Romania, on the risk list of Germany

Following the new decisions adopted, seven counties in Romania: Argeş, Bihor, Buzău, Neamț, Ialomița, Mehedinți and Timiş were included in the list of risk areas. This measure entered into force on the date of publication of the decision, respectively from August 7 this year

According to the information publicly provided by the German authorities, all persons, regardless of their nationality, who enter the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany after being in one of the areas / regions included in the list of "risk areas" must present a negative COVID test. -19, performed no more than 48 hours before arrival or, alternatively, to be tested, free of charge, for COVID-19 infection, within a maximum of 72 hours of arrival in the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany . 

The test can be performed directly at the airport, at the family doctor or at the local health authorities. In the event of non-compliance with this obligation, the German authorities may refuse entry or will order the measure of self-isolation at home. Regardless of the option chosen, testing is mandatory for all people who come from risk areas.

The self-isolation measure at home will not apply to those who present a negative COVID-19 test, performed no more than 48 hours before arrival on the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany. On the other hand, if the test is performed upon arrival in Germany, the self-isolation measure will be ordered until the test result is received. 

Initial news 8 August 2020: On 7 August, Germany updated the list of countries and regions at risk. Among them are 7 counties in Romania: Argeş, Bihor, Buzău, Neamț, Ialomița, Mehedinți and Timiş. The new measures entered into force on the date of approval by the German authorities - 7 August 2020.

New conditions adopted by Germany for risk areas

Information on the new measure to update the "risk areas" by including in the list of some counties in Romania is available at: (complete and up-to-date list of risk areas).

• All persons, regardless of nationality, who enter the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany after being in one of the areas / regions included in the list of "risk areas" must present a negative COVID-19 test, performed with a maximum of 48 hours before arrival or, alternatively, to be tested, free of charge, for COVID-19 infection, within a maximum of 72 hours of arrival in the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany.
• The test can be performed directly at the airport, at the family doctor or at the local health authorities. In case of non-fulfillment of this obligation, the German authorities may refuse entry or will order the measure of self-isolation at home. Regardless of the option chosen, testing is mandatory for all people coming from risk areas.
• The self-isolation measure at home will not apply to those with a negative COVID-19 test, performed not more than 48 hours before arrival on the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany. On the other hand, if the test is performed on arrival in Germany, the self-isolation measure will be ordered until the test result is received. 
• Also, persons entering the Federal Republic of Germany coming from a risk area (including the counties already mentioned), are obliged to fill in a location form whose variant in English -  Public Health Passenger Locator Form.

It remains limited entry of people from risk areas established by the Robert Koch Institute and which relates mainly to third countries (non-EU and non-EEA). Complete and up-to-date list of risk areas.