As Germany expands COVID-19 travel tests, politicians debate cost

August 18, 2020

The coronavirus testing center at Berlin’s Tegel Airport was running smoothly on Sunday, until a family came to be tested for the virus — despite the fact that their flight from Turkey had landed over a week ago.

It seems the father of the family insisted they be tested because his children were to return to day care the following day, and the center required a negative test. They didn’t understand why it wasn’t possible, and after a brief scuffle with airport staff the testing center was shut down three hours ahead of schedule, even though there were still some flights expected from high-risk areas.

But it was business as usual again on Monday, as passengers lined up to be tested in the hot sun. Security staff were on hand to make sure the situation didn’t get out of control, answering questions and showing people the way to the testing center.

Read more: Coronavirus rallies: Germany’s growing anti-lockdown movement

Avinoam Shalem and his wife, Elisabeth Rochau-Shalem, who had just flown in from New York, told DW they had already tested negative in the US. But they preferred to be on the safe side, and so had decided to get tested again in Germany. Shortly after their arrival in Berlin, they’d received a form with a digital code that they presented at the testing center. The test itself only took 15 minutes. “It was all very professional,” Rochau-Shalem said afterward.

Travelers prefer airport testing

Earlier this month, Health Minister Jens Spahn announced that all travelers returning to Germany from high-risk areas would have to be tested for COVID-19. The list of high-risk countries, issued by the Robert Koch Institute, Germany’s public health agency, is regularly updated once case numbers pass a certain threshold.

If vacationers suddenly find that their holiday destination has been categorized as a high-risk zone while they’re abroad, they can decide to take a test there within 48 hours of returning to Germany. Tests in Germany can be done at either the airport or certain railway stations, or at a doctor’s office within three days of arrival.

Read more: With EU open for travelers, who can go where?

Most travelers seem to prefer the airport option. In North Rhine-Westphalia, some 48,500 travelers have been tested so far, with 960 testing positive for COVID-19. Of the 123,000 people tested in Bavaria, 1,730 have tested positive — though not everything has gone smoothly there. Authorities are currently searching nationwide for 46 people who apparently tested positive upon return from holiday, but who failed to leave their contact details.

Who should pay for COVID-19 tests?

The mandatory tests have triggered a heated debate about who should foot the bill. Health insurance companies are currently covering the costs, but they are due to be reimbursed from state coffers.

“Travelers coming in from high-risk areas should at least contribute to the cost of the tests,” Berlin Mayor Michael Müller told the Sunday edition of the daily Bild newspaper. Konstantin Kuhle, the interior affairs spokesman for the business-friendly FPD, agreed with Müller.

“Anyone who is still traveling to Mallorca or other high-risk areas should have to pay for their coronavirus test themselves,” he told Bild.

However, Spahn continues to back the free tests, arguing that people will avoid COVID-19 checks if they have to pay for them. His stance highlights the federal government’s concern that returning vacationers could cause the number of infections to spike.

Read more: How coronavirus pandemic has spurred change in Germany

‘Test should remain free’

At Tegel, Avinoam Shalem agreed with Spahn, saying it wasn’t a “good idea” to charge travelers. Veli Ulusu, who had just flown in from Istanbul, thought the same. “It’s simply too expensive, especially for families with many children. The test should remain free,” he told DW. He, at least, didn’t have to join the line for his coronavirus scan, having already received a negative test from the Turkish health authorities.

The government’s recent decision to designate nearly all of Spain a high-risk area, except for the Canary Islands, will only exacerbate this debate. Up until last week, only certain parts of the Mediterranean country had been considered high-risk, but now the Balearic Islands are also on the list — including Mallorca, which is particularly popular with German holidaymakers. Now everyone who returns home from Spain will have to be tested, further increasing the pressure at airport testing centers.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

First Mediterranean cruise has set sail

With 2,500 instead of 6,000 passengers, the MSC Grandiosa left the port of Genoa on August 16. Stops on the seven-day voyage include Naples, Palermo and Valletta. Passengers and crew were tested for coronavirus before boarding, and body temperature is to be checked on a daily basis. Rival cruise company Costa will not be offering Mediterranean cruises again until September.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Germany declares most of Spain high-risk area

Germany’s health and interior ministries have agreed that all of Spain — apart from the Canary Islands — is now a high-risk area due to a surge in cases. Spain said it was closing night clubs across the country. Restaurants, bars and similar venues would need to close by 1 a. m. and would not be allowed to take in new guests after midnight.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Paris is again a high-risk area

France has declared Paris and the Bouches-du-Rhone department on the Mediterranean coast around Marseille high-risk coronavirus zones. The measure is in response to a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections over the past two weeks.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

COVID-19 deals tourism in Berlin a heavy blow

In the first six months of 2020, 59% fewer tourists came to Berlin than in the previous year. The Statistics Office said on August 10 that 2.7 million guests had visited Berlin, the lowest number since 2004. The slump was even worse for foreign tourists: two thirds stayed away. Since June, the figures have been recovering and are at 30 to 40% of the previous year.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Compulsory COVID-19 tests on entry into Germany

Anyone entering Germany from a high-risk area must take a coronavirus test from August 8, after an order by Health Minister Jens Spahn. Currently, many countries are classified as risk areas, including the United States and Brazil. In the European Union, Luxembourg, the Belgian region of Antwerp and the Spanish regions of Aragon, Catalonia and Navarre were risk areas as of early August.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Germany lifts travel warning for four Turkish regions

Germans can again travel to Turkey. The German government has partially lifted the travel warning for the four popular coastal provinces of Antalya, Izmir, Aydin and Mugla. Travelers must be tested for coronavirus before returning to Germany. The costs of between €15 and 30 must be paid by the traveler. Turkey is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Germans.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Setback for cruise holidays

Norwegian cruise operator Hurtigruten has stopped all cruises on August 3 until further notice after an outbreak of the coronavirus on one of its ships. At least 40 passengers and crew members on the Roald Amundsen tested positive for COVID-19. Meanwhile, German cruise line Aida Cruises has also postponed its planned restart due to the lack of necessary permits.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Nepal reopens Mount Everest for climbers amid COVID-19

Despite coronavirus uncertainty, Nepal has reopened Mount Everest for the autumn trekking and climbing season. To boost the struggling tourism sector the government will permit international flights to land in the country from August 17. The Himalayan country shut its borders in March just ahead of the busy spring season when hundreds of mountaineers usually flock to the country.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

German Foreign Office advises against travel to Barcelona

On July 28, the German Foreign Office issued an advisory opinion against non-essential tourist trips to the Spanish regions of Aragon, Navarre and Catalonia, citing the high number of COVID-19 infections as well as local restrictions. The Catalan regional government in Barcelona has said it regrets the decision, saying the regional government was acting responsibly while trying to protect lives.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Amsterdam wants fewer weekend visitors

Concerned over a possible second wave of coronavirus, Amsterdam has requested that tourists not visit the Dutch capital on weekends. Potential day-trippers should come between Monday and Thursday, the city said on July 23. The tourist influx has swelled to such a degree that recommended social distancing of 1.5 meters between people is currently not possible in the city center.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Crowd management in alpine idyll

In order to manage tourist throngs amid the pandemic, Bavaria’s Economy Minister Hubert Aiwanger is planning a live digital guiding system for visitors. Clogged streets, wild campers and overcrowding on hiking trails in the Alps — this brings popular regions such as Lake Tegernsee (photo) to their limits. The live update system is primarily intended to redirect day-trippers to less full areas.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Eiffel Tower summit open again

Visitors to Paris can finally visit the top of the Eiffel Tower again — the third level of the world-famous landmark opened on July 15. The number of tickets available is limited, in order to assure social distancing measures between visitors. Distancing is also in effect at the Disneyland Paris amusement park, which is opening its doors again after a four-month obligatory closure.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

End of the party

Due to illegally held parties, Mallorca has ordered the forced closure of restaurants at Ballermann and Magaluf, resort areas visited by German and British tourists. The regulation came into effect on July 15 for two months. The behavior of a few vacationers and local owners should not jeopardize the huge efforts to fight the pandemic, said Balearic Tourism Minister Iago Negueruela.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Stricter face mask rules on Balearic Islands

On Mallorca and the other Balearic Islands, the regulations for wearing face masks have been tightened. To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, mouth and nose protection must be worn from July 13 in all enclosed public spaces as well as outdoors, whenever it is possible to encounter other people. On the beach, at the pool and during sports, however, masks are still not mandatory.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Flights overshadowed by fear

Holiday flights within Europe are on the move again, with passengers sitting close together. According to an opinion poll by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), 62% of those questioned are afraid of being infected by passengers in the next seat. This was identified by IATA as the main reason for the decline in willingness to travel, which is now only 45%.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

EU relaxes entry restrictions

Starting from July 1, people from third countries with low infection rates may enter the EU again as regular travelers. These countries are Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay. China will only be considered if it also lifts its entry restrictions for Europeans.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

COVID-19 test center opened at Frankfurt airport

A coronavirus test center has been in operation at Frankfurt airport since June 29. Here, passengers both departing and arriving can be tested to avoid quarantine. The standard procedure, in which the results are available as a download within six to eight hours, costs €59. Around 300 tests can be performed per hour.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

World famous Alhambra in Granada opens again

The Alhambra Castle in Granada in southern Spain opened its doors to tourists again on June 17. Initially, only 4,250 visitors were admitted at the same time — only half as many as usual. In addition, masks are mandatory. The Alhambra is considered the most important testimony to Arab architecture in Europe and is a World Heritage site.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

‘Re-open EU’: A website with travel rules for Europe

Entry regulations, masks, quarantine? The new EU overview website “reopen.europa.eu” provides information on the coronavirus rules of individual EU countries — and in 24 languages. Tourists can enter their destination country on the website and find out about regulations that apply there. So far, the site contains information on 27 EU countries and is to be continuously updated.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Germany’s borders are open again

During the night of June 15, the federal police ended the border controls that had been introduced three months ago due to the coronavirus crisis. Complete freedom of travel between Germany and its neighboring countries is back in effect. At the same time, the Foreign Office’s travel warnings for 27 European countries ended.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

German government extends worldwide travel ban

The beaches of the world people dream of, like here on Ko Phi Phi in Thailand, will have to do without German tourists. The German government has extended the travel warning for tourists due to the coronavirus pandemic for more than 160 countries outside the EU until August 31. However, exceptions can be made for individual countries where the spread of the virus has been sufficiently contained.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Tourist pilot project launched on Mallorca

Some 6,000 Germans will be the first foreign tourists to be allowed to travel to the Balearic Islands from June 15. According to Spanish media, the pilot project is intended to test the security precautions at airports and hotels before all of Spain opens its borders on July 1. Germany was chosen because the epidemiological situation there is similar to that on the Balearic Islands.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Italy reopened for Europeans

Starting on June 3, tourists from Europe have been allowed to enter Italy again, the country that was one of the worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic worldwide. A two-week quarantine for travelers from Europe was no longer required. This should save the travel season. Italians will again be able to move freely throughout the country and travel to other regions.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Aida cancels cruises until end of July

The 14 cruise ships of the German Rostock-based shipping company Aida Cruises will remain in port until July 31. In many holiday destination countries the regulations for international tourism were still being discussed, the company announced. The Italian shipping company Costa also extended the cruise suspension for its fleet until July 31.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Colosseum and other sights in Italy open again

Rome’s 2,000-year-old landmark could finally be visited again from June 1, and the Vatican Museums also reopened on that day. Ancient Pompeii, south of Naples at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, welcomed visitors early, but only those from within the country. Foreign tourists had to wait until June 3 to visit the ancient sites.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Tourism on Greek islands restarts

From May 25, Greece’s islands were accessible again by plane and ferry for domestic tourists. Taverns, bars and cafes reopened nationwide. Ferries were to sell only 50% of their tickets, and taverns were only allowed to occupy half of their tables. The list of countries from which foreign tourists can enter Greece without a two-week quarantine was set to be announced at the end of May.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Austria reopens border to Germany

The Austrian government has announced that the border with Germany will be opened on June 15. Tourism in Austria has been effectively suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. On May 29, hotels and other accommodation in Austria will be allowed to reopen. Austrian tourism is heavily dependent on guests from Germany.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Start of the season on the North Sea Islands

Borkum, Juist (photo) and the other East Frisian islands are happy to be able to greet tourists again, even if it’s a limited surge of visitors. Since May 11, overnight stays in holiday apartments and camping sites throughout Lower Saxony have been allowed again. Holidaymakers must stay at least one week. However, day tourists and hotel overnight stays are still prohibited.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Will travel within Europe soon be possible again?

Holidaymakers might also be able to travel to the Balearic or Greek Islands in summer. “If there are very few new infections there and the medical care works, one could also think about a summer holiday in those places”, the government’s commissioner for tourism, Thomas Bareiss, told the Tagesspiegel newpaper. Long-distance travel, however, is likely to be canceled this summer.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Holiday season at the Baltic Sea to start

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is the first federal state to reopen to tourists from all over Germany: From May 25th they can again stay in hotels, guest houses and holiday homes. 60 percent of the bed capacity will be released for this purpose. This means that the tourist season can start with the Whitsun holidays in popular holiday regions like the Baltic Sea and the Mecklenburg Lake District.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Germany extends worldwide travel warning

Germany extended on Wednesday (April 29) its worldwide travel warning due to the coronavirus crisis to at least June 14. The Federal Foreign Office said that “severe and drastic restrictions in international air and travel traffic and worldwide entry restrictions, quarantine measures and restrictions on public life in many countries can still be expected.”

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Oktoberfest in Munich canceled

Oktoberfest has been canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Bavaria’s premier Markus Söder and Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter announced the decision on April 21.”It pains us, and it is a great pity,” said Söder. But in times of the coronavirus, the danger of infection at the folk festival, which attracts about 6 million visitors annually, would just be too great.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Mallorca worried about the summer

Hotels, cafes and souvenir shops are closed. It is unusually empty outside the Royal Palace in Palma (picture). The Easter season on the Spanish holiday island of Mallorca has been canceled. The Majorcan hotel association now fears that due to the uncertain situation in the main markets of Germany and Great Britain, some hotels will remain closed even during the peak season.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

More Germans brought back from abroad

By April 5, 205,000 travelers had been brought back to Germany, according to the federal government. Airplanes from Peru and Colombia were the most recent to take off. More than 40,000 Germans however are still stranded abroad. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Twitter. ”We will continue our efforts to find solutions for the travelers who have not yet been able to return.”

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

A symbol of hope

A light installation on the Matterhorn in Switzerland is giving a sign of solidarity and hope in the fight against the coronavirus. Encouraging messages are also being projected on to many other tourist landmarks around the world. “Stay safe”, “Stay at home” could be see on Monday evening on the Great Pyramid in Giza near the Egyptian capital Cairo.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Huge repatrition drive

The German foreign ministry announced on Wednesday (March 25) that, together with tour operators, it had brought back more than 150,000 Germans from abroad. Tour operator TUI added that almost 95 percent of the tourists who were stranded because of the coronavirus pandemic are now back in Germany. They were mainly flown out from Egypt, Spain, Portugal and the Cape Verde Islands.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Africa’s measures to deal with the pandemic

African countries have also ordered numerous measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. South Africa, for example, has banned access to the country for people coming from risk areas. Nigeria is monitoring the temperature of travelers at airports, ports and borders. Cameroon has closed its borders indefinitely.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Australia bans foreign travel

The Australian government has imposed an indefinite ban on all foreign travel by its citizens. Prime Minister Scott Morrison also called on all Australians who are abroad to return home. A 14-day compulsory quarantine for all people entering the country has already been in place for some time. Here, too, it has become quiet in the cities.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Tourism in Germany comes to a halt

The coronavirus crisis is impacting travelers and the tourism industry with full force. Several tour operators, including TUI, has canceled trips, and some airlines are shutting down. Germany’s federal and state governments decided that overnight stays should only be used for “necessary and explicitly not for touristic purposes”. Germans are to “no longer take holiday trips at home and abroad”.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

EU external borders closed

The EU has closed its entire external borders for 30 days as from March 17. “All travel between non-European countries and the European Union will be suspended for 30 days,” French President Emmanuel Macron said in a television address on March 16. The Schengen Area, which includes several non-EU countries, also closed its external borders.

Coronavirus: The consequences for tourism

Germany brings travelers back home

More and more countries are sealing their borders, and many flights are canceled. With special flights Lufthansa and its subsidiary Eurowings want to bring up to 6,500 stranded holidaymakers from the Caribbean, the Canary Islands and on Mallorca back to Germany. In Morocco, the German government is assisting German tourists who are stranded there due to their return flights being canceled.

Author: Andreas Kirchhoff, Susan Bonney-Cox