Germany No Longer Tests Residents Coming from China for COVID-19

China has ended the requirement that travelers from China must pass a COVID pre-arrival test to enter Germany.

The German government announced the news by stating that China was removed from the so-called virus variants list.

"Anyone entering Germany from China no longer has to present a rapid antigen test before departure. Since February 22, China has no longer been considered a virus variant area where a virus variant of concern is threatening to emerge," German government's statement mentions.

The pre-arrival screening requirement for all Chinese travellers has been lifted. However, random testing after arrival in Germany is no longer required by the German authorities.

Germany's decision to remove China from its entry regulations follows an agreement by the 27 EU member countries on a series of recommendations and a meeting of EU experts in health held last week within the framework the Integrated Political Crisis Response arrangements.

The EU health experts met and stated that China's current Coronavirus situation allows for gradual lifting of restrictions. This suggests that the restriction should be removed.

However, even though the EU countries were advised to remove their COVID entry requirements for Chinese travellers, the Swedish Presidency to the EU Council stated that authorities will continue to monitor developments in Coronavirus in China and take appropriate measures.

The EU will reinstate entry rules, including the requirement for a mandatory test, if the COVID-19 situation in China or another country starts to deteriorate.

The EU health experts have now issued this recommendation, and Germany has officially removed the mandatory testing requirement for Chinese travellers. Other EU countries will likely follow suit.

France is one of the EU member countries that has dropped the pre-departure screening requirement for all Chinese arrivals. The country also eliminated the requirement to submit a health declaration and undergo random screenings upon arrival.

However, Malta is expected soon to follow suit. Recently, the Maltese authorities announced that travellers from China will no longer need to undergo a Coronavirus test upon reaching their territory.

After assessing the situation in China, Malta decided to take this decision.

Source: schengenvisainfo.com