Fine and follow-up control! This threatens vacationers who have no evidence

Coming back from vacation has never been more complicated than this year!

Basically: Anyone entering German territory by car, motorcycle, train, bus or plane needs a negative antigen rapid test, a full corona vaccination or a corona recovery that has already passed. Regardless of whether they have been vaccinated, recovered or tested, all holidaymakers are required to provide identification and proof.

If tested people come from high-risk areas, they also have to be quarantined. Five days after arriving in Germany, they can test themselves free using a rapid antigen test. In addition, vacationers from these areas also need a digital travel registration, which is available free of charge at “einreiseanmeldung.de”.

So much for the rules. But the first few days show that not all travelers stick to it.

This threatens anyone who travels to Germany without a test, vaccination or proof of recovery

Basically: The entry requirement is a federal law. The federal police are responsible for the controls and the fine comes from the respective federal state in which the administrative offense was ultimately discovered.

There is therefore no uniform regulation on the amount. In Bavaria, only a fine of 25,000 euros is imposed for violating the quarantine regulations. A missing proof costs 250 euros in North Rhine-Westphalia and 50 euros in Baden-Württemberg. The ticket must be paid for within a maximum of ten days using the payment details provided.

In addition, the Federal Police reports that travelers who travel to Germany by bus or train without a test or other evidence (vaccination and recovery) must leave the means of transport immediately. “In the event of a violation, a corona test center must be visited at the next train station.” The procedure for drivers and motorcyclists is completely different. You can continue driving, but you must do a rapid antigen test as soon as possible.

The rule applies to all trips. Exceptions only apply to employed people who regularly commute between two EU countries.

Why are the contact and personal data recorded in the event of a violation?

Anyone caught without proof must identify themselves. The officers record the personal and contact details. These are then forwarded to the responsible health authority.

If there is no proof upon arrival, the person concerned is generally asked to carry out a rapid antigen test. The responsible authorities can then investigate exactly this certificate.

FOCUS Online advises: Because the summer holidays are ending in some federal states, there may be an increased request for the entry form “Einreiseanmeldung.de” come. A few days ago the servers were so overloaded that the PDF certificate could be sent to the e-mail address with a long delay. It is therefore advisable to fill out the form before the actual departure.

What do I have to watch out for as a car and motorcyclist?

Before starting your journey, check whether all documents are digital or in paper form. The following applies to digital evidence: Make sure you have enough battery and ideally have a full power bank with you.

The law enforcement officers usually say: “Hello, a general identity check. Your papers, please.” The officers then want to know where you are from and where you have been for the last ten days. Stick to the truth.

In extreme cases it can say: “Do you have a hotel booking or a current fuel bill that can prove this?”

What do I have to watch out for on the train?

As an unvaccinated person, you should carry out the rapid antigen test in good time before you travel and keep the document in a safe place. Always keep your yellow vaccination certificate or proof of recovery at hand along with your ticket, Bahncard and ID card.

Valid evidence includes the positive PCR test, which must not be older than six months, and all vaccination certificates, which show a complete vaccination based on the date, the vaccination batch and the vaccine.

The evidence is accepted digitally and in paper form. If the data is on your smartphone, train and bus travelers should also have a fully charged power bank with them.

What do I have to consider at the airport?

The new rules apply to those tested on all flights from abroad to Germany. Travelers should therefore arrange for a rapid antigen test in good time before departure.

The manual control of the documents at the airport can lead to longer waiting times. German citizens should therefore plan their time and be at the check-in counter at least two hours before departure. The rapid antigen test should not be older than 48 hours.

In many countries, airports have not set up on-site test centers. They are not obliged to do so either. All you have to do is check the necessary documents. Travelers should inquire upon arrival how to get a rapid antigen test for the return flight.