[marshall834]

Travel FAQ

UPDATED 9/06/2020

Hi all,

This will act as the European Delivery Travel FAQ for those of us planning BMW Welt pickup. I'll be updating this thread as new information comes to light. If you come across any information that I have not, please let me know and I will add!

The European Union adopted a protocol on 7/1/2020 that outlines how member states will open their borders and which 'third countries' (Non-European Union Countries) can enter. Below is a FAQ to help everyone understand the current state.

Changes on 9/06/20
- The last review was conducted on 8/27/20. The US is NOT on the list (per article listed below)
- The US is now on a positive trajectory. Infection rate has decreased 23.97% since the last rolling 14 days to a 189.06 infections/100K citizens. However, it should be noted that this is only two weeks of data and that the rolling 30 day average is still >450.

https://www.germany.info/us-en/service/covid-19/2321562


Are US Citizens allowed into Europe?
No. As of 9/06/20, due to the rate of infection found in the United States, US citizens will NOT be allowed into European Union member states.

When will US Citizens be allowed travel to Europe?
The last publication of approved third country nationals was published on 8/27/20. I estimate the next information will be available on or around 9/10/20.

What is the criteria the European Union is using to evaluate which countries will be allowed to enter?
As regards the epidemiological situation, the third countries listed in Annex I should meet in particular the following criteria:
– close to or below the EU average, as it stands on 15 June 2020, of new COVID-19 cases over the last 14 days and per 100 000 inhabitants;

– the trend of new cases over the same period in comparison to the previous 14 days is stable or decreasing; and

– the overall response to COVID-19 taking into account available information on aspects such as testing, surveillance, contact tracing, containment, treatment and reporting as well as the reliability of available information and data sources and, if needed, the total average score across all dimensions for International Health Regulations (IHR). Information provided by EU Delegations based on the checklist annexed to the Communication of 11 June 2020 should also be taken into account

Furthermore, one additional criteria will be considered:

In order to lift the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU with regard to the third countries listed in Annex I, reciprocity should also be taken into account regularly and on a case-by-case basis.

What is the level of infection in the EU to match?
As of 6/27/20, the EU has an infection rate of 16 per 100,000 citizens.

What is the current level of infection in the US?
As of 7/29/20, the US has an infection rate of 158.63 per 100,000 citizens, 9x higher than the threshold.

What is the historical trend for infection rate in the US?
Overall, the US is on a positive trend [as of 9/6]:
Last 7 Days: 99.81
Last 14 Days: 189.06 [prior 14 days = 248.6]
Last 30 Days: 448.17 [prior 30 days = 571.77]

OF NOTE:
Infection Rate is a lagging indicator, meaning the most recent data is most likely to increase. The past 14 day infection rate is a good balance between stable/accurate data and recency.

How often is this list reviewed?
Every two weeks, the list of third countries referred to in Annex I should be reviewed, and as the case may be updated, by the Council, after close consultation with the Commission and the relevant EU agencies and services following an overall assessment based on the methodology, criteria and information referred to in paragraph 2.

I read that third country nationals can enter Germany with a negative COVID test. Does this mean I can get into Germany for European Delivery, provided I test negative?

Based on information from the below link, Germany has in fact, altered their guidelines in terms of who needs to quarantine when entering the country. However, this is for essential travel only. Unfortunately, this will not apply to non-essential travel (leisure, vacation) and "US citizens may enter Germany only if they serve in an important role or if there is an imperative need for their travel." [As of 071220]

https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/...ublicationFile


What are some resources I can review myself?
Germany Ministry of Interior FAQ: https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/f...97140bodyText3
German Missions in the United States: https://www.germany.info/us-en/service/covid-19/2321562
Information on Quarantine and COVID-Testing: https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/...ublicationFile
European Union Binding Agreement: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc...20-INIT/en/pdf
Interactive Map: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/DEU
German Travel Warning: https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/...ublicationFile
Infection Rate Raw Data: https://qap.ecdc.europa.eu/public/ex.../COVID-19.html
CDC Infection Rate Raw Data: https://www.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends
EU Council Press Releases: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/p...ress-releases/

Past news articles for context:
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/new...-including-uk/
https://www.businessinsider.com/euro...ases-us-2020-6
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tamarat.../#493f968d56d6
Europe may experience second lockdown, 7/28: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world...e35_story.html
US not on approved list, 7/30: https://www.usatoday.com/story/trave...us/5546206002/
US not on approved list, 8/7: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/p...ird-countries/

[mercury26]

Excellent post, thanks for summarizing all this information. Fingers crossed!

[mercury26]

I saw in the news today that Canada will not allow non-essential travel for US citizens, the new ban is scheduled to extend (to at least) August 21st. While I understand this is not Germany, it is not a good way for the winds to be blowing.

[warrenw]

This is only for US citizens coming from the United States, correct?
So if you come in from elsewhere it's ok?

[mercury26]

Originally Posted by warrenw

This is only for US citizens coming from the United States, correct?
So if you come in from elsewhere it's ok?

I do not know the complete details.

[marshall834]

Originally Posted by warrenw

This is only for US citizens coming from the United States, correct?
So if you come in from elsewhere it's ok?

Assuming South Korea, it looks like you MAY be able to enter the EU based on the below article.

https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/f...97140bodyText3

For the time being, based on this recommendation, Germany will lift the restrictions on travel for residents of the following states (“positive list”) as of 2 July:

Australia
Georgia
Canada
Montenegro
New Zealand
Thailand
Tunisia
Uruguay

In addition, the list will be expanded to include

- Japan,
- South Korea and
- China
as soon as the possibility of mutual entry is confirmed.

[greentrbo95gst]

Subscribed. I have a 9/8 pick up and I have a feeling it will not happen.

[warrenw]

Originally Posted by marshall834

Assuming South Korea, it looks like you MAY be able to enter the EU based on the below article.

https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/f...97140bodyText3

For the time being, based on this recommendation, Germany will lift the restrictions on travel for residents of the following states (“positive list”) as of 2 July:

Australia
Georgia
Canada
Montenegro
New Zealand
Thailand
Tunisia
Uruguay

In addition, the list will be expanded to include

- Japan,
- South Korea and
- China
as soon as the possibility of mutual entry is confirmed.

Yeah it won't happen then... SK won't be opening borders any time soon. Asking because I'm a US citizen, wondering if they'd block entry because of that or it's just based on where you're coming from.

[marshall834]

Originally Posted by warrenw

Yeah it won't happen then... SK won't be opening borders any time soon. Asking because I'm a US citizen, wondering if they'd block entry because of that or it's just based on where you're coming from.

It's where you live:

When deciding whether the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU applies to a third-country national, residence in a third country for which the restrictions on nonessential travel have been lifted should be the determining factor (and not nationality).

https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc...20-INIT/en/pdf

Page 6

[greentrbo95gst]

I like that you are doing this. No other forum has the updates for travel. Good work!!

[mercury26]

I do not see Germany or EU changing their stance until this curve goes down drastically and stays that way for a few weeks.

[warrenw]

Originally Posted by marshall834

It's where you live:

When deciding whether the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU applies to a third-country national, residence in a third country for which the restrictions on nonessential travel have been lifted should be the determining factor (and not nationality).

https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc...20-INIT/en/pdf

Page 6

Thanks for the info!

[greentrbo95gst]

Any updates? I think today was the review date, correct?

[marshall834]

Updated. The new list will be published tomorrow (7/30) but we aren't expected to be on it. More details in original post

[greentrbo95gst]

Originally Posted by marshall834

Updated. The new list will be published tomorrow (7/30) but we aren't expected to be on it. More details in original post

Thank you 😊

[greentrbo95gst]

Looks like we didn't make the cut.

[marshall834]

Originally Posted by greentrbo95gst

Looks like we didn't make the cut.

I've been hawking the news but haven't seen the official confirmation (though it is what I was expecting). Do you have a link you could share? I can then update

[greentrbo95gst]

Originally Posted by marshall834

I've been hawking the news but haven't seen the official confirmation (though it is what I was expecting). Do you have a link you could share? I can then update

I signed up for STEP updates through department of transportation and I got an email this morning at 3am....don't ask me why I was up.

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Germany, July 30, 2020

Location: Germany

Event: Message to U.S. citizens regarding COVID-19

Please share this message with other U.S. citizens currently in Germany. Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive health and security updates.

The U.S. Department of State recommends U.S. citizens avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. For most U.S. citizens, travel to the European Union, including Germany, is still greatly restricted. The German federal government has provided a useful English-language FAQ covering the health situation in Germany as well as COVID-19 related travel restrictions.

U.S. citizens residing in Germany should stay informed of local regulations, coronavirus risk areas, and quarantine requirements before planning international travel. We encourage you to consult the State Department’s country information page for your destination and your local health authority. For example, people entering Germany from a risk area, as determined by the Robert Koch Institute (the German equivalent of the CDC) are required to self-quarantine for 14 days. In addition, the German Ministry of Health has announced that as of August 3rd coronavirus testing will be mandatory for air travelers upon returning to Germany from these risk areas. The government is currently developing procedures for implementing the testing policy. Information on the recognition of molecular biological tests on SARS-CoV-2 when entering a risk area in Germany can be found at: https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/...rus/Tests.html. It is expected that free COVID-19 testing for arriving passengers will be made available at all German airports.

[Fugly M3]

Free testing on arrival could be a really good thing if the results are rapid.

[marshall834]

Confirmed - US not on 7/30/20 approved list. Top thread updated.

The next review is 8/13/20

https://www.usatoday.com/story/trave...us/5546206002/

[greentrbo95gst]

Raven was able to move my delivery from 9/6 to 9/25. She is an angel.

[marshall834]

Originally Posted by greentrbo95gst

Raven was able to move my delivery from 9/6 to 9/25. She is an angel.

Awesome! I'm waiting myself for her to update my pickup date. Although I'm fairly confident even late Sept won't work