US Covid testing requirement - returning from Berlin

Reports are that there are many convenient locations for testing available. Many people bring the Binax ag card proctored covid test kit with them as a back up because it gives them confidence that they will be able to test regardless of local circumstances.

I was in Berlin in October and had no problem. The hotel referred me to a test center a few blocks away, and there were several more nearby. They were taking appointments but that wasn't necessary then, might be now. And then the US requirement was for a test within three days before departure, now it's one day before, so you'll have less flexibility, and maybe you should make an appointment a few days before. I got my result in about 20 minutes, asked for a paper copy and got it in two languages. Cost about 20 euros.

I needed timed entry for the Museum Island museums and the Reichstag, and most attractions and restaurants wanted to see my CDC card. Masks inside and on transit. But the trip was well worth the minor hassles.

I was also in Berlin in October. I used the coronatest.de website to schedule my test at the Berlin Zoologischer Garten testing site (there are several other sites by the same company around Berlin; they are listed on the front page of the website). I walked up to a window, handed over my passport for ID, stepped over to the next window for the swab, walked away, and got my results by e-mail in something like 20 minutes. No line. Efficient process. Super easy. When I return in April, I will use them again if tests are still required for re-entry into the US.

Oh yeah, good to have a paper copy, too. I forwarded my e-mail result to my B&B host, who printed it out for me.

I'm going to Berlin in a few weeks. I am taking the Binax Now proctored test kit with me. I've used a proctored test kit (different brand) once before and it was extremely convenient to do the test in my Air BnB.

I was in Berlin in December. I tested twice while there. I registered and paid online (website shared from another poster), went for my appointment and showed my QR code and ID, got swabbed, and had my results in my email two minutes after returning to my hotel. I’m triple vaxxed returning to the US. I was able to do the cheaper rapid test. Travel tip: book your local cdc recommended test at your local Walgreens as soon as you can for after you return since testing may be harder in the us than Germany.

“ Travel tip: book your local cdc recommended test at your local Walgreens as soon as you can for after you return since testing may be harder in the us than Germany.”

Why book a Covid test appointment at Walgreens or any drugstore after you returned home to the US from Germany? Is that a legal requirement?

Why book a Covid test appointment at Walgreens or any drugstore after
you returned home to the US from Germany? Is that a legal requirement?

Not a legal requirement. I got a call from my state Dept of Health instructing me to get a COVID-19 test when I returned to South Carolina from Germany in September. At that time, COVID was going crazy in my state and barely existent in Germany. The mask rate at my local grocery store was 25-30%; 100% of Germans wore masks in stores. I ignored my state's instruction. I was far safer from COVID in Germany than in South Carolina.

Got it, thanks.