We'll be flying from California to Italy in April, catching a connecting flight in Munich on the way. Will we need to follow Germany's Covid testing requirements, even though we won't be leaving the airport, and/or Italy's? Also, if we check our luggage, will we need to retrieve it in Germany to go through customs there, or will it go straight through to Venice? Debating whether to check or carry our luggage.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16168 posts
No testing required in Germany if you are vaccinated. You need your CDC card to board the plane in California. However April is a long time away and any requirements will be likely lifted after March. So just stay tuned.
The biggest issue is coming back to the US, which (as of now) still requires negative testing 24 hour before boarding a plane back to the US.
Checked bags go straight to Venice (I'm assuming you are traveling on one ticket with United and/or Lufthansa, which are partners). You won't retrieve any checked luggage in Munich. In Munich you will go through 'passport control' (immigration) since you are entering the EU Schengen Zone in Munich (your first port of entry). Munich Airport is the easiest airport to transfer, especially if you fly Lufthansa/United.
The last leg, Munich to Venice, will be like a domestic flight in the US.
Posted by
50 posts
We are heading to Rome via London in March. It is my understanding that if you are merely catching a connecting flight through one airport to another you are not required to adhere to that country's covid testing rules. Also, it was announced this morning that beginning March 1st, 2022 Italy will no longer require a negative Covid test to enter Italy prior to your boarding your flight. Check Reuters News Service for details.