The Federal Republic of Germany now also recognizes antigen test results for entry from so-called risk areas. Since January 11, 2021, the government has required that a negative corona test result that is not older than 48 hours must be submitted. Alternatively, the examination can also be carried out immediately after entry.

Germany is introducing compulsory testing. However, this does not release you from entering a ten-day quarantine, from which you can “free yourself” on the fifth day at the earliest. Depending on the federal state, there are also some exceptions that may allow entry free of tests and quarantines.

The Robert Koch Institute defines the examination methods recognized for entry into Germany as follows: PCR, LAMP, TMA and antigen. The RKI writes about the rapid tests: “Antigen tests for direct detection of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus are generally recognized from all countries, provided they meet the minimum criteria recommended by the WHO for the quality of SARS-CoV-2-Ag rapid tests . These include tests that achieve ≥80 percent sensitivity and ≥97 percent specificity compared to PCR tests ”.

Since December 19, 2020, the Republic of Austria has recognized the - in direct comparison with PCR - much cheaper rapid tests for entry. However, even in Austria, a negative finding does not currently release you from quarantine, from which you can free yourself at your own expense after five days at the earliest. There are also some exceptions that are allowed to enter without a test and quarantine. However, the government also announced that the controversial entry regulation should be tightened again.