Article updated on November 29.

The Lufthansa (LH) Group will continue maintaining flights to/from South Africa on Lufthansa and to/from Namibia on Eurowings Discover, keeping the important lifeline open between these countries and Germany. The group is able to fly German nationals back to Germany and other nationals back to their home countries via Germany, as transits in Germany are allowed. 

So said Dr André Schulz, LH Group General Manager Southern & East Africa in a note to trade highlighting that South Africa and Namibia have been classified as Areas of Variant of Concern by the German Robert Koch Institute.

With this re-classification, a new set of regulations for travelers entering Germany comes into effect as of 28 November 2021 and all travelers from South Africa and Namibia to Germany need to observe the following mandatory travel regulations issued by the German authorities:

· Only German nationals, their immediate family members and holders of German resident permits are allowed to enter Germany.

· As of Tuesday, November 30 (departure time in South Africa/Namibia): all travelers (all nationalities) must provide a negative PCR Test result (digital or printed), taken within 72 hours before entry into Germany. This includes travellers who additionally hold a vaccination or immunity certificate. Antigen tests will no longer be accepted.

· Travellers must complete the Digital Registration on Entry form online before their departure.· Travellers are required to enter a general 14-day quarantine upon entry into Germany.

· For other nationalities: In principle, transiting Germany to a destination outside of Germany is possible, however the entry regulations of the country of final destinations must be observed.

SWISS and Edelweiss flights

Schulz added that, in line with the recent decision by the Swiss federal authorities, SWISS and Edelweiss will only transport passengers on its flights from South Africa to Switzerland who are Swiss or Liechtenstein nationals (or hold a corresponding Swiss or Liechtenstein residence permit) and who will be able to present a valid negative COVID test result on arrival in Switzerland.

SWISS and Edelweiss flights scheduled over the next few days will operate as planned until further notice.