With customer-friendly solutions, charter agencies, fleet operators and even countries on the Mediterranean are making it easier for tourists to take the coronavirus tests that are sometimes required for their return journey this summer. Although the test is required for fewer and fewer countries when returning to Germany, some countries, including Denmark and Sweden, still require it when entering the country. In some cases, charter customers must also provide proof of a negative test to the airlines before the return flight. This must often be no more than 48 hours old. But how does a crew obtain an up-to-date test shortly before crossing the border if they have only travelled to small Danish islands?
This is where the new digital testing options come into play, as Max Barbera from Barbera Yachting explains: "At a previously agreed appointment, a rapid antigen test brought along by the crew is carried out live via a live video link. The person to be tested must first identify themselves with a passport or ID. Customers receive the necessary tamper-proof seal as a free service from Barbera Yachting. The test result is sent to the customer as a PDF.
This option has also become very popular with Austrian fleet operator Pitter Yachting. "Our customers are increasingly taking advantage of this option and doing it comfortably in an anchor bay one night before the return journey," says Susanne Gigl from Pitter Yachting. Alternatively, customers can of course also go to the Croatian test centres, which are open on the return days and are often located near the charter harbours.
The testing requirement has thus lost much of its cumbersomeness. Charter crews are best advised to discuss with their local agency or fleet operator which providers they have had good experiences with.
