Luxembourg: Government to require all incoming international air travelers to present negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival starting Jan. 29 /update 11

Luxembourg to require arriving international air travelers to produce documentation of negative COVID-19 test effective Jan. 29.

Event

Effective Jan. 29, authorities in Luxembourg plan to require all incoming international air travelers to present documentation proving that they have tested negative for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The negative result must be from a nucleic acid or rapid antigen test taken no more than 72 hours prior the flight departure and be presented at boarding. Transporters and aircraft crew members are exempt, as are persons traveling from Luxembourg to a Schengen Area or EU country and returning within 72 hours. Individual who were infected with COVID-19 within the past 3 months before their travel, have undergone the applicable self-isolation period in their countries of origin, and are symptom-free may present a medical certificate attesting to the status of their health in lieu of testing. These measures will be in addition to the existing international entry restrictions.

Travelers from countries within the European Union or Schengen Area, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City as well as residents of Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand are permitted to enter Luxembourg. Most travelers from other countries, including the UK, remain prohibited, although exceptions are in place for essential work, study, and family reasons. Individuals arriving from the UK in possession of a negative test result taken within the previous 48-72 hours must take a further test on arrival and self-isolate until the result has been confirmed.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities are also maintaining domestic restrictions. The following domestic measures are in place as of Jan. 27:

A nightly 2300-0600 curfew is in place, during which times individuals may only leave their homes for essential purposes.
Nonessential businesses and entertainment venues are permitted to reopen, provided they adhere to strict social distancing requirements.
Individuals may only host up to two people from one other household indoors.
Public gatherings of over 100 people are prohibited.
Restaurants, cafes, and bars are closed for dine-in services.
Indoor sports facilities are closed.
Facemasks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces, at gatherings of more than four people, and in outdoor public spaces where social distancing of 2 meters (6.5 feet) is not possible.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Carry proper identification documents to present at security checks. Heed all official advisories and remain nonconfrontational if stopped by authorities. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.