IMPORTANT UPDATE!

We share this message with you on behalf of Michael Johnson, Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany for Alabama:


Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
I send you this message because of your role in the German community in Alabama and the southeastern region of the US.  Please find here the pdf-version of a letter to all German nationals who are registered in the German Consulate’s elefand-system. On behalf of the German embassy and consulates in the USA, we ask that you kindly share this letter within your community.
 
Regarding flights: there are still possibilities; the majority require transit in Canada (eTA is definitely required), France, the Netherlands and UK or do not depart within our district. The most reliable connection appear be Lufthansa from New York or Chicago.
 
Our clear message to all non-residents (such as tourists and students who’s semester will be over before the summer): take a flight now! Long-term residents (especially if they are well established and have proper health insurance etc.) should simply follow any shelter in place orders.
 
It is not currently anticipated that there will be an organized repatriation flight any time soon for the US. Our foreign minister made it clear in the last few days to NOT extend a stay anywhere and simply hope for such a repatriation flight. The Foreign Office cannot provide basically a life insurance for those who wait too long (and until it’s too late).
 
Also, here is link to a collection of answers to questions typically fielded at the consulates by phone and email . Please note that the German Consulate in Atlanta is only lightly staffed since Monday, March 23 ,  2020.
 
Thank you in advance for distributing this to those who can benefit from this information. Best wishes for your continued health and safety.

 
Best regards / Mit freundlichen Grüssen,


Michael H. Johnson
Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany for Alabama
Direct:   +1. 205.250.8335