Germany
Travel restrictions
Germany will currently only allow EU citizens, EU residents, and residents of certain other specific countries to enter.
In principle, entry is possible from:
- EU member states
- States associated with Schengen (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein)
- The United Kingdom
- Other countries, from which entry is possible due to the epidemiological situation assessment by the EU. As of October 27th 2020, these countries are: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Uruguay, Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong and Macao.
As of December 22nd, 2020, flights from certain countries such as the United Kingdom, South Africa, and potentially others, are being suspended due to a new coronavirus variant.
From November 8th 2020 all travellers to Germany have to register online prior to their entry (on www.einreiseanmeldung.de), if they have stayed in a risk area within the last 10 days prior to their entering the country. Also they must be able to present proof of this registration when entering Germany.
Starting January 14th 2021, mandatory COVID-19 testing is required to enter Germany, with specific conditions depending on the type of risk area the traveler has visited prior to entering Germany:
- Travelers who have stayed in an RKI-designated “risk area” in the 10 days prior to entry must show a negative PCR test that is no more than 48 hours old or must take a test no later than 48 hours after arrival.
- Travelers who have stayed in an RKI-designated “high incidence area” in the 10 days prior to entry must show a negative PCR test that is no more than 48 hours old, and must produce the test results when requested by airlines or competent authorities.
- Travelers who have stayed in an RKI-designated “high-risk virus variant area” in the 10 days prior to entry must show a negative PCR test that is no more than 48 hours old, and must produce the test results when requested by airlines or competent authorities.
The list of risk areas can be found on the RKI website: https://www.rki.de/EN/Home/homepage_node.html;jsessionid=84133DAB94D5B6B895047E3301C9518C.internet091
From March 30th 2021 to May 12th 2021 a negative COVID-19 test is required to enter or transit through Germany. The test must have been taken within 48 hours of arrival, must meet the criteria laid out by RKI, and travelers will not be allowed to board their flights without a negative result.
Travelers entering Germany from a virus variant area will not be able to end quarantine early by testing negative.
Each federal state within Germany sets its own quarantine regulations. In general, a person arriving from a country the Robert Koch Institute defines as a risk area or who has been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 must self-quarantine for 14 days.
Some states will exempt arriving travelers from the self-quarantine if they can show a negative molecular biological COVID-19 test from an accredited lab conducted in the 48 hours prior to their entry and valid for 14 days. (This test may also be called a genetic, RNA, or PCR test.) Please note that antibody tests are NOT accepted by German authorities at this time to evidence a traveler is negative for COVID-19. Travelers should check the specific quarantine requirements and possible exemptions for their intended destination within Germany.
If you are subject to a quarantine requirement, you must register with the local health authority for the place you will be staying. You can look up the local health authority by German zip code (Postleitzahl or PLZ) here: https://tools.rki.de/PLZTool/en-GB
Measures taken by the government
Starting December 16th, 2020, Germany will be in full lockdown. The German authorities have extended the full lockdown through April 18th 2021, with a gradual easing of restrictions based on regional COVID-19 rates, specifically the 7-day-incidence as reported by RKI. Each federal state may have additional restrictions.
In general:
- Travel within Germany should be restricted to essential travel only, and overnight hotel stays for tourists are not allowed.
- Medical grade masks (surgical masks, or masks meeting the N95, KN95, or FFP-2 standards) are required in all public transportation and stores. It is also recommended to wear medical grade masks whenever there is extended or close contact indoors.
Starting March 8th 2021:
- Gatherings will be allowed between two households, not to exceed 5 people. Children are not included in this count.
- Depending on the local COVID-19 7-day-incidence, some retail may be open, with restrictions on the number of shoppers allowed in stores.
- Depending on the local COVID-19 7-day-incidence, cultural/entertainment venues (including monuments, zoos, theaters and concert halls) and personal care services (such as hair salons, massages, nail salons, etc.) may be open.
Starting March 22nd 2021:
- Depending on the local COVID-19 7-day-incidence, some recreation and sports facilities (including gyms and swimming pools) may be open.
- Depending on the local COVID-19 7-day-incidence, outdoor dining may be open.
The German Health Ministry posts the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 in Germany at the following link: https://www.zusammengegencorona.de/en/
Testing
You can find the most up-to-date information on COVID testing in Germany through the German Ministry of Health: https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronavirus-infos-reisende.html
Travelers may incur charges for COVID-19 tests, although these vary by location.
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
Information not available.
Source:
US Embassy in Germany https://de.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
Published on March 31st 2021 (checked on April 7th 2021)
Germany Federal Foreign Office: Information on entry restrictions and quarantine regulations in Germany https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/coronavirus/2317268
Published on April 1st 2020 (checked on April 7th 2021)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx