Germany travel rules have been eased as of March 3, 2022. This comes at a time when all countries that were once classified as high-risk have been removed from the list.
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI), published that “As of Thursday, March 3, 2022, at 0:00 a.m., with the entry into force of the “Third Amendment Ordinance to the Coronavirus Entry Ordinance”, no states/regions will be considered high-risk areas.”
Because of this, all individuals can now travel to Germany without having to undergo COVID-19 testing prior to entry and without having to complete a quarantine period upon arrival. This applies to all travelers, irrespective of their country of departure.
The omicron COVID-19 variant, which is the dominant variant circulating around the world, has led to a surge in the number of cases. Despite this, data have shown that the variant more often than not causes mild cases of COVID-19. Individuals infected with the omicron variant were less likely to progress to severe COVID-19 compared to infection with the other coronavirus variants that were once dominant. This situation has pushed the RKI to remove all countries from the high-risk category.
Areas will only be classified as high-risk if there is an increased number of COVID-19 cases that are not brought about by the omicron variant. The RKI says, “The classification as a high-risk area only applies to areas in which there is a high incidence in relation to the spread of variants with higher virulence than the omicron variant, i.e. pathogenic properties. There is therefore no longer any identification of high-risk areas due to the spread of the omicron variant.”
Nevertheless, areas can be quickly reclassified upon assessment of the situation. Individuals are encouraged to check Germany travel rules at least 10 days prior to entering the country.
Germany Travel Rules: What Documents are Needed to Enter the Country?
Travelers will only need to present any of the following: vaccination certificate, recovery certificate, or a negative result on a COVID-19 test. Proof of immunity or vaccination must be shown to the airline prior to departure, if applicable. Nevertheless, travelers must already have proof of this on hand before they enter Germany.
Vaccination certificates are only considered valid when the holder has already been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Moreover, the last dose should have been received 270 days before entry into the country, at most. This means that individuals who completed their primary vaccination more than 270 days prior to arrival should get a booster dose.
For those who plan to present a recovery certificate, individuals should have recovered from COVID-19 within the past 180 days.
Travelers should undergo nucleic acid amplification techniques (PCR, LAMP, TMA) or rapid antigen tests within 48 hours prior to arrival. A negative test result will grant them entry to Germany.
The regulation on completing the digital registration on entry has also been removed.
The aforementioned Germany travel rules are applicable to anyone 6 years of age or older, regardless of their mode of transport.
Given the relaxation of travel restrictions, tourists can now enter the country with ease and experience what the country has to offer.
