Infections with the Coronavirus are on the rise in Germany. What does this mean for visitors? Here are Germany latest travel restrictions and some of the most frequently asked questions.
The fourth coronavirus wave is causing unprecedented illnesses in numerous European nations, including Germany. In certain areas, the situation has become so dire that public events and fairs have been canceled, and contact limits have been imposed.
In several places of Germany, tourist travel is also prohibited. The US issued a new travel warning to Germany in November, though vaccinated visitors can still enter. What do these changes indicate for everyone looking to enter Germany? What are the quarantine rules? What should German vacationers keep in mind when they return home? Here are the answers to some of the most often asked questions.
Who is allowed to enter under Germany travel restrictions?
Despite the soaring number of infections, some of the requirements for entering Germany are now more relaxed than they were a year ago. Whatever their origins or mode of transportation, all entrants under the age of 12 must provide confirmation of immunization, recovery, or a COVID-19 test that has been authorized as a negative. This current Germany travel restrictions will be in effect until March 3, 2022. In addition to the Schengen-associated nations of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein that are members of the Schengen area, all EU countries are eligible to enter. In order to avoid high-risk travel, Germany has declared all nine of its surrounding countries to be high-risk travel destinations.
Anyone entering the border who has not been vaccinated or who has recently been infected must be quarantined for ten days. If they submit a negative test, the isolation duration might be reduced.
Before flying to Germany, be sure to familiarize yourself with the most recent developments and latest Germany travel restrictions. Travelers may obtain thorough information on the websites of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of the Interior, and the Foreign Office.
Is it possible for individuals from third countries to visit Germany?
Entry from third nations is once again permitted, albeit only under specified conditions. Residents of a list of “safe” third countries, including Australia and Canada, may enter Germany for any reason, subject to the above-mentioned paperwork requirement and Germany travel restrictions. Travelers from other third nations, including the United States, must either be completely vaccinated or have compelling reasons for their journey.
In an effort to limit the spread of the new omicron strain, Germany, along with the rest of the EU, announced a temporary restriction on arrivals from Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa, and many other African countries in late 2021. On December 20, the United Kingdom was added to the list of nations identified as regions of variant concern. These countries have now been relegated to the high-risk category. While this group still imposes limitations on travelers, they are less severe for those who have been vaccinated.
People who can demonstrate confirmation of immunization do not need to segregate under the guidelines for tourists from high-risk locations. Unvaccinated tourists must be quarantined for 10 days, however this can be reduced to five days if they test negative.
Only vaccinations authorized by Germany’s Paul Ehrlich Institute, which presently includes vaccines from BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson, are recognized. Foreign-licensed versions of these vaccines are accepted as equivalent. If 14 days have passed since the second dose, a person is considered completely vaccinated. A single dosage is adequate for patients who have recovered from a coronavirus infection. In addition, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one immunization.
Who is in need of a quarantine under Germany travel restrictions?
Self-isolation is required for all arrivals who do not have proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative COVID-19 test. Arrivals from countries with a high risk of infection and viral variants must also be quarantined in Germany.
Self-isolation is required for travelers from high-risk nations for ten days, while self-isolation is required for two weeks for those from virus variant countries.
If they can show a negative test result on day five, people from high-risk nations may stop self-isolating. People who come from viral variant places do not have this choice.
The Robert Koch Institute, Germany’s disease control organization, has designated a number of EU member nations, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Greece, Austria, and Croatia, as high-risk countries. A digital passenger locator form must be completed by anybody seeking to travel to Germany from there. Germany does not yet have a list of nations that have viral variants.
Check with Germany to see if your country is considered a high-risk and virus-like destination before you plan your trip.
Do I need to get a coronavirus test before I arrive?
No, not always. There is no need for a test if passengers can demonstrate that they are completely vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19. However, some airlines and train companies require passengers to take an additional COVID-19 test.
In Germany, PCR tests must be conducted within the last 72 hours, whereas fast tests must be taken within the last 48 hours.
On vacation, I caught the coronavirus as a visitor from Germany. Is it possible for me to return to Germany?
Instead of coming home and potentially infecting others, the Ministry of Health recommends anybody who has contracted COVID-19 to quarantine overseas. Even so, it’s possible that the German authorities will allow you to enter the country. If you do make it back, make it a point to self-isolate the moment you set foot on German territory.
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is not allowed to fly. Infected people from high-risk or virus variant countries are likewise not allowed to travel to Germany as per the latest Germany travel restrictions.
I’d like to take my children to Germany. Which rules apply to children?
The preceding rules apply to children aged 12 and up. Those under this age are exempt from demonstrating that they have been vaccinated, recovered, or tested negative. Furthermore, while returning from a high-risk nation, they are only obliged to quarantine for five days.
I’m going to a German airport for a layover. Which rules do I have to follow?
People who change planes at a German airport without first entering the country are exempt from Germany travel restrictions. People who are traveling across Germany without making a halt are in the same boat. Travelers are not needed to go into quarantine or fill out a passenger location form in this situation. However, it’s a good idea to learn about your ultimate destination’s admission requirements. Consult Re-open EU, a site with extensive information on latest travel regulations including Germany travel restrictions, and coronavirus rules in all EU member states, if you’re traveling to another EU nation.
Can I move freely inside Germany when I arrive?
In theory, absolutely. However, because each of Germany’s 16 federal states has the authority to enact separate coronavirus rules, you should carefully consider where you want to travel. Saxony, which has seen a significant increase in coronavirus cases, has severely restricted public life in order to contain the outbreak. Tourists are now prohibited from entering the state. Meanwhile, business travelers are still welcome. Bavaria has enacted such stringent regulations.
Is it permissible for visitors to enter German cinemas, theatres, museums, and restaurants?
Rules can differ from one state to the next, and even from one region to the next. In bars and restaurants all around the country, stricter rules are in place. People who have been completely vaccinated or are judged to be fully recovered are only allowed to enter restaurants if they can show proof of either a booster dose or a recent COVID-19 test that is negative. In addition, only those who can show that they have been vaccinated or that they have recovered can access museums and participate in particular activities. It will be difficult for non-vaccinated visitors to participate in tourism activities.
The epidemiological condition in Germany is in flux. It’s possible that states and regions would adjust or even strengthen their efforts to combat the latest outbreak of infections.
In any event, travellers would be wise to examine the most recent laws in the areas of Germany they plan to visit.
What should I do if I am infected with the coronavirus while in Germany?
Put yourself in quarantine as soon as possible and notify the appropriate health authority. Consult this page to find out which agency to contact. If you have severe COVID-19 symptoms, see a doctor or dial 116 117. In an emergency, phone 112 or proceed to the nearest hospital.
