Germany: Authorities modify COVID-19 entry restrictions for travelers from certain countries from Aug. 15 /update 60

Event

German authorities have updated COVID-19-related international entry restrictions for certain travelers. Effective 00:01 Aug. 15 the US, Israel, Kenya, Montenegro, France's overseas territories of French Guiana, and French Polynesia, and Vietnam have moved to the high-risk area category, while Turkey will move to this category starting 00:01 Aug. 17. At the same time, Portugal (except for the Lisbon, and Algarve regions) is no longer considered a risk area. Germany classifies countries of concern as “high risk” or “virus variant” areas.

Travelers who have spent any time in a designated high-risk area in the previous 10 days must self-isolate for 10 days. Such travelers may end quarantine early by presenting a negative test result no earlier than five days after the beginning of self-isolation. Travelers who have either received the full course of a COVID-19 vaccine no less than 14 days before arrival or have recovered from COVID-19 within the previous six months are exempt from quarantine requirements. Different restrictions are in place for individuals in transit, transport workers, and cross-border commuters. For a full English-language list of locations designated by the German government as virus-variant and high-risk areas, click here.

Authorities maintain tighter restrictions for arrivals from virus-variant areas. As of Aug. 15, virus-variant areas include Brazil and Uruguay. Only German nationals and residents and certain essential workers are allowed to enter the country from these locations. The restrictions also apply to individuals who have spent any time in a virus-variant area in the previous 10 days. Permitted arrivals from virus-variant areas must possess a negative result from either a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival or a COVID-19 antigen test taken no more than 24 hours before arrival; they must also self-isolate for 14 days upon entry. Persons in self-isolation are generally not permitted to end quarantine early after a subsequent negative COVID-19 test.

Generally, Germany prohibits entry by non-vaccinated individuals from outside the EEA, except for those from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Australia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Macau, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, and the US. Fully vaccinated travelers from outside the EEA and associated countries are allowed to enter Germany for nonessential purposes, provided at least 14 days have passed since they received a full dosage of an approved vaccine. Only travelers inoculated with vaccines approved by German authorities are allowed entry; for a full list of vaccines approved by German authorities, click here.

All travelers over the age of 12 arriving by land must possess evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours or 48 hours before arrival, respectively; the requirement will not apply to cross-border commuters or travelers transiting Germany. Authorities are likely to conduct random spot checks on arrivals entering by land rather than institute blanket border checks. All arrivals must complete a digital entry registration form before entry; exceptions apply for transit passengers and cross-border commuters.

Domestic Restrictions
Working from home is encouraged. Employers must continue to offer all employees who work face-to-face two weekly COVID-19 tests except for fully vaccinated individuals or those who have recovered from COVID-19.

Authorities require individuals to wear facemasks with a filtering facepiece protection class of at least 2 (FFP2) on public transport and in stores and public offices nationwide. Other restrictions vary slightly between regions. Generally, nonessential businesses and services are permitted to operate and gatherings can take place subject to hygiene and social distancing requirements. Individuals who have received the full course of a COVID-19 vaccine more than 14 days ago or recovered from COVID-19 within the previous six months are exempt from certain restrictions, including the nightly curfew and limits on gatherings.

Authorities have legislation in place that will automatically impose tougher restrictions in districts where the seven-day incidence rate of new infections is greater than 100 people per 100,000 inhabitants for three days in a row. These tighter measures include a 22:00-05:00 curfew, closure of nonessential businesses, and strict limits on social gatherings.

Authorities could ease, tighten, or otherwise amend restrictions with little-to-no notice based on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. 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.

Resources

Government of Germany
COVID-19 Self-isolation and Testing Requirements
Map of Infection Rates per County
Regional Restrictions in Germany (in German)