Germany: Authorities to introduce tougher coronavirus disease-related entry requirements from Jan. 11 /update 27

Event

Germany is maintaining international entry restrictions as of Jan. 8 as part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A ban on commercial travel from South Africa and the UK has been extended until at least Jan. 20; German residents can apply for an exception via their transport provider. In addition, from Jan. 11, all travelers arriving in the country who have visited designated risk areas within the previous 10 days must provide a negative COVID-19 test no older than 48 hours upon arrival, or take a test as soon as they arrive in the country. These travelers must also self-isolate for 10-days; the self-isolation can be ended on day five with a second negative test.

As of Jan. 8, Germany's federal disease control and prevention agency, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), has designated numerous locations, including the UK, Spain, and Portugal as risk areas; from Jan. 9, France, Ireland, the Faroe Islands, the provinces of Rogaland and Trondelag in Norway, and Madeira, Portugal, will also be considered risk areas.

Most travelers from outside of the EEA, with the exception of those from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea, and Thailand, remain prohibited from entry. Limited exceptions are made for EEA citizens and residents, diplomats, essential workers, students, freight and transport workers, individuals in transit, and for urgent reasons decided on a case-by-case basis. All such arrivals are subject to a mandatory self-isolation period as detailed above; this measure does not apply to transport and freight workers.

Health officials are also maintaining stringent domestic restrictions until at least Jan. 31. All residents in areas deemed COVID-19 hotspots are permitted to travel only within 15 km (9.3 miles) of their town unless they have a valid reason for traveling further. In addition, private gatherings are limited to two people, unless members of the same household. The following restrictions remain in place:

All nonessential shops and educational facilities are closed.
Restaurants and bars remain closed except for delivery and carryout services.
Public recreation centers and entertainment facilities, including gyms, swimming pools, saunas, cinemas, and theaters, are closed.
Large events are suspended.
Employees are advised to work from home whenever possible.
Tourism-related hotel stays are suspended.
Nonessential travel is discouraged.

Protective face coverings are required in most public spaces nationwide, including on public transport and in retail shops. When possible, people from different households should remain a minimum of 1.5 meters (5 feet) apart.

Authorities could further 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 plans and business appointments and allow additional time for processing if arriving from an area of high COVID-19 activity. Carry proper identification and other necessary travel documents to present at security checks. Consider delaying travel 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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.