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25.01.2021 From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?Partially Germany is implementing the commonly agreed EU "traffic lights" approach to travel restrictions, which applies to EU and EEA countries. Entry from EU Member States and Schengen Associated countries is allowed without restrictions unless a country or region is defined as a high-risk area by the Robert Koch Institute. The entry rule is based on the country from which the traveller is coming from, and not on nationality. Information on the designation of international risk areas Specific rules for Unmarried partners from third countries are available. Mandatory travel documentation Travellers entering the Federal Republic of Germany, who have been in a risk area at any time within the last 10 days before entry, are obliged to digitally register, conduct a test for the coronavirus and, depending on the regulations of the federal state, to go into quarantine. If, in exceptional cases, it is not possible to complete a digital entry registration, travellers must instead fill out a substitute registration on paper. Find out more: More information is available at the Federal Foreign Office website and the Ministry of Health (in German). Documents you need to travel in Europe What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?Germany lifted the restrictions on travel for residents of the following third countries: Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Once the possibility of mutual entry is confirmed, the list will also include: China, Hong Kong and Macao SARs of the People's Republic of China. For all persons residing in a third country that is not included in the above list, the current restrictions on travel continue to apply. These persons may enter Germany only if there is an urgent need for their travel. Please see more information on what constitutes an urgent need for entry. The restrictions do not apply to German citizens. Also, citizens and family members (spouse, unmarried minor children, parents of minors) of EU Member States + Schengen Associated countries are exempted from the travel restrictions. The same applies to third-country nationals who already have a longer-term right of residence in an EU member state or a Schengen country or the United Kingdom (residence permit or long-term visa) and the members of their family. Unmarried partners may enter Germany from third countries that are not included in the above list, for short-term visits to the partner living in Germany when the general entry requirements (passport and visa, if applicable) are met, under the condition that the couple is in a long-term relationship/partnership and both partners have met in person in Germany at least once, or the couple had a previous shared residence in another country until recently. See declaration of the existence of the relationship. Provided that the general entry requirements are met, unmarried couples travelling together may enter Germany for short-term visits for urgent reasons from third countries that are not included in the above list:
The urgent reason for the joint entry of both partners is to be submitted in writing on entering Germany, together with a declaration of the existence of the relationship. Additional documentation such as photos, social media posts, postal/email correspondence may also be provided. The decision whether to allow entry at the border is at the discretion of the border officials. All travellers must additionally follow the quarantine rules of the relevant federal state of Germany. May I transit this country?Yes Third-country nationals may enter Germany to travel to another EU member state, another Schengen member state or the United Kingdom as their country of final destination if the following conditions are met:
Under these conditions, third-country nationals may also enter Germany by air and travel overland to their country of destination. The third-country national must provide evidence that the conditions listed above have been met. Airline or other travel tickets, etc. may be presented to meet condition (1). A printout of the current national regulations in place in the country of destination implementing Annex I of the Council Recommendation may be presented to meet condition (2). It must be clear from the text that residents of certain countries are not required to provide proof of the reason for travel to the country of destination. If this is not possible, then evidence must be provided of the urgent need for entry in accordance with Annex II of the Council Recommendation. Germany’s border control officials will only check for compliance with the requirements for entering Germany. Alternatively, the traveller may present a document issued by the responsible authorities of the country of destination certifying that entry restrictions have been waived or that approval of entry has been granted. Nationals of non-EU countries (third-country nationals) may enter Germany to travel to a third country if the following conditions are met:
The third-country national must provide evidence on entry that the conditions (1) and (2) listed above have been met. Airline or other travel tickets, etc. may be presented to meet condition (1). To meet condition (2), travellers can present authorisation of entry to the country of destination (e.g. a visa) or an identity document or residence authorisation for the country of destination, for example. The obligation to self-isolate at home does not apply in the case of transit through Germany. In this case, however, you are obliged to leave Germany immediately. More information is available at Coronavirus and entry restrictions. General measuresSpecific regulations for each federal state are available at the Federal Tourism Competence Centre. Strict measures are in place until 14 February 2021. Health cover for temporary stays Use of facemasksFor everyone aged above 6, face masks should be used in public transport, public buildings and shops. In shops and on public transport, medical masks (surgical masks or KN95 or FFP2 masks) are required. Face masks should also be worn in places where social distance (1.5 metres) cannot be maintained. Mask wearing is obligatory in schools for pupils from the seventh grade (12-13 years) upwards. Physical DistancingIn public, wherever possible, a minimum distance of 1.5 metres from others should be kept.
14.12.2020 From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?Entry restrictions Entry from EU Member States + Schengen Associated countries is allowed without restrictions, unless a country or region is defined as high risk area. The Robert Koch Institute provides a list of international risk areas, which is updated regularly. A country or an area is defined as "high-risk" when there are more than 50 new infections per 100,000 people over the last seven days. Travellers entering the Federal Republic of Germany, who have been in a risk area at any time within the last ten days before entry, are obliged to self-isolate in accordance with the testing and quarantine regulations obligations of the competent Federal State. The entry rule is based on the country from which the traveller is coming from, and not on nationality. Specific rules for Unmarried partners from third countries are available. More information on travel restrictions and regulations for quarantine and COVID-19 tests are available at the Federal Foreign Office website. Also see the FAQ regarding corona testing and quarantine in Germany. What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?Germany lifted the restrictions on travel for residents of the following third countries: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Uruguay. Once the possibility of mutual entry is confirmed, the list will also include: Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong and Macao SARs of the People's Republic of China. For all persons residing in a third country that is not included in the above list, the current restrictions on travel continue to apply. These persons may enter Germany only if there is an urgent need for their travel. Please see more information on what constitutes an urgent need for entry. The restrictions do not apply to German citizens. Also, citizens and family members (spouse, unmarried minor children, parents of minors) of EU Member States + Schengen Associated countries are exempted from the travel restrictions. The same applies to third-country nationals who already have a longer-term right of residence in an EU member state or a Schengen country or the United Kingdom (residence permit or long-term visa) and the members of their family. Unmarried partners may enter Germany from third countries that are not included in the above list, for short-term visits to the partner living in Germany when the general entry requirements (passport and visa, if applicable) are met, under the condition that the couple is in a long-term relationship/partnership and both partners have met in person in Germany at least once, or the couple had a previous shared residence in another country until recently. See declaration of the existence of the relationship. Provided that the general entry requirements are met, unmarried couples travelling together may enter Germany for short-term visits for urgent reasons from third countries that are not included in the above list:
The urgent reason for the joint entry of both partners is to be submitted in writing on entering Germany, together with a declaration of the existence of the relationship. Additional documentation such as photos, social media posts, postal/email correspondence may also be provided. The decision whether to allow entry at the border is at the discretion of the border officials. All travellers must additionally follow the quarantine rules of the relevant federal state of Germany. TransitThird-country nationals may enter Germany to travel to another EU member state, another Schengen member state or the United Kingdom as their country of final destination if the following conditions are met:
Under these conditions, third-country nationals may also enter Germany by air and travel overland to their country of destination. The third-country national must provide evidence that the conditions listed above have been met. Airline or other travel tickets, etc. may be presented to meet condition (1). A printout of the current national regulations in place in the country of destination implementing Annex I of the Council Recommendation may be presented to meet condition (2). It must be clear from the text that residents of certain countries are not required to provide proof of the reason for travel to the country of destination. If this is not possible, then evidence must be provided of the urgent need for entry in accordance with Annex II of the Council Recommendation. Germany’s border control officials will only check for compliance with the requirements for entering Germany. Alternatively, the traveller may present a document issued by the responsible authorities of the country of destination certifying that entry restrictions have been waived or that approval of entry has been granted. Nationals of non-EU countries (third-country nationals) may enter Germany to travel to a third country if the following conditions are met:
The third-country national must provide evidence on entry that the conditions (1) and (2) listed above have been met. Airline or other travel tickets, etc. may be presented to meet condition (1). To meet condition (2), travellers can present authorisation of entry to the country of destination (e.g. a visa) or an identity document or residence authorisation for the country of destination, for example. The obligation to self-isolate at home does not apply in the case of transit through Germany. In this case, however, you are obliged to leave Germany immediately. More information is available at Coronavirus and entry restrictions. Find out moreDocuments you need to travel in Europe
12.10.2020 Entry restrictionsEntry from EU+ countries is allowed without restrictions, unless a country or region is defined as high risk area. The Robert Koch Institute provides a list of international risk areas, which is updated regularly. EU+ comprises EU Member States plus Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, Vatican City State and the Republic of San Marino. A country or an area is defined as "high-risk" when there are more than 50 new infections per 100,000 people over the last seven days. Travellers entering the Federal Republic of Germany, who have been in a risk area at any time within the last 14 days before entry, are obliged to self-isolate in accordance with the quarantine regulations and testing obligations of the competent Federal State. The entry rule is based on the country from which the traveller is coming from, and not on nationality. Specific rules for Unmarried partners from third countries are available. More information on travel restrictions and regulations for quarantine and COVID-19 tests are available at the Federal Foreign Office website. Also see the FAQ regarding corona testing and quarantine in Germany. Travelling from Germany or returning to GermanyAccording to the Federal Ministry of Health's Testing Obligation Ordinance, anyone having spent time in a risk area up to 14 days before their entry into Germany, if requested by the competent health office or a different authority designated, must either provide proof of having tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 or get tested within 14 days of their entry into Germany. As long as no negative test result is available, people are required to quarantine for 14 days upon entry. TransitThird country nationals may enter Germany to travel to another EU member state, another Schengen member state, or the United Kingdom as their country of final destination, if the following conditions are met: - There are no reasonable direct routes to the country of destination; - The traveller remains in Germany (as country of transit) only as long as absolutely necessary to travel directly to the country of destination or another transit country; - The traveller is permitted to enter the country of destination or another transit country (in accordance with Annex II of the Council Recommendation of 30 June 2020 or with individual confirmation of permission to enter issued by the country of destination); Under these conditions, third-country nationals may enter Germany by air and travel overland to their country of destination. The third-country national must provide evidence that the conditions listed above have been met. Airline or other travel tickets, etc. may be presented to meet conditions (1) and (2). To meet condition (3), the traveller may present a document issued by the responsible authorities of the country of destination (or another transit country) certifying that entry restrictions have been waived or that approval of entry has been granted. Such a document is necessary in particular if the third-country national does not meet the requirements for entering Germany but does meet the entry requirements of the country of destination (or, if applicable, of another transit country). Germany’s border control officials only check for compliance with the requirements for entering Germany. The obligation to self-isolate at home does not apply in the case of transit through Germany. In this case, however, you are obliged to leave Germany immediately. Third-country nationals coming from outside the EU and Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and LiechtensteinGermany lifted the restrictions on travel for residents of the following third countries: Australia, Canada, Georgia, New Zealand, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay This list will include Japan, South Korea, and China as soon as the possibility of mutual entry is confirmed. For all persons residing in a third country that is not included in the above list, the current restrictions on travel continue to apply. These persons may enter Germany only if there is an urgent need for their travel. Please see more information on what constitutes an urgent need for entry. The restrictions do not apply to German citizens. Also, EU+ citizens and members of their family (spouse, unmarried minor children, parents of minors) are exempted from the travel restrictions. The same applies to third-country nationals who already have a longer-term right of residence in an EU member state or a Schengen country or the United Kingdom (residence permit or long-term visa) and the members of their family. Unmarried partners may enter Germany from third countries that are not included in the above list, for short-term visits to the partner living in Germany when the general entry requirements (passport and visa, if applicable) are met, under the condition that the couple is in a long-term relationship/partnership and both partners have met in person in Germany at least once, or the couple had a previous shared residence in another country until recently. See declaration of the existence of the relationship. Provided that the general entry requirements are met, unmarried couples travelling together may enter Germany for short-term visits for urgent reasons from third countries that are not included in the above list: their relationship is a long-term relationship between a third-country national and a German, or EU+ citizen or national and the couple has a shared residence abroad and there is an important reason for both partners to enter Germany. This is generally the case for births, weddings, bereavements/funerals or other exceptional cases in which there is an urgent family reason (e.g. serious illness of a first- or second-degree relative who therefore urgently needs help). The urgent reason for the joint entry of both partners is to be submitted in writing on entering Germany, together with a declaration of the existence of the relationship. Additional documentation such as photos, social media posts, postal/email correspondence may also be provided. The decision whether to allow entry at the border is at the discretion of the border officials. All travellers must additionally follow the quarantine rules of the relevant federal state of Germany. Find out more...Documents you need to travel in Europe
16.09.2020 Entry restrictions Travelling from (or returning to) Germany Rules and Exceptions A country or an area is defined as "high-risk" when there are more than 50 new infections per 100,000 people over the last period of seven days. Quarantine regulations and COVID-19 tests Information on the designation of international risk areas Current at: 16 September 2020 Changes since last amendment: France: the Hauts-de-France region and the overseas territory of La Réunion are now also considered as risk areas. Croatia: the counties of Brodsko-Posavska and Viroviticko-Podravska are now also considered as risk areas. The Netherlands: the provinces of North Holland and South Holland are now considered as risk areas. Austria: the province of Vienna is considered a risk area. Romania: the counties of Neamt and Caras Severin are considered as additional risk areas. Switzerland: Canton Fribourg is considered as a further risk area. Czech Republic: the region Středočeský is considered as a further risk area. Hungary: the city of Budapest is considered a risk area. The counties of Arges and Dambovita in Romania are no longer considered as risk areas. The countries listed below are designated as currently presenting an increased risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2. In parentheses is indicated since when an area is classified as a risk area. At the end of the page, there is a summary of countries, which have been classified as risk areas at any time during the last 14 days, but are currently NOT classified as risk areas. Persons entering the Federal Republic of Germany, who have spent time in a risk area at any specific period within 14 days prior to entry, are subject to a mandatory Covid-19 test (from 8 August 2020) and may be subject to quarantine under the specific quarantine ordinances issued by the competent federal state (Land). Please note: The Federal Government examines, on an ongoing basis, the extent to which areas are to be classified as risk areas. As a result, this list can be modified at short notice and, above all, may be extended. Directly before embarking on your journey, please check whether you have spent time in one of these areas in the last 14 days before entering Germany. Should this be the case, you must expect to be subject to mandatory testing and quarantine. The existing travel and safety advisories by the Federal Foreign Office as well as the Federal Government’s information for travellers and commuters (https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/coronavirus/corona-regelungen-1735032) still apply.
o Splitsko-Dalmatinska (since 20 August) o Zadar (since 2 September) o Dubrovačko-neretvanska (since 9 September) o Požega-Slavonia (since 9 September) o Brodsko-Posavska (since 16 September) o Viroviticko-Podravska (since 16 September)
o Středočeský (since 16 September)
o Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (since 24 August) o Occitanie (since 9 September) o Nouvelle-Aquitaine (since 9 September) o Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes (since 9 September) o Corse (since 9 September) o Hauts-de-France (since 16 September) o French Overseas Territory: French Guiana (since 21 August) o French Overseas Territory: Guadeloupe (since 26 August) o French Overseas Territory: St. Martin (since 26 August) o French Overseas Territory: La Réunion (since 16 September)
o South Holland (Zuid-Holland) (since 16 September) o Aruba (since 26 August) o Sint Maarten (since 26 August)
o Bihor (since 7 August) o Brăila (since 12 August) o Brașov (since 12 August) o București (since 12 August) o Caras Severin (since 16 September) o Neamt (since 16 September) o Iasi (since 9 September) o Ilfov (since 12 August) o Prahova (since 12 August) o Vâlcea (since 20 August) o Vaslui (since 12 August)
o Vaud (since 9 September) o Fribourg (since 16 September)
Classification as a risk area is the result of a joint analysis and decision-making process by the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community. This classification as a risk area is based on a two-step assessment. Initially, it is determined in which countries/regions there were more than 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants in the last seven days. In a second step, qualitative criteria are used to determine whether or not countries/regions that might nominally fall below this threshold could nonetheless still present an increased risk of infection. As part of the second step, particularly the Federal Foreign Office and, where relevant, the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community, provide qualitative reports based on reporting by the local German diplomatic representations, which also covers measures taken to halt the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Key factors in this assessment are above all the numbers of infection and the type of outbreak (local or wide-spread), testing capacities and the number of tests carried out per capita as well as the measures taken to contain the spread of infection (hygiene regulations, contact tracing, etc.). Similarly, this also takes into account individual countries where reliable information may not be readily available. Areas that have been risk areas at any time during the past 14 days but are currently no risk areas anymore:
26.08.2020 Travelling to Germany Currently, the following countries or areas are classified as "high-risk": Travelling from Germany or returning to Germany According to the Federal Ministry of Health's Testing Obligation Ordinance, anyone having spent time in a risk area up to 14 days before their entry into Germany, if requested by the competent health office or a different authority designated, must either provide proof of having tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 or get tested within 14 days of their entry into Germany. The test must be carried out in a Member State of the European Union or a country that is listed by the Robert Koch Institute. If, when entering Germany, you already carry with you a test result, to be valid the test may not have been conducted more than 48 hours prior to entry. The test certificate must be written in German or English. Rules and Exceptions A country or an area is defined as "high-risk" when there are more than 50 new infections per 100,000 people over the last period of seven days. Mandatory Travel Documentation Find out more: Travelling to and from Australia, Georgia, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay is allowed without restrictions. Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/DEU |
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18.06.2020 Travel from third countries Germany has implemented the Council of the European Union's recommendation on the phase out temporary restrictions on 2 July 2020. Since 17 March 2020 entry restrictions have applied throughout the EU for non-essential travel from third countries. These restrictions also specifically apply to travel to Germany. On 30 June 2020, in view of the improved global epidemiological situation in some regions, the Council of the European Union adopted a recommendation on relaxing the entry restrictions on the basis of a draft drawn up by the Commission. Germany will implement this recommendation from 2 July 2020 as follows: Third countries without travel restrictionsFrom 2 July 2020, unrestricted travel to Germany is once again possible from the following third countries with low rates of infection:
For China, Japan and South Korea a lifting of entry restrictions is subject to confirmation of reciprocity. This list of countries is to be regularly updated. The question of whether travel to Germany is permitted depends on where the person travelling has previously been staying, not on their nationality. Options for travellers to Germany from all third countriesTravel to Germany is also possible from third countries not included in the above list if there are important grounds for doing so. On this basis, travel to Germany is possible for the following groups or travel purposes:
Travel within the EU or the Schengen areaThe temporary entry restrictions for travellers from other EU countries, states associated with Schengen (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) and the United Kingdom have been removed entirely since 21 June 2020. Travel to Germany from other EU states, the Schengen area and the United Kingdom has been possible without restriction since then. Start date: 02.07.2020 Further information: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/-/2320738 More info: |
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01.04.2020 Measures for Protection and Self-protection of frontline Customs Officers: Measures regarding fumigation of containers and parcel consignments: Measures to fight illicit trade with counterfeited or stolen medical supply goods: Despite its efforts to facilitate the smooth movement of goods, the customs administration Other COVID related best practice: * Just like the Federal Chemicals Agency at the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and
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Temporary border checks at the land borders with Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg and Denmark (15.03.2020) The checks will come into force on Monday, 16 March 2020 at 08:00. The cross-border flow of goods will continue to be permitted. Cross-border commuters will also continue to be allowed to enter and leave the country. People travelling for other reasons should expect restrictions on travel both into and out of Germany. Travellers with symptoms that may indicate a coronavirus infection will not be permitted to enter/leave Germany, in coordination with the authorities in the relevant neighbouring country. Start date: 16.03.2020 End date: not available Further information: https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/pressemitteilungen/DE/2020/03/grenzsc... Temporary and limited relaxation of the enforcement of driving and rest times for the drivers of vehicles transporting essential goods Germany has notified a temporary and limited relaxation of the enforcement of driving and rest times for the drivers of vehicles transporting essential goods such as food, medicine, medical protective equipment and fuels. This relaxation is granted pursuant to Article 14(2) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006. Start date: 18.03.2020 End date: 17.04.2020 Further information: https://ec.europa.eu/transport/sites/transport/files/temporary-relaxatio... |
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28.01.2021 COVID-19 update: Clarification concerning drivers’ duties to digitally pre-register prior to entry into Germany During the last days, German associations and IRU have been receiving queries concerning the actual status of drivers’ duty to digitally pre-register prior to entry into Germany. In fact, while pre-registration duties are being correctly described in in the IRU Flash info dated 14 January 2021 and headed “Covid-19 Update: New Regulations for people entering Germany”, the text on the German pre-registration website, https://www.Einreiseanmeldung.de(start page), seems to suggest, by virtue of infelicitous wording and structure, that drivers are generally exempted from this duty. There is no such general exemption from pre-registration for drivers. As explained in the IRU Flash info dated 14 January 2021, an exemption from pre-registration is valid only in case the driver spent the last 10 days prior to entry in “risk areas” exclusively. As soon as the driver visited any “high incidence” areas or “areas of variant of concern” during the last 10 days prior to entry, he/she must mandatorily pre-register. Even the text on https://www.Einreiseanmeldung.de finishes by saying so, unfortunately only at the very bottom of the page and in rather complicated wording. Source: BGL Portugal - Germany As informed from the concerned associations, Figueras (border Spain-France), would be a suitable town to find parking location and testing centre, en route Portugal to Germany. The detailed address is mentioned below. PARKING EXIT 3 AP7 Calle Barreiros nº 1. Polígono PADROSA 17730 - LLERS (Girona) Tel.: +34 972 528 096 GPS: 42.29894, 2.93732 The parking has a Navette to Fundació Salut Empordà (FSE), a medical center open from 9:00 to 18:00 hrs, Monday to Sunday. The cost of the antigen test is 30 Euros. The cost for go and return in Navette would be 10 Euros. Source: ASTIC
26.01.2021 CORRIGENDUM : Revised information on regulations while entering Germany Please find below a slightly corrected version of the summary regulations pertaining to testing, when entering Germany. On this regard, Flash Info released on 14 January 2021, "New regulations for people entering Germany", stands corrected. Transit:
Persons that have only transited a risk area without any stops or sojourns: Persons that have only transited a relevant area without any stops or sojourns are exempted from pre-registration and testing in case they come from risk areas or high incidence areas. They must however pre-register and test if they come from an area of variant of concern. Source: BGL 25.01.2021 Covid-19 Update: Portugal has been classified as an "Area of variant concern" by Germany Portugal - Germany Portugal has been re-classified as an “area of variant of concern”, valid as of 27 January 2021, 00:00 a.m., by the German government. Drivers that were in Portugal during the 10 days before entering Germany will have to pre-register even if they just transit Germany. The list of high incidence areas and areas of variants of concern can be found here. We recommend our members to constantly monitor this link, as the list is updated frequently. Source: BGL 22.01.2021 Covid-19 Update: Clarification regarding online Pre-registration when entering Germany As notified on 15 January 2021, there is an obligation for drivers of goods transports to pre-register online when entering Germany after a sojourn in “areas of variant of concern” or “high incidence areas” during the last 10 days before entry. A serious topic of concern was prevalent, due to the fact that the form is asking for a German address of quarantine. Obviously, drivers from abroad will not have such an address to indicate. However, this detail is a mandatory field. Today, Robert-Koch Institute (RKI), who are managing the online pre-registration platform https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de, in their statement, recommend that in situations like the above, drivers should indicate the address of their first place of delivery in Germany instead. Source: BGL Covid -19 Update : Compulsory wearing of Medical masks in Germany On 19 January 2021, Germany has decided to introduce, compulsory wearing of medical masks in public transport and in those shops and stores that are still allowed to open despite the lock-down. “Community masks” or scarfs will no longer be acceptable. The various German regions have now proceeded with the implementation of the decision (Find the overview in the attachment). Please note that from 18 January 2021, German region of Bavaria is only accepting medical masks of FFP2 standard or above.
Source: BGL
14.01.2021 Covid-19 Update: New Regulations for people entering Germany For persons entering Germany from countries considered a risk in the COVID-19 context, the new regulation “Coronavirus-Enreiseverordnung” (dated 13.01.2021, in force as of 14.01.2021) is stipulating requirements for electronic pre-registering and mandatory testing. These new provisions are valid on a federal level. They are replacing previous provisions that were issued on a regional level (Bundesländer). (However, provisions on mandatory self-isolation will continue to be governed on the regional level (Bundesländer)). For general provisions of the new regulation (applicable to non-drivers), we are attaching a leaflet elaborated by the Federal Ministry of Health. However, there are special provisions / partial exemptions for “persons that are performing, in a professional context, border-crossing transports of persons or goods by road, rail, ship or air while applying adequate safety and hygiene concepts” which we shall describe below. The new regulation is discerning three different levels of risk: - Risk areas - High incidence areas(“Hochinzidenzgebiete” = areas with a particularly high incidence rate) - Areas of variant of concern(“Virusvarianten-Gebiete” = areas with widespread occurrence of virus variants that are not yet common in Germany) For drivers subject to the a.m. special provisions (“persons that are performing, in a professional context, border-crossing transports of persons or goods by road, rail, ship or air while applying adequate safety and hygiene concepts”), provisions are as follows: - Drivers that have been in a “risk area”during the last 10 days prior to entry into German territory: Pre-registration: None - Drivers that have been in a “High incidence area” during the last 10 days prior to entry into German territory: - Drivers that have been in an “area of variant of concern” during the last 10 days prior to entry into German territory: Up-to date information on the classification of countries as “risk areas”, “high incidence areas” or “areas of variant of concern” may be found under the link https://www.rki.de/risikogebiete. (German/English version). Persons travelling in transit through Germany are exempted from pre-registration in case they come from risk areas or high incidence areas, under the condition that they must leave Germany again ASAP. They must however pre-register if they come from an area of variant of concern. They are exempted from testing in all three cases. Persons that have only transited a risk area without any stops or sojourns: Persons that have only transited a relevant area without any stops or sojourns are exempted pre-registration in case they come from risk areas or high incidence areas. They must however pre-register if they come from an area of variant of concern.
Source: BGL
27.12.2020 Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak - Targeted and temporary exemption from driving and rest time rules in Germany Germany (27 December 2020) Upon an urgent request by BGL, the German Ministry of Transport decided to grant drivers blocked in the UK during the French border closure of 20 to 22 December 2020, the following exemptions from the driving and rest time rules (Regulation (EC) No 561/2006):
The above exemptions are granted under the explicit condition that road safety is not jeopardized. These exemptions will be valid until 28.12.2020, 24:00 h. The BGL recommends that drivers keep evidence available to be able prove that they have been blocked in the UK during the relevant period of time, i.e. by means of CMR or similar documents/evidence. Source: BGL
23.12.2020 United Kingdom - Germany As of 22 December 2020, all persons entering Germany but having been in the UK or South Africa over the previous 10 days will have to submit a negative result of a COVID-19 test taken at most 48 hours before entry into the country. The results can be from a PCR-RT or rapid antigen test but the test must have been done according to the minimum criteria established by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Passenger transport providers are no longer allowed to organise transports to Germany from the mentioned countries. Only German nationals or people residing in Germany can be carried as of 1 January 2021. Goods transport is still allowed. However, professional drivers are not exempt from the obligation to have a negative COVID-19 test result, not even those drivers who are only transiting through Germany. The measure remains into force until 6 January 2021. The legal text is attached (German language only).
Source: BGL
02.11.2020 Exemption of driving bans in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany (2 November 2020; 11:19)
General exemption from Sunday and holiday driving ban from 31.10.2020 until 18.01.2021; Not valid for abnormal loads transgressing max weights and measures) See attached Letter from Ministerium für Verkehr des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen 20.10.2020 attached in PDF format. Source: BGL Exemption of driving bans in Germany (2 November 2020; 11:19) General exemption from Sunday and holiday driving ban from 31.10.2020 until 18.01.2021; Not valid for abnormal loads transgressing max weights and measures) See attached Letter from Ministerium für Verkehr des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen 20.10.2020 attached in PDF format. Source: BGL
28.10.2020 Clarification concerning a new regulation in Bavaria: On the basis of a new quarantine regulation that entered into force in the German region of Bavaria lately, there were rumours saying that Bavaria was now prescribing mandatory COVID-19 testing for all drivers of goods transports entering German territory. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. The new regulation is solely affecting transborder commuters coming from a high risk country and entering German territory resume their work in Bavaria. If such persons come to Bavaria for work at least once a week, they must undergo COVID-19 tests by latest 5 days after their arrival, with tests then to be repeated on a weekly basis. However, if truck drivers are just performing an international goods transport, the Bavarian regulation is exempting them both from quarantine or testing. Source: BGL
04.09.2020 Following changes in Schleswig-Holstein, the requirements for bus travel in the individual federal states have been updated (see attached, in German only). Masks must be worn when seated if the distance of 1.5 m from another group of people in the bus cannot be maintained. You can find detailed information on the individual federal states and the latest overview in the BDO's Coronavirus database.
Source : Bundesverband Deutscher Omnibusunternehmer (bdo) e.V.
02.09.2020 All driving bans on Sundays and public holidays in all German states are once again in place as of 1 September. Links (in German): https://dejure.org/gesetze/StVO/30.html Source: BGL
11.08.2020 Compulsory testing for persons entering Germany from areas of heightened risk and exemptions for drivers. On 8 August 2020, Germany introduced compulsory testing for the COVID-19 virus for persons entering the country from “areas of heightened risk”. At land border crossings, authorities will perform spot checks for the relevant certificates. However, § 4 of the relevant ordinance (see attachment in German and English) establishes an exemption from compulsory testing for persons who are exempted from the 14 days’ quarantine under regional COVID-19 regulations. The quarantine regulations in all regions of Germany establish such exemptions for persons who are professionally transporting passengers or goods by road, rail, ship or plane. As a result, drivers of international goods transport or passenger vehicles are not subject to compulsory COVID-19 testing. Lists of heightened risk of COVID-19 infection are being posted and regularly updated by the Robert Koch Institut (RKI) and may be found at the following link: https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Transport/BMG_Merkblatt_Reisende_Tab.html (click the link named “Informationen zur Ausweisung internationaler Risikogebiete durch das Auswärtige Amt, BMG und BMI”) Source: BGL
12.06.2020 As of 16 June, temporary border controls, introduced in March 2020 at the German borders with Austria, France, Switzerland and Denmark, will be abandoned. Entry into Germany of travellers from EU member states and EU associated states, will no longer be subject to show proof and justification of the urgent need to travel. Restrictions may still be reintroduced again subject to the pandemic’s further development. Source: BGL
10.06.2020 On 10 June, the state of Schleswig-Holstein informed that a general exemption from the ban on driving on Sundays and public holidays pursuant to § 30 (3) and (4) StVO continues to apply until 31 August 2020 in accordance with § 46 (2) StVO. This also applies to empty runs. In addition, the state of Schleswig-Holstein grants a general exemption from the driving ban in accordance with § 1 paragraph 1 of the holiday travel regulation on Saturdays in the period from 1 July to 31 August 2020. Source: DSLV
08.06.2020 In addition to the news shared last week, the German Bus and Coach Operators’ Association BDO prepared the following clarification on quarantine measures in Germany: The federal and state governments have agreed that all persons entering Germany from third countries (countries outside EU) are required to self-quarantine for two weeks. Persons travelling from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom are exempt from this requirement, as are persons travelling from EU countries. Please note that persons travelling from these countries could be instructed to quarantine if, over the last seven days, the number of new infections in the respective country has amounted to more than 50 per 100,000 inhabitants (detailed numbers can be found on the Robert-Koch-Institut website). The quarantine requirement does not apply to persons entering Germany from a third country with an infection rate already determined as low. A list of these countries will be published on the Robert-Koch-Institut website. Please consult the website of the specific German federal state to which you are travelling, either in which you have your residence or in which you intend to stay, for more details as rules may vary from state to state. More information here. Source: BDO
08.06.2020 On 3 June, the German Federal Foreign Minister announced the lifting of the global travel warning from 15 June, which will be replaced by country-specific travel information. The lifting applies to EU Member States (except Spain, whose warning will be lifted at a later stage), Great Britain, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein; Norway’s travel warning will be also lifted at a later stage. Travel warning will be reinstated in case infections rise over 50 per 100,000 inhabitants. For what concerns domestic passenger transport in Germany, BDO has provided an overview table and map (in German, last update: 08/06) on the current state of bus travel bans as well as preventive measures to be applied on board. Source: BDO
28.05.2020 On 28 May, the German government informed that, in the absence of compelling reasons that justify further prorogations, relaxations of driving and rest time rules will not be renewed after 31 May. Therefore, Regulation (EC) 561/2006 will fully apply from 00:00 on 1 June. Source: BGL
26.05.2020 On 26 May, the German region of Niedersachsen decided to prolong the suspension of weekend and holiday driving bans for trucks until 31 August 2020. Niedersachsen has also decided to suspend the additional summer restriction (special sections of motorways on Saturdays between 1 July and 31 August from 07:00 to 20:00). The German region of Baden-Wurttemberg has also decided to suspend the additional summer restriction (special sections of motorways on Saturdays between 1 July and 31 August from 07:00 to 20:00). This decision has already been reflected in the BAG publication. However, Baden-Wurttemberg has not yet decided to prolong the suspension of the weekend and holiday driving ban, which is valid until 30 June 2020. Source: BGL
25.05.2020 On 19 May, the German Federal Ministry of Transport recommended that regional governments suspend the additional German summer restrictions concerning special sections of motorways on Saturdays between 1 July and 31 August from 07:00 to 20:00. However, for the time being, implementation of this recommendation is still pending implementation by the regional governments. The states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Saxony-Anhalt have already granted such an exemption. Detailed information on the progress of the implementation is expected to be published in the BAG information (in German only) in due course. Source: BGL and DSLV
14.05.2020 On 13 May, the German Minister of the Interior announced the following measures, which come into effect from 16 May: · all border crossings at the borders with Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg and Denmark will be operative again. · controls at the borders with Austria, Switzerland, France and Denmark will be reduced to sample checks. · controls at the border with Luxembourg will be completely abandoned. Companies should be aware that controls at the border with Denmark will be abandoned as soon as possible, however, the relevant date is still to be agreed. Controls at the borders with Austria, Switzerland and France are scheduled to cease on 16 June, subject to the COVID-19 pandemic’s further development. Source: BGL
05.05.2020 On 4 May, the German Ministry of the Interior extended controls at the borders with Denmark, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland and Austria until 15 May. Following requests for clarification on the suspension of weekend and holidays traffic bans in Germany, BGL has confirmed that dates of expiration should be read as “until and including”, therefore, the date mentioned on the document is the last day when operators can take advantage of the suspension. Source: BGL
27.04.2020 The following German Federal States have announced extensions of exemptions to the Sunday and holiday driving ban for vehicles of more than 7.5 t MPW: - Schleswig-Holstein: extended until 30.06.2020 - Brandenburg: extended until 30.09.2020. The German control authority BAG keeps a record of the overview of the situation in the different regions and it can be found here. Source: BGL
24.04.2020 All German Federal States have introduced legislation making the use of facial masks mandatory in order to prevent further spreading of the COVID-19 virus. However, due to the federal structure of Germany, there is no unique nationwide provision defining the exact circumstances in which a mask must be worn. Therefore, to ensure that legal requirements are definitively fulfilled, BGL recommends that drivers wear a facial mask whenever leaving the vehicle’s cabin. Source: BGL
23.04.2020 On 22 April, the German Federal State of Bavaria has prolonged the general exemption from Sunday and holiday driving bans until 1 June 2020. The German control authority BAG has provided an overview of the situation in the different regions. Please see here. Source: BGL
22.04.2020 By the decree of 21 April 2020, the German federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate has extended the general exemption on the ban on driving on Sundays and public holidays for trucks until 10:00 on 30 August 2020. The overview of the country-specific regulations (in German only) has been updated accordingly on the BAG's homepage. Source: DSLV
21.04.2020 The German region of Thuringia/Thüringen has made a decision to prolong the current exemption (expired 19 April 2020) from the Sunday and holiday driving ban until 1 June 2020. New list of exemptions can be found here. Source: BGL
17.04.2020 The German Federal Administration has temporarily relaxed driving and rest times rules (EU Regulation 561⁄2006) with a prolongation until 17 May. The measure applies to road transport of goods of daily necessities, including food, medical equipment and fuel. Measures lifted are as follows: - Possibility to extend driving time to 10 hours five times per week; - Possibility to take two consecutive reduced weekly rests within a period of four weeks. These measures apply to professional and privately owned transportation companies. More information here. Source: BGL
16.04.2020 On 16 April, the German region of Hamburg decided to prolong the application of Sunday and holiday traffic ban exemptions for goods vehicles. Exemptions are applicable up until 24 June. The most up-to-date list of exemptions, currently in force in Germany, can be consulted here. Source: BGL
15.04.2020 On 15 April, the Federal Minister of the Interior has decided to extend border controls at the internal borders with Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Denmark, Italy and Spain by a further 20 days until 4 May. Further details can be found here. Source: DSLV
On 8 April, the German Federal Ministry of Health issued a regulation banning travellers from entering Germany without a valid reason. The following content replaces the Orders issued by the same Ministry of 2 April. - Provide travellers with a barrier-free version of the information on the risks posed by COVID-19 infection and the possibilities for preventing and combating it. - Keep the data available for up to 30 days after arrival in Germany. This applies in particular to electronically stored data which enable passengers to be identified and located, as well as to passenger lists and seating plans. There are no restrictions on the cross-border movement of goods, regardless of the nationality of the drivers. Source: DSLV
09.04.2020 German Federal states’ exemptions on driving bans concern both Sunday and Public Holidays driving bans. The relevant exemptions granted in the Federal States are available here.
01.04.2020 The State of Bavaria has extended the relieve of the driving ban on Sundays and public holidays for all goods vehicles until 19 April 2020. The State of Hesse has extended the relieve of the driving ban on Sundays and public holidays to all goods vehicles. The relieve applies in Hesse until 30 June 2020. A constantly updated overview of the state regulations can be found here.
24.03.2020 Exemptions from Sunday / holiday driving bans have been updated. The most up to date list can be found here (changes highlighted in italics and in colour). |