Source: European Union/Re-open EU
29.11.2021
EU Digital COVID Certificates
Information on 'EU Digital COVID Certificate' issued in Germany
In Germany, the 'EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC)' is required to access public spaces, public transport, and leisure and cultural facilities. However, Germany's regions can implement specific territorial regulations. Please consult the Measures section for further details. Travellers are strongly advised to carry relevant certificates at all times.
The EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation entered into force on 01 July 2021. EU citizens and residents will now be able to have their Digital COVID Certificates issued and verified across the EU. National authorities are in charge of issuing the certificate.
The certificate provides a standardised recognition of the holder's status related to vaccination, recovery from Covid-19, or test result. Despite the European Digital COVID Certificate, each country continues to be responsible for the definition of its own entry requirements and rules, which are not standardised at the EU level. This means that what is required to enter upon presentation of this certificate, depends on the measures and entry rules in place at your destination.
Find out more:
Information on the "EU Digital COVID Certificate"
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Travel Alert
Due to the spread of a new coronavirus variant in southern Africa, the German government is drastically restricting entry from eight countries in the region: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Eswatini, Malawi and Lesotho. Only German citizens can enter from these countries. Even those who are vaccinated must complete a two-week quarantine on arrival and regardless of their test results.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
All travellers entering Germany must show either a negative COVID test, proof of vaccination, or proof of past infection.
Entry requirements depend on the country of departure according to Germany's national classification of risk areas. Travellers coming from designated risk areas must complete the Digital Registration on Entry form. They must also complete an antigen test (24 hours) or PCR test (72 hours). Certain travellers may need to self-isolate on arrival.
Children below 12 years may end quarantine after 5 days without submitting proof of a negative test result.
Travellers are advised to consult current measures on the Federal Foreign Office website.
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
Travel Alert
Due to the spread of a new coronavirus variant in southern Africa, the German government is drastically restricting entry from eight countries in the region: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Eswatini, Malawi and Lesotho. Only German citizens can enter from these countries. Even those who are vaccinated must complete a two-week quarantine on arrival and regardless of their test results.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
Travellers who hold an 'EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC)' can enter Germany if it contains one of the following:
- proof of vaccination completed 14 days after receiving the full vaccination. Double dose or single dose vaccines authorised by the Paul Erhlich Institut are accepted: Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Oxford-AstraZenica, and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen.
- negative result to a PCR test as defined by the Paul Koch Institut.
- COVID-19 certificate of recovery showing a positive PCR test result carried out at least 28 days but no more than six months previously.
Entry requirements depend on the country of departure according to Germany's national classification of risk areas. Travellers coming from designated risk areas must complete the Digital Registration on Entry form. They must also complete an antigen test (24 hours) or PCR test (72 hours). Certain travellers may need to self-isolate on arrival. Documents proving vaccination, test or recovery must be presented before travellers embark on their journey.
Children below 12 years may end quarantine after 5 days without submitting proof of a negative test result.
Learn more:
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
Travel Alert
Due to the spread of a new coronavirus variant in southern Africa, the German government is drastically restricting entry from eight countries in the region: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Eswatini, Malawi and Lesotho. Only German citizens can enter from these countries. Even those who are vaccinated must complete a two-week quarantine on arrival and regardless of their test results.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
Travellers are required to provide one of the following:
- proof of vaccination completed 14 days after receiving the full vaccination. Double dose or single dose vaccines authorised by the Paul Erhlich Institut are accepted: Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Oxford-AstraZenica, and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen.
- negative result to a PCR test as defined by the Paul Koch Institut.
- COVID-19 certificate of recovery showing a positive PCR test result carried out at least 28 days but no more than six months previously.
Entry requirements depend on the country of departure according to Germany's national classification of risk areas. Travellers coming from designated risk areas must complete the Digital Registration on Entry form. They must also complete an antigen test (24 hours) or PCR test (72 hours). Certain travellers may need to self-isolate on arrival. Documents proving vaccination, test or recovery must be presented before travellers embark on their journey.
Children below 12 years may end quarantine after 5 days without submitting proof of a negative test result.
Learn more:
Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Travel Alert
Due to the spread of a new coronavirus variant in southern Africa, the German government is drastically restricting entry from eight countries in the region: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Eswatini, Malawi and Lesotho. Only German citizens can enter from these countries. Even those who are vaccinated must complete a two-week quarantine on arrival and regardless of their test results.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
Entry requirements depend on the country of departure according to Germany's national classification of risk areas. Travellers coming from a designated risk area must complete the Digital Registration on Entry form. Depending on where they come from, they may be required to take an antigen test (24 hours) or PCR test (72 hours). Certain travellers may need to self-isolate on arrival.
Documents proving vaccination, test or recovery must be presented before travellers embark on their journey:
- proof of vaccination completed 14 days after receiving the full vaccination. Double dose or single dose vaccines authorised by the Paul Erhlich Institut are accepted: Pfizer-BioNtech, Moderna, Oxford-AstraZenica, and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen.
- negative result to a PCR test as defined by the Paul Koch Institut.
- COVID-19 certificate of recovery showing a positive PCR test result carried out at least 28 days but no more than six months previously.
Children below 12 years may end quarantine after 5 days without submitting proof of a negative test result.
Visitors to Germany are reminded to carry their documents with them at all times.
Learn more:
May I transit this country?
PARTIALLY
Transit by land or sea
Transit travellers who are entering Germany and then immediately travel onward to another country do not have to register their entry online.
In the case of border traffic, persons who have spent less than 24 hours in a high incidence area or are only entering Germany for up to 24 hours are exempted from quarantine.
Travellers older than 12 years in transit, coming from a high varient area, are required to present a negative COVID-19 test upon entry. Transit travellers from a high incidence area must provide a negative test result, proof of full vaccination, or proof of recovery.
Transit by air
Travellers passing through airports en route from one Schengen-area destination to another are exempted from testing, proof of vaccination and quarantine. Changing flights without leaving the international transit area of an airport does not constitute entry into Germany for the purposes of the relevant regulation. The rules only apply to travellers arriving from and departing for non-Schengen-area countries.
Travellers who need to leave the international transit area of an airport must follow the rules and produce the necessary documentation.
May I fly to this country?
Due to the spread of a new coronavirus variant in southern Africa, the German government is drastically restricting entry from a total of eight countries in the region: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Eswatini, Malawi and Lesotho. Only Germany citizens can enter from these countries. Travellers arriving from these countries, even those who are vaccinated, must complete a two-week quarantine on arrival regardless of their test results.
You can find the latest information on air travel regulations for this country on the IATA website.
You can also find information about air passenger rights on our portal for citizens.
General measures
Germany's epidemiological situation remains in flux. To cope with the COVID-19 fourth wave, states and regions are adapting their rules on a case-by-case basis. Travellers are advised to consult conditions in the states before thier arrival. Tourist travel is banned in some places. Public fairs and events have been cancelled.
Across Germany, the 2G-rule (vaccinated, recovered) is in effect. In practice this means that all access to public facilities including tourist accommodations, restaurants and bars, cultural institutions and leisure and sports facilities is only possible with proof of full vaccination or past infection; a negative COVID-19 test is considered insufficient.
Use of facemasks
Everybody aged above 6 must wear a face mask when using public transport or in public buildings and shops. Medical masks (surgical masks, KN95, or FFP2 masks) are required. Face masks should also be worn in places where social distance rules (1.5 meters) cannot be kept. Mask wearing is obligatory in schools for pupils from the seventh grade (12-13 years) upwards.
Physical Distancing
The 2G-rule is in effect. In public, wherever possible, a minimum distance of 1.5 meters from others should be observed.
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
The 2G-rule is in effect. Personal contacts between households must be kept to a minimum. Each federal state can set specific rules for the maximum number of people allowed to meet together, with different limits applicable to indoor and outdoor spaces.
Safety measures for public transportation
The 2G-rule is in effect. Everyone aged above 6 is required to wear a medical mask (surgical masks or KN95 or FFP2 masks).
Places of worship
The 2G-rule is in effect. Church services are permitted but are subject to strict conditions such as social distancing. Masks are mandatory and singing is not allowed.
Quarantine
Travellers who have visited an area of high risk/variant concern in the last ten days must proceed to their destination and self-isolate for 10-14 days. Exemptions are made for passengers in transit either to Germany or to the area of concern.
Children below 12 years can leave quarantine after 5 days.
Learn more:
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
The 2G-rule is in effect. Details on restrictions are the responsibility of state and regional governments.
Learn more:
Tourist accommodations
The 2G-rule is in effect. Details on restrictions are the responsibility of state and regional governments.
Learn more:
Catering establishments
The 2G-rule is in effect. Details on restrictions are the responsibility of state and regional governments.
Learn more:
Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
The 2G-rule is in effect. Details on restrictions are the responsibility of state and regional governments.
Learn more:
Personal care services
The 2G-rule is in effect. Details on restrictions are the responsibility of state and regional governments.
Learn more:
Outdoors areas and beaches
The 2G-rule is in effect. Details on restrictions are the responsibility of state and regional governments.
Learn more:
Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
The 2G-rule is in effect. Details on restrictions are the responsibility of state and regional governments.
Learn more:
Information on Tourism at National level
National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM
www.corona-navigator.de
https://www.germany.travel/de/trade/trade-home/trade.html
https://www.germany.travel/en/info/sars-cov-2.html
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
24.08.2021
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
All travellers entering Germany have to provide a negative test result, proof of full vaccination, or proof of recovery, independent from where they arrive.
Travellers entering Germany, who have been in a risk area at any time within the last 10 days before entry, are obliged to register at www.einreiseanmeldung.de. If in exceptional cases, it is not possible to complete a digital entry registration, travellers must fill out registration on paper.
Travellers who spent time in area of variants of concern must, as a rule, already carry with them a negative test result upon entry, independent from proof of vaccination and recovery. Without such proof, travel is not possible.
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
Overview - general information:
Germany classifies areas as: "high incidence" or "virus variant" areas. The website of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) shows which country falls into which category.
All travellers entering Germany have to provide a negative test result or proof of full vaccination, or proof of recovery, independent from where they arrive.
Children under 12 years old are exempted from testing requirements. Details on the recognition of tests are provided by the Robert Koch Institute.
Documentation must be provided in German, English, French, Italian or Spanish.
Information on entry rules for Germany is available at: auswaertiges-amt.de
From "high-incidence areas":
Travellers who - in the last 10 days - have stayed in a high-incidence area must self-isolate until they submit to the digital registration on entry either:
- proof of vaccination against COVID-19
Accepted vaccines: all those listed on the website of the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut. At least 14 days must have elapsed since the second dose of the vaccine dose (or single dose for Johnson&Johnson); - proof of recovery from COVID-19, certified by a positive PCR test result carried out at least 28 days before, and not older than 6 months;
- a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival (or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival). In this case, the 10-day quarantine period may be ended on the basis of a negative test carried out no earlier than 5 days after entry. For children under 12 years self-isolation ends automatically after 5 days.
The proof must be held prior to entering the country, and without such proof carriage is not possible.
Exemptions apply, in particular to persons who have passed through a high incidence area without a stopover, or those passing through Germany via the fastest route available.
From "virus variant areas":
Travellers who - in the last 10 days - have stayed in an area of variant of concern are subject to a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hoursprior to arrival (or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to arrival) and must self-isolate for 14 days after arrival.
From areas of variants of concern, a reduction of the quarantine period is not possible, and a ban on carriage applies to the transport or persons from those countries into Germany by rail, bus, ship, or plane.
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
Overview - general information:
Germany classifies areas as: "high incidence" or "virus variant", areas. The website of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) shows which country falls into which category.
All travellers entering Germany have to provide a negative test result or proof of full vaccination, or proof of recovery, independent from where they arrive.
Children under 12 years old are exempted from testing requirements. Details on the recognition of tests are provided by the Robert Koch Institute.
Documentation must be provided in German, English, French, Italian or Spanish.
Information on entry rules for Germany is available at: auswaertiges-amt.de
From "high-incidence areas":
Travellers who - in the last 10 days - have stayed in a high-incidence area must self-isolate until they submit to the digital registration on entry either:
- proof of vaccination against COVID-19
Accepted vaccines: all those listed on the website of the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut. At least 14 days must have elapsed since the second dose of the vaccine dose (or single dose for Johnson&Johnson); - proof of recovery from COVID-19, certified by a positive PCR test result carried out at least 28 days before, and not older than 6 months;
- a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival (or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival). In this case, the 10-day quarantine period may be ended on the basis of a negative test carried out no earlier than 5 days after entry. For children under 12 years self-isolation ends automatically after 5 days.
The proof must be held prior to entering the country, and without such proof carriage is not possible.
Exemptions apply, in particular to persons who have passed through a high incidence area without a stopover, or those passing through Germany via the fastest route available.
From "virus variant areas":
Travellers who - in the last 10 days - have stayed in an area of variant of concern are subject to a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival (or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to arrival) and must self-isolate for 14 days after arrival.
From areas of variants of concern, a reduction of the quarantine period is not possible, and a ban on carriage applies to the transport or persons from those countries into Germany by rail, bus, ship, or plane.
Find out more:
Federal Foreign Office
Ministry of Health
Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays
Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Residents of one of the countries listed at BMI (bund.de) are allowed to enter Germany also for non-essential purposes like tourism, regardless of their vaccination status. However, proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result is still required for entry via air travel.
Residents of other non-EU countries are only permitted to enter Germany if they have an urgent need to travel or if they are fully vaccinated. A person is considered a resident of a country if they have their domicile or habitual residence there.
German citizens, citizens of EU Member States or Schengen Associated countries, and their family members are exempted from travel restrictions. The same applies to third-country nationals who have a long-term right of residence in an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country (residence permit or long-term visa), and to members of their family.
First-time entry by citizens of non-EU countries, however, is only permitted if they demonstrate that one of the exceptions to the entry restrictions applies to them.
Starting from 25 June 2021, fully vaccinated travellers from third-country (with the exclusion of those arriving from "virus variant areas") are eligible to enter Germany, even for non-essential purposes like tourism, if 14 days have elapsed since the second dose of a Coronavirus vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (or single dose for Janssen/Johnson&Johnson). The vaccines approved by EMA are Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Janssen.
Travellers reaching the country by plane will have to prove their vaccinated status.
The proof of vaccination should be an "EU Digital COVID certificate" or a comparable certificate issued by the travellers’ country of residence, either in German, English, French, Italian or Spanish.
For all persons residing in a third country that is not mentioned above, restrictions on travel continue to apply and these persons may enter Germany only for urgent reasons.
Unmarried couples
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 previously 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 of 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:
Federal Foreign Office
Ministry of Health (in German)
May I transit this country?
Partially
Transit by land or sea
Transit travellers who are entering Germany and then immediately traveling onward to another country do not have to register their entry online.
In the case of border traffic, persons who have spent less than 24 hours in a high incidence area or are only entering Germany for a period of up to 24 hours, are exempted from the quarantine requirement.
Proof of transit or a stay of maximum 24 hours is required.
Travellers older than 12 years in transit, coming from a virus variant area, are required to present a negative COVID-19 test upon entry. Transit travellers from a high incidence area must provide a negative test result or proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery.
Transit by air
Changing flights without leaving the international transit area of an airport does not constitute an entry into Germany for the purposes of the relevant regulation. In these cases the digital entry registration, requirements for mandatory testing or providing proof of vaccination, quarantine regulations and travel bans from countries affected by coronavirus variants do not apply. This only affects travels from a destination outside the Schengen area and with a destination outside Schengen area – for example from Moscow (outside Schengen) via Frankfurt (transit) to Buenos Aires (outside Schengen).
When travelling from or to the Schengen area you will need to leave the international transit area of an airport – for example when travelling from Moscow (outside Schengen) via Frankfurt (transit) to Madrid (Schengen area) or the other way. Therefore, these travels do constitute an entry to Germany and the selected requirements for entry, regarding testing proof, proof of recovery, or proof of full vaccination, must be folowed.
General measures
A nationwide rule is in effect that requires one of the following in order to access a wide range of indoor facilities: proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from the virus or a negative test (a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours or a PCR test taken within 48 hours). This applies to visits to indoor facilities including hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants and catering establishments, hotels and tourist accommodation, events and attractions, sports activities and personal care facilities such as hairdressers.
Federal states can decide to relax these restrictions in districts with a low number of infections (7-day incidence below 35 per 100,000 inhabitants).
Specific regulations for each federal state are available at the Federal Tourism Competence Centre.
Current curfews and contact restrictions do not apply to fully vaccinated (people who have received the final vaccine dose at least 14 days ago) and to anyone who has recovered from COVID-19 between 28 days and 6 months ago (and has a PCR test to prove it). This includes the lifting of restrictions on private meetings between eligible people. In shops, they will be treated the same as people who have tested negative.
Use of facemasks
Everybody aged above 6 must wear a face mask in public transport, public buildings and shops. Medical masks (surgical masks, 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 Distancing
In public, wherever possible, a minimum distance of 1.5 metres from others should be kept.
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
Personal contacts between households must kept to a minimum.
Each federal state can set specific rules for the maximum number of people that are allowed to meet together, with different limits applicable to indoor and outdoor spaces.
Safety measures for public transportation
Everyone aged above 6 is required to wear a medical mask (surgical masks or KN95 or FFP2 masks).
Places of worship
Worship services are permitted, but subject to conditions such as distance, mandatory masks and no singing allowed.
Non-essential (other than medicine and food) shops
Retail stores, with the exception of grocery stores and shops to meet daily needs, are closed. Book shops, garden centers and flowers shops can open. In areas where the infection rate is between 50 and 100 infections per 100 000 inhabitants in seven days, more shops are allowed to open, although under strict conditions (reserved time slot). All customers should wear medical masks (surgical masks or KN95 or FFP2 masks).
Tourist accommodations
Details on the current restrictions in each federal state are available on the tourism guide
Catering establishments
Details on the current restrictions in each federal state are available on the tourism guide
Cinemas, museums and indoor attractions
In areas where the infection rate is beteween 50 and 100 infections per 100 000 inhabitants in seven days, museums, galeries and zoos can open under strict conditions (reservation, time slot, documentation). If the infection rate drops below 50 infections per 100 000 inhabitants in seven days, museums, galeries, and zoos can open with less restrictions.
Personal care services
Several personal care services, such as hairdressers and podriatic care services, can open under strict conditions. For some services a negative test result for COVID-19 infection is required.
Health protocols for tourism services and tourists
The following measures are recommended for all transport modes:
- Obligation to wear a mask covering mouth and nose from the age of six years on all means of transport as well as in closed terminals.
- Observence of distance rules, keeping 1.5 metres distance wherever possible
- Intensification of cleaning services in the transport means
- Ensuring an adequate air circulation in the transport means
- Information and awareness campaigns concerning recommended behaviour in the public space and transport means.
National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM
www.corona-navigator.de
https://www.germany.travel/de/trade/trade-home/trade.html
https://www.germany.travel/en/info/sars-cov-2.html
__________________________________________________________________________________
19.07.2021
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Travellers entering Germany, who have been in a risk area at any time within the last 10 days before entry, are obliged to register at www.einreiseanmeldung.de. If in exceptional cases, it is not possible to complete a digital entry registration, travellers must fill out registration on paper.
Travellers who spent time in a high-incidence area or area of variants of concern must, as a rule, already carry with them a negative test result upon entry. Travellers who spent time in a high-incidence area must also present proof of full vaccination or of recovery. Without such proof, travel is not possible.
Travellers who enter Germany following a stay in a basic risk area, must be in possession of a negative test result or proof of full vaccination, or proof of recovery within 48 hours of entry. The proof must be uploaded via the travel portal at the digital registration for entry.
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
Information on entry rules for Germany is available at: auswaertiges-amt.de
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
Germany classifies areas as: "virus variant", "high incidence", or "risk" area. The website of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) shows which country falls into which category.
The entry rule is based on the country from which the traveller is coming from, and not on nationality.
Children under 6 years old are exempted from testing requirements. Details on the recognition of tests are provided by the Robert Koch Institute.
Documentation must be provided in German, English, French, Italian or Spanish.
Overview - general information: Travellers who - in the last 10 days - have stayed in a risk area or area of variants of concern must, as a rule, already carry with them a negative test result on entry. Travellers who spent time in a high-incidence area must also present proof of full vaccination or proof of recovery.
In lack of submission of the proof, the mandatory self-isolation period is 10 days.
From "risk areas":
Travellers who enter Germany following a stay in a basic risk area, must be in possession of a negative test result, or proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery, within 48 hours of entry. The proof must be uploaded via the travel portal at the digital registration on entry. (www.einreiseanmeldung.de)
From "high-incidence areas":
Travellers who - in the last 10 days - have stayed in a high-incidence area must self-isolate until they submit to the digital registration on entry either:
- proof of vaccination against COVID-19
Accepted vaccines: all those listed on the website of the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut. At least 14 days must have elapsed since the second dose of the vaccine dose (or single dose for Johnson&Johnson); - proof of recovery from COVID-19, certified by a positive PCR test result carried out at least 28 days before, and not older than 6 months;
- a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival (or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival). In this case, the 10-day quarantine period may be ended on the basis of a negative test carried out no earlier than 5 days after entry.
The proof must be held prior to entering the country, and without such proof carriage is not possible.
Exemptions apply, in particular to persons who have passed through a high incidence area without a stopover, or those passing through Germany via the fastest route available.
From "areas of variant of concern":
Travellers who - in the last 10 days - have stayed in an area of variant of concern are subject to a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival (or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to arrival) and must self-isolate for 14 days after arrival.
From areas of variants of concern, a reduction of the quarantine period is not possible, and a ban on carriage applies to the transport or persons from those countries into Germany by rail, bus, ship, or plane.
Find out more:
Federal Foreign Office
Ministry of Health
Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Residents of one of the countries listed at BMI (bund.de) are allowed to enter Germany also for non-essential purposes like tourism, regardless of their vaccination status. However, proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result is still required for entry via air travel.
Residents of other non-EU countries are only permitted to enter Germany if they have an urgent need to travel or if they are fully vaccinated. A person is considered a resident of a country if they have their domicile or habitual residence there.
German citizens, citizens of EU Member States or Schengen Associated countries, and their family members are exempted from travel restrictions. The same applies to third-country nationals who have a long-term right of residence in an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country (residence permit or long-term visa), and to members of their family.
First-time entry by citizens of non-EU countries, however, is only permitted if they demonstrate that one of the exceptions to the entry restrictions applies to them.
Starting from 25 June 2021, fully vaccinated travellers from third-country (with the exclusion of those arriving from "virus variant areas") are eligible to enter Germany, even for non-essential purposes like tourism, if 14 days have elapsed since the second dose of a Coronavirus vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (or single dose for Janssen/Johnson&Johnson). The vaccines approved by EMA are Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Janssen.
Travellers reaching the country by plane will have to prove their vaccinated status.
The proof of vaccination should be an "EU Digital COVID certificate" or a comparable certificate issued by the travellers’ country of residence, either in German, English, French, Italian or Spanish.
For all persons residing in a third country that is not mentioned above, restrictions on travel continue to apply and these persons may enter Germany only for urgent reasons.
Unmarried couples
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 previously 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 of 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:
Federal Foreign Office
Ministry of Health (in German)
May I transit this country?
Partially
Transit by land or sea
Transit travellers who are entering Germany and then immediately traveling onward to another country do not have to register their entry online.
In the case of border traffic, persons who have spent less than 24 hours in a risk area or are only entering Germany for a period of up to 24 hours, are exempted from the quarantine requirement.
Travellers older than 6 years in transit, coming from a virus variant area, are required to present a negative COVID-19 test upon entry. Transit travellers from a high incidence area or any other area are not subject to the COVID-19 test requirement.
Transit by air
Changing flights without leaving the international transit area of an airport does not constitute an entry into Germany for the purposes of the relevant regulation. In these cases the digital entry registration, requirements for mandatory testing or providing proof of vaccination, quarantine regulations and travel bans from countries affected by coronavirus variants do not apply. This only affects travels from a destination outside the Schengen area and with a destination outside Schengen area – for example from Moscow (outside Schengen) via Frankfurt (transit) to Buenos Aires (outside Schengen).
When travelling from or to the Schengen area you will need to leave the international transit area of an airport – for example when travelling from Moscow (outside Schengen) via Frankfurt (transit) to Madrid (Schengen area) or the other way. Therefore these travels do constitute an entry to Germany and the requirements detailed below must be observed.
Travellers aged 6 years or older must hold proof of the following:
- Following a stay in an area of variant of concern in the last 10 days: a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 48 hours before arrival. This proof must be held prior to entering the country, and must be presented to the airline before departure;
- Following a stay in a high incidence area in the last 10 days: a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 48 hours before arrival, proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination or proof of recovery from an infection. This proof must be held prior to entering the country, and must be presented to the airline before departure;
- For arrivals by air without prior stays in high incidence areas or areas of variant of concern: a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 48 hours before arrival, proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination or proof of recovery from an infection. This proof must be held prior to entering the country, and must be presented to the airline before departure;
- Following a stay in a risk area (not an area of variant of concern or a high incidence area): a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 48 hours before arrival or proof of vaccination or recovery from an infection. This proof must be presented no later than 48 hours after entry.
- A digital entry registration
The testing obligations also apply to passengers with a connecting flight in Frankfurt or Munich. There are no exceptions to the testing obligation for transit passengers - even if they do not leave the transit area in Frankfurt or Munich.
Find out more:
Coronavirus and entry restrictions
information (in German)
General measures
A so-called "emergency brake" is automatically activated if the number of new infections in a district or city exceeds 100 per 100,000 inhabitants for 3 days in a row. In such case, the following restrictions will apply:
- Overnight curfew from 22:00 to 05:00;
- A jog or a walk would be allowed until midnight;
- Schools should close and switch to online learning when the incidence rate reaches 165 in 100,000 people;
- Non-essential shops will be allowed "click-and-collect" operations if the incidence rate is between 100 and 150;
- Sport must be limited to members of a household or in pairs if the incidence rate reaches 100;
- Children under 14 can still play sport in small groups
Specific regulations for each federal state are available at the Federal Tourism Competence Centre.
Current curfews and contact restrictions do not apply to fully vaccinated (people who have received the final vaccine dose at least 14 days ago) and to anyone who has recovered from COVID-19 between 28 days and 6 months ago (and has a PCR test to prove it). This includes the lifting of restrictions on private meetings between eligible people. In shops, they will be treated the same as people who have tested negative.
Use of facemasks
Everybody aged above 6 must wear a face mask in public transport, public buildings and shops. Medical masks (surgical masks, 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 Distancing
In public, wherever possible, a minimum distance of 1.5 metres from others should be kept.
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
Personal contacts between households must be restricted to an “absolute minimum”. Meetings beyond one's own household are restricted. Private meetings with a maximum of 5 people from two different households are allowed (children under 14 years old excluded).
Each federal state can set specific rules for the maximum number of people that are allowed to meet together, with different limits applicable to indoor and outdoor spaces.
Information on Tourism at National level
National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM
www.corona-navigator.de
https://www.germany.travel/de/trade/trade-home/trade.html
https://www.germany.travel/en/info/sars-cov-2.html
Useful Info for tourists
Before starting your journey, please check visa requirements for your destination at: The Schengen visa
This country is already connected to the Gateway and is issuing and/or verifying at least one EU Digital COVID Certificate (Vaccination, Recovery, Test)
Information on "EU Digital COVID Certificates" issued in Germany
_________
The EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation entered into force on 01 July 2021. EU citizens and residents will now be able to have their Digital COVID Certificates issued and verified across the EU. National authorities are in charge of issuing the certificate.
The certificate provides a standardised recognition of the holder's status related to vaccination, recovery from Covid-19, or test result. Despite the European Digital COVID Certificate, each country continues to be responsible for the definition of its own entry requirements and rules, which are not standardised at the EU level. This means that what is required to enter upon presentation of this certificate, depends on the measures and entry rules in place at your destination.
Find out more:
Information on the "EU Digital COVID Certificate"
Further information: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/DEU/7011
__________________________________________________________________________________
18.06.2021
What are the rules to enter this country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Entering this country with the EU Digital COVID certificate
Information not yet available.
Entering this country without the EU Digital COVID certificate or with a certificate not compliant with national requirements
Germany classifies areas as: "virus variant", "high incidence", or "risk" area. The website of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) shows which country falls into which category.
The entry rule is based on the country from which the traveller is coming from, and not on nationality.
Children under 6 years old are exempted from testing requirements. Details on the recognition of tests are provided by the Robert Koch Institute.
Documentation must be provided in German, English, French, Italian or Spanish.
Persons entering Germany following a stay in a "risk" or "high incidence" area (but not an "area of variant of concern") are exempt from registering at www.einreiseanmeldung.de for stays of less than 72 hours to visit close relatives (parents, children), spouses and partners who do not belong to the same household, or for the purpose of shared custody.
From "risk areas":
Travellers who - in the last 10 days - have stayed in a risk area must self-isolate until they submit to www.einreiseanmeldung.de either:
- proof of vaccination against COVID-19
Accepted vaccines: all those listed on the website of the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut. At least 14 days must have elapsed since the second dose of the vaccine dose (or single dose for Johnson&Johnson); - proof of recovery from COVID-19, certified by a positive PCR test result carried out at least 28 days before, and not older than 6 months;
- a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival (or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival).
The proof must be presented to the airline before departure (for arrivals by air) or no later than 48 hours after entry (for arrivals by land or sea). In lack of submission of the proof, the mandatory self-isolation period is 10 days.
From "high-incidence areas":
Travellers who - in the last 10 days - have stayed in a high-incidence area must self-isolate until they submit to www.einreiseanmeldung.de either:
- proof of vaccination against COVID-19
Accepted vaccines: all those listed on the website of the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut. At least 14 days must have elapsed since the second dose of the vaccine dose (or single dose for Johnson&Johnson); - proof of recovery from COVID-19, certified by a positive PCR test result carried out at least 28 days before, and not older than 6 months;
- a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival (or a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival). In this case, the 10-day quarantine period may be ended on the basis of a negative test carried out no earlier than 5 days after entry.
The proof must be held prior to entering the country, and must be presented to the airline before departure. In lack of submission of the proof, the mandatory self-isolation period is 10 days.
Exemptions apply, in particular to persons who have passed through a high incidence area without a stopover, or those passing through Germany via the fastest route available.
From "areas of variant of concern":
Travellers who - in the last 10 days - have stayed in an area of variant of concern are subject to a pre-departure negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival (or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to arrival) and must self-isolate for 14 days after arrival.
From areas of variant of concern, a reduction of the quarantine period is not possible.
Mandatory travel documentation
Travellers entering Germany, who have been in a risk area at any time within the last 10 days before entry, are obliged to register at www.einreiseanmeldung.de. If, in exceptional cases, it is not possible to complete a digital entry registration, travellers must fill out a registration on paper.
Find out more:
Federal Foreign Office
Ministry of Health
Documents you need to travel in Europe
Health cover for temporary stays
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Residents of the following third countries can enter Germany without restrictions: Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand.
Upon confirmation of mutual entry possibilities, the list will also include: China, Hong Kong and Macao.
For all persons residing in a third country that is not mentioned above, restrictions on travel continue to apply and these persons may enter Germany only for urgent reasons.
Such restrictions do not apply to German citizens. Citizens of EU Member States or Schengen Associated countries, and their family members, are also exempted from travel restrictions. The same applies to third-country nationals who already have a long-term right of residence in an EU member state or a Schengen country (residence permit or long-term visa), and to members of their family.
Unmarried couples
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 previously 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:
More information is available at the Federal Foreign Office website and the Ministry of Health (in German).
May I transit this country?
PARTIALLY
Transit by land or sea
Transit travellers who are entering Germany and then immediately traveling onward to another country do not have to register their entry online.
In the case of border traffic, persons who have spent less than 24 hours in a risk area or are only entering Germany for a period of up to 24 hours, are exempted from the quarantine requirement.
Travellers older than 6 years in transit, coming from a virus variant area, are required to present a negative COVID-19 test upon entry. Transit travellers from a high incidence area or any other area are not subject to the COVID-19 test requirement.
Transit by air
Changing flights without leaving the international transit area of an airport does not constitute an entry into Germany for the purposes of the relevant regulation. In these cases the digital entry registration, requirements for mandatory testing or providing proof of vaccination, quarantine regulations and travel bans from countries affected by coronavirus variants do not apply. This only affects travels from a destination outside the Schengen area and with a destination outside Schengen area – for example from Moscow (outside Schengen) via Frankfurt (transit) to Buenos Aires (outside Schengen).
When travelling from or to the Schengen area you will need to leave the international transit area of an airport – for example when travelling from Moscow (outside Schengen) via Frankfurt (transit) to Madrid (Schengen area) or the other way. Therefore these travels do constitute an entry to Germany and the requirements detailed below must be observed.
Travellers aged 6 years or older must hold proof of the following:
- Following a stay in an area of variant of concern in the last 10 days: a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 48 hours before arrival. This proof must be held prior to entering the country, and must be presented to the airline before departure;
- Following a stay in a high incidence area in the last 10 days: a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 48 hours before arrival, proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination or proof of recovery from an infection. This proof must be held prior to entering the country, and must be presented to the airline before departure;
- For arrivals by air without prior stays in high incidence areas or areas of variant of concern: a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 48 hours before arrival, proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination or proof of recovery from an infection. This proof must be held prior to entering the country, and must be presented to the airline before departure;
- Following a stay in a risk area (not an area of variant of concern or a high incidence area): a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 48 hours before arrival or proof of vaccination or recovery from an infection. This proof must be presented no later than 48 hours after entry.
- A digital entry registration
The testing obligations also apply to passengers with a connecting flight in Frankfurt or Munich. There are no exceptions to the testing obligation for transit passengers - even if they do not leave the transit area in Frankfurt or Munich.
General measures
As of 24 April, a new Infection Protection Act comes into force.
A so-called "emergency brake" is automatically activated if the number of new infections in a district or city exceeds 100 per 100,000 inhabitants for 3 days in a row. In such case, the following restrictions will apply:
- Overnight curfew from 22:00 to 05:00;
- A jog or a walk would be allowed until midnight;
- Schools should close and switch to online learning when the incidence rate reaches 165 in 100,000 people;
- Non-essential shops will be allowed "click-and-collect" operations if the incidence rate is between 100 and 150;
- Sport must be limited to members of a household or in pairs if the incidence rate reaches 100;
- Children under 14 can still play sport in small groups
Specific regulations for each federal state are available at the Federal Tourism Competence Centre.
Current curfews and contact restrictions do not apply to fully vaccinated (people who have received the final vaccine dose at least 14 days ago) and to anyone who has recovered from COVID-19 between 28 days and 6 months ago (and has a PCR test to prove it). This includes the lifting of restrictions on private meetings between eligible people. In shops, they will be treated the same as people who have tested negative.
Use of facemasks
Everybody aged above 6 must wear a face mask in public transport, public buildings and shops. Medical masks (surgical masks, 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 Distancing
In public, wherever possible, a minimum distance of 1.5 metres from others should be kept.
Indoor and outdoor meetings, public or private gatherings and events
Personal contacts between households must be restricted to an “absolute minimum”. Meetings beyond one's own household are restricted. Private meetings with a maximum of 5 people from two different households are allowed (children under 14 years old excluded).
Each federal state can set specific rules for the maximum number of people that are allowed to meet together, with different limits applicable to indoor and outdoor spaces.
Information on Tourism at National level
National website with coronavirus-related information for TOURISM
www.corona-navigator.de
https://www.germany.travel/de/trade/trade-home/trade.html
https://www.germany.travel/en/info/sars-cov-2.html
EU Digital COVID Certificates
THIS COUNTRY IS ALREADY CONNECTED TO THE GATEWAY AND IS ISSUING AND/OR VERIFYING AT LEAST ONE EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE (VACCINATION, RECOVERY, TEST)
Information on "EU Digital COVID Certificates" issued in Germany
_________
The EU Digital COVID Certificate (available from 1 July 2021) provides proof that a person has either:
- been vaccinated against COVID-19 (vaccine type and manufacturer, number of doses, date of vaccination);
- received a negative test result, PCR or rapid antigen, with the name of the test, date and time of test, test centre and result (self-tests are not valid);
- recovered from COVID-19.
When travelling, holders of the EU Digital COVID Certificate will have the same rights as citizens of the visited Member State who have been vaccinated, tested or recovered.
The certificate provides a standardised recognition of the holder's status related to vaccination, recovery from COVID or test result. Each country continues to be responsible for the definition of its own entry requirements and rules, which are not standardised at the EU level. This means that what you will be eligible for, upon presentation of this certificate, depends on the measures and entry rules in place at your country of destination.
How does it work:
- Member States issue a certificate automatically or upon request, which is issued either digitally or on paper, and has a QR code with an electronic signature;
- Citizens store the certificate in their digital app or wallet and can use it when they travel;
- When the verifier asks the citizen for the certificate, the QR code is shown and the digital signature is verified.
Find out more:
Information on the EU Digital COVID Certificate
Press Release
Questions & Answers
Factsheet
04.05.2021
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
NO
Germany is implementing travel restrictions on the basis of the information underpinning the EU "traffic lights" approach, which applies to EU and EEA countries.
Risk areas are defined as 'virus variant area', 'high incidence area', or 'risk area'. The website of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) shows which country falls into which category.
The entry rule is based on the country from which the traveller is coming from, and not on nationality.
Is a coronavirus test required?
All travellers by air are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test.
The test must be taken within 48 hours prior to arrival.
Accepted tests: PCR, TMA, LAMP, rapid antigen. Antibody tests are not accepted.
Children aged 5 and under are exempted.
- The test result has to be available as a printout or in electronic form;
- The certificate needs to be personalised (including name, address, date of birth of the person tested);
- It has to be available in the German, English or French language;
- The proof must include the test method and the test result;
- The test result needs to be validated by a physician or a recognised laboratory.
Travellers from 'new variant areas' and 'high incidence' areas are subject to stricter rules. Anyone who has been in one of these areas in the 10 days before entry is obliged to provide proof of a negative test result or corresponding medical certificate, upon entry. The test performed must meet the requirements stated at https://www.rki.de/tests.
Is a quarantine required?
Travellers who have stayed in a 'risk area' within 10 days before entry must complete a 10-day quarantine upon arrival in Germany.
The quarantine period may be shortened by taking a second PCR test no less than 5 days after arrival. If the result of this test is negative, the period of quarantine can end.
Certain groups of people are exempt from the quarantine obligation. For more information on quarantine regulations and possible exemptions, please contact the respective federal state. Regulations of the respective federal states are available at the following website.
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, go into quarantine. If in exceptional cases, it is not possible to complete a digital entry registration, travellers must instead fill out a 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
Health cover for temporary stays
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Residents of the following third countries can enter Germany without restrictions: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand.
Upon confirmation of mutual entry possibilities, the list will also include: China, Hong Kong and Macao.
For all persons residing in a third country that is not mentioned above, restrictions on travel continue to apply and these persons may enter Germany only for urgent reasons.
Such restrictions do not apply to German citizens. Citizens of EU Member States or Schengen Associated countries, and their family members, are also exempted from travel restrictions. The same applies to third-country nationals who already have a long-term right of residence in an EU member state or a Schengen country (residence permit or long-term visa), and to members of their family.
Unmarried couples
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 previously 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:
More information is available at the Federal Foreign Office website and the Ministry of Health (in German).
May I transit this country?
YES
As a general rule, passengers in transit in the EU+ area are exempted from temporary travel restrictions.
EU citizens entering the EU from a third country, as well as their family members, irrespective of their nationality, are exempted from the travel restrictions regardless of whether or not they are returning to their country of nationality or residence.
Passengers travelling from a non-EU country to another non-EU country may transit through the international transit area of airports located in the Schengen area. Rules regarding airport transit visa requirements continue to apply.
Additionally, for Germany, the following rules apply:
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:
- 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 I or 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 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.
Tthird-country nationals may enter Germany to travel to a third country if the following conditions are met:
- 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, if applicable.
The third-country national must provide evidence on the 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.
The latest information in German
General measures
As of 24 April, a new Infection Protection Act comes into force.
A so-called "emergency brake" is automatically activated if the number of new infections in a district or city exceeds 100 per 100,000 inhabitants for 3 days in a row. In such case, the following restrictions will apply:
- Overnight curfew from 22:00 to 05:00;
- A jog or a walk would be allowed until midnight;
- Schools should close and switch to online learning when the incidence rate reaches 165 in 100,000 people;
- Non-essential shops will be allowed "click-and-collect" operations if the incidence rate is between 100 and 150;
- Sport must be limited to members of a household or in pairs if the incidence rate reaches 100;
- Children under 14 can still play sport in small groups
Specific regulations for each federal state are available at the Federal Tourism Competence Centre.
Use of facemasks
Everybody aged above 6 must wear a face mask in public transport, public buildings and shops. Medical masks (surgical masks, 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 Distancing
In public, wherever possible, a minimum distance of 1.5 metres from others should be kept.
Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/DEU/7001
31.03.2021
From an EU Member State or Schengen Associated Country, may I enter this country without being subject to extraordinary restrictions?
NO
Germany is implementing the commonly agreed EU "traffic lights" approach to travel restrictions, which applies to EU and EEA countries.
Risk areas are defined as 'virus variant area', 'high incidence area', or 'risk area'. The website of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) shows which country falls into which category.
The entry rule is based on the country from which the traveller is coming from, and not on nationality.
Is a coronavirus test required?
As of 00:00 on Tuesday, 30 March, all travellers by air are subject to the requirement for a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test.
The test must be taken within 48 hours prior to arrival.
Accepted tests: PCR, TMA, LAMP, rapid antigen. Antibody tests are not accepted.
Children aged 5 and under are exempted.
- The test result has to be available as a printout or in electronic form;
- The certificate needs to be personalised (including name, address, date of birth of the person tested);
- It has to be available in the German, English or French language;
- The proof must include the test method and the test result;
- The test result needs to be validated by a physician or a recognised laboratory.
Travellers from 'new variant areas' and 'high incidence' areas are subject to stricter rules. Anyone who has been in one of these areas in the 10 days before entry is obliged to provide proof of a negative test result or corresponding medical certificate, upon entry. The test performed must meet the requirements stated at https://www.rki.de/tests.
Is a quarantine required?
Travellers who have stayed in a 'risk area' within 10 days before entry must complete a 10-day quarantine upon arrival in Germany.
The quarantine period may be shortened by taking a second PCR test no less than 5 days after arrival. If the result of this test is negative, the period of quarantine can end.
Certain groups of people are exempt from the quarantine obligation. For more information on quarantine regulations and possible exemptions, please contact the respective federal state. Regulations of the respective federal states are available at the following website.
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, go into quarantine. If in exceptional cases, it is not possible to complete a digital entry registration, travellers must instead fill out a 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?
Residents of the following third countries can enter Germany without restrictions: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand.
Upon confirmation of mutual entry possibilities, the list will also include: China, Hong Kong and Macao.
For all persons residing in a third country that is not mentioned above, restrictions on travel continue to apply and these persons may enter Germany only for urgent reasons.
Such restrictions do not apply to German citizens. Citizens of EU Member States or Schengen Associated countries, and their family members, are also exempted from travel restrictions. The same applies to third-country nationals who already have a long-term right of residence in an EU member state or a Schengen country (residence permit or long-term visa), and to members of their family.
Unmarried couples
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 previously 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:
More information is available at the Federal Foreign Office website and the Ministry of Health (in German).
May I transit this country?
YES
As a general rule, passengers in transit in the EU+ area are exempted from temporary travel restrictions.
EU citizens entering the EU from a third country, as well as their family members, irrespective of their nationality, are exempted from the travel restrictions regardless of whether or not they are returning to their country of nationality or residence.
Passengers travelling from a non-EU country to another non-EU country may transit through the international transit area of airports located in the Schengen area. Rules regarding airport transit visa requirements continue to apply.
Additionally, for Germany, the following rules apply:
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:
- 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 I or 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 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.
Tthird-country nationals may enter Germany to travel to a third country if the following conditions are met:
- 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, if applicable.
The third-country national must provide evidence on the 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.
The latest information in German
May I enter this country by road transport?
PARTIALLY
Internal border controls with the Tyrol region in Austria and the Moselle region in France are reinforced. Travellers need to declare their entry and present a certified negative coronavirus test from the last 48 hours, this also applies to transit journeys. (German nationals and residents are exempt). These measures are currently in place until the end of March.
Driving abroad
General measures
Specific regulations for each federal state are available at the Federal Tourism Competence Centre.
Health cover for temporary stays
Use of facemasks
Everybody aged above 6 must wear a face mask in public transport, public buildings and shops. Medical masks (surgical masks, 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 Distancing
In public, wherever possible, a minimum distance of 1.5 metres from others should be kept.
Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/DEU/7001
22.03.2021
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 'virus variant area', a 'high incidence area', or a 'risk area' by the Robert Koch Institute. Entry restrictions differ per type of area.
The entry rule is based on the country from which the traveller is coming from, and not on nationality.
Is a coronavirus test required?
Travellers from 'new variant areas' and 'high incidence' areas, are subject to stricter rules. Anyone who has been in one of these areas in the 10 days before entry is obliged to provide proof (negative test result or corresponding medical certificate), upon entry, confirming the absence of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, and to present it to the competent authority. This test must have been carried out at the earliest 48 hours before entry. If travelling by a carrier, proof must also be presented to the carrier before departure. Proof may also be required during checks by the Federal Police. If the traveller can't obtain proof in the 'new variant area' or 'high incidence area' of origin, carriers may perform or arrange for pre-departure testing and, in the case of a negative test, provide transportation. This testing (nasopharyngeal swab) by the carrier must take place no more than 12 hours before departure in the case of entry from an area of variant of concern. The proof of a negative test result, or corresponding medical certificate, must be provided on paper or in an electronic document, in German, English or French. The test performed must meet the requirements stated at https://www.rki.de/tests.
Is a quarantine required?
Travellers who have stayed in a 'risk area' within 10 days before entry must undergo a 10-day quarantine after arrival in Germany.
After 5 days of quarantine at the earliest, those entering the country can be tested for SARS-CoV-2 to end the quarantine obligation with a negative test result. Certain groups of people are exempt from the quarantine obligation.
For more information on quarantine regulations that apply to you and any possible exemptions, please contact the respective federal state. Regulations of the respective federal states are linked at the following website.
Other
Starting 14 February, entry restrictions and internal border controls with Czechia and the Tyrol region in Austria are reintroduced to prevent the spread of virus mutations. Only some exceptions are allowed to enter Germany from these countries, including returning German nationals or residents.
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).
What are the rules to enter this country from outside an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country?
Residents of the following third countries can enter Germany without restrictions: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand.
Upon confirmation of mutual entry possibilities, the list will also include: China, Hong Kong and Macao.
For all persons residing in a third country that is not mentioned above, restrictions on travel continue to apply and these persons may enter Germany only for urgent reasons.
Such restrictions do not apply to German citizens. Citizens of EU Member States or Schengen Associated countries, and their family members, are also exempted from travel restrictions. The same applies to third-country nationals who already have a long-term right of residence in an EU member state or a Schengen country (residence permit or long-term visa), and to members of their family.
Unmarried couples
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 previously 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.
May I transit this country?
YES
As a general rule, passengers in transit in the EU+ area are exempted from temporary travel restrictions.
EU citizens entering the EU from a third country, as well as their family members, irrespective of their nationality, are exempted from the travel restrictions regardless of whether or not they are returning to their country of nationality or residence.
Passengers travelling from a non-EU country to another non-EU country may transit through the international transit area of airports located in the Schengen area. Rules regarding airport transit visa requirements continue to apply.
Additionally, for Germany, the following rules apply:
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:
- 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 I or 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 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 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, if applicable.
The third-country national must provide evidence on the 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.
The latest information in German
May I enter this country by road transport?
PARTIALLY
Internal border controls with the Czech Republic, the Tyrol region in Austria and the Moselle region in France, are reinforced. Travellers need to declare their entry and present a certified negative coronavirus test from the last 48 hours, this also applies to transit journeys. (German nationals and residents are exempt). These measures are currently in place until the end of March.
Driving abroad
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:
- 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.
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:
- 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 I or 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 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 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, if applicable.
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.
Latest information in German
General measures
Specific 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 facemasks
For 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 Distancing
In 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:
- 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.
Transit
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:
- 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 I or 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 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 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, if applicable.
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.
Latest information in German
Find out more
Documents you need to travel in Europe
12.10.2020
Entry restrictions
Entry 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 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. As long as no negative test result is available, people are required to quarantine for 14 days upon entry.
Transit
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:
- 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 Liechtenstein
Germany 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
Entry restrictions are available at the Federal Foreign Office website.
Travelling from (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.
Rules and Exceptions
The entry rule is based on the country from which the traveller is coming from, and not on nationality.
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.
- Afghanistan (since 15 June)
- Albania (since 15 June)
- Algeria (since 15 June)
- Andorra - Principality of Andorra (since 26 August)
- Angola (since 15 June)
- Antigua and Barbuda (since 17 June)
- Argentina (since 15 June)
- Armenia (since 15 June)
- Austria: the province of Vienna is considered a risk area (since 16 September)
- Azerbaijan (since 15 June)
- Bahamas (since 15 June)
- Bahrain (since 15 June)
- Bangladesh (since 15 June)
- Barbados (since 15 June)
- Belarus (since 15 June)
- Belgium - currently classified as risk areas: o Region Brussels (since 21 August)
- Belize (since 15 June)
- Benin (since 15 June)
- Bhutan (since 15 June)
- Bolivia (since 15 June)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (since 15 June)
- Brazil (since 15 June)
- Bulgaria - the following provinces are currently classified as risk areas: o Blagoevgrad (since 7 August)
- Burkina Faso (since 15 June)
- Burundi (since 15 June)
- Cameroon (since 15 June)
- Cape Verde (since 3 July)
- Central African Republic (since 15 June)
- Chad (since 15 June)
- Chile (since 15 June)
- Colombia (since 15 June)
- Comoros (since 15 June)
- Costa Rica (since 15 June)
- Côte d'Ivoire (since 15 June)
- Croatia – the following counties are classified as risk areas: o Šibensko-kninska (since 20 August)
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)
- Cuba (since 15 June)
- Czech Republic: the following regions are considered as risk areas: o Prague (since 9 September)
o Středočeský (since 16 September)
- Djibouti (since 15 June)
- Dominica (since 17 June)
- Dominican Republic (since 15 June)
- DR Congo (since 15 June)
- Ecuador (since 15 June)
- Egypt (since 15 June)
- El Salvador (since 15 June)
- Equatorial Guinea (since 15 June)
- Eritrea (since 15 June)
- Eswatini (since 15 June)
- Ethiopia (since 15 June)
- France – following French Overseas Territory/regions are currently classified as risk areas: o Île-de-France (since 24 August)
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)
- Gabon (since 15 June)
- Gambia (since 15 June)
- Ghana (since 15 June)
- Grenada (since 17 June)
- Guatemala (since 15 June)
- Guinea (since 15 June)
- Guinea-Bissau (since 15 June)
- Guyana (since 15 June)
- Haiti (since 15 June)
- Honduras (since 15 June)
- Hungary: the city of Budapest is considered a risk area (since 16 September)
- India (since 15 June)
- Indonesia (since 15 June)
- Iran (since 15 June)
- Iraq (since 15 June)
- Israel (since 3 July)
- Jamaica (since 15 June)
- Kazakhstan (since 15 June)
- Kenya (since 15 June)
- Korea (Democratic People’s Republic, North Korea) (since 15 June)
- Kosovo (since 15 June)
- Kuwait (since 15 June)
- Kyrgyzstan (since 15 June)
- Lebanon (since 15 June)
- Lesotho (since 15 June)
- Liberia (since 15 June)
- Libya (since 15 June)
- Madagascar (since 15 June)
- Malawi (since 15 June)
- Maldives (since 17 July)
- Mali (since 15 June)
- Mauritania (since 15 June)
- Mexico (since 15 June)
- Mongolia (since 15 June)
- Montenegro (since 15 June)
- Morocco (since 15 June)
- Mozambique (since 15 June)
- Namibia (since 15 June)
- Nepal (since 15 June)
- Netherlands - the following provinces/constituent countries are currently classified as risk areas: o North Holland (Noord-Holland) (since 16 September)
o South Holland (Zuid-Holland) (since 16 September)
o Aruba (since 26 August)
o Sint Maarten (since 26 August)
- Nicaragua (since 15 June)
- Niger (since 15 June)
- Nigeria (since 15 June)
- North Macedonia (since 15 June)
- Oman (since 15 June)
- Pakistan (since 15 June)
- Palestinian territories (since 3 July)
- Panama (since 15 June)
- Papua New Guinea (since 17 June)
- Paraguay (since 15 June)
- Peru (since 15 June)
- Philippines (since 15 June)
- Qatar (since 15 June)
- Republic of Moldova (since 15 June)
- Republic of the Congo (since 15 June)
- Romania – the following counties are classified as risk areas: o Bacău (since 12 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)
- Russian Federation (since 15 June)
- Saint Kitts and Nevis (since 16 June)
- Saint Lucia (since 15 June)
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (since 16 June)
- São Tomé and Príncipe (since 16 June)
- Saudi Arabia (since 15 June)
- Senegal (since 15 June)
- Serbia (since 15 June)
- Seychelles (since 17 July)
- Sierra Leone (since 15 June)
- Somalia (since 15 June)
- South Africa (since 15 June)
- South Sudan (since 15 June)
- Spain –the whole of Spain, including Canary Islands (since 2 September)
- Sri Lanka (since 15 June)
- Sudan (since 15 June)
- Suriname (since 15 June)
- Switzerland - the following cantons are considered risk areas: o Geneva (since 9 September)
o Vaud (since 9 September)
o Fribourg (since 16 September)
- Syrian Arab Republic (since 15 June)
- Tajikistan (since 15 June)
- Tanzania (since 15 June)
- Timor Leste (East Timor) (since 17 June)
- Togo (since 15 June)
- Trinidad and Tobago (since 15 June)
- Turkey (since 15 June)
- Turkmenistan (since 17 June)
- United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland – the following British Overseas Territory is currently classified as a risk area: o Gibraltar (since 26 August)
- Ukraine (since 15 June)
- USA (since 3 July; only specific states were classified as risk areas before)
- Uzbekistan (since 15 June)
- Venezuela (since 15 June)
- Yemen (since 15 June)
- Zambia (since 15 June)
- Zimbabwe (since 15 June)
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:
- Romania – counties Buzău (7 August – 9 September), Galați (12 August – 9 September), Vrancea (12 August – 9 September), Arges (7 August – 16 September), Dâmbovița (12 August – 16 September)
- Bulgarien – Oblast Dobritch (7 August – 9 September)
26.08.2020
Travelling to Germany
Travelling from EU countries is allowed without restrictions, as long as a country or an area is not defined as "high-risk" by the Robert Koch Insitute (RKI).
Travelling from Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein as well as the United Kingdom is also allowed at the same conditions.
Currently, the following countries or areas are classified as "high-risk":
Belgium: Province of Antwerp (since 5/8/20), Region of Brussels (since 21/8/20)
Bulgaria: Districts ("oblasts") of Blagoevgrad, Dobritch (since 7/8/20)
France: French Guyana (since 21/8/20)
Romania: Districts of Argeș, Bihor, Buzău, Neamt - Districts of Bacu, Brsila, Brasov, D'mbovica, Galai, Gorj, Ilfov, Prahova, Vaslui, Vrancea and the metropolitan region of the capital Bucharest (since 12/8/20)
Croatia: Counties of Šibensko-kninska and Splitsko-Dalmatinska (since 20/8/20)
Spain: Mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands (since 14/8/20)
Travelling from Germany or returning to Germany
Anyone who enters Germany having spent time in a risk area up to 14 days before their arrival is obliged to proceed directly to their own home or another suitable accommodation and self-isolate there for 14 days. This does not apply if the person only travelled through a risk area without spending time there.
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.
People returning from risk areas and non-risk areas can receive a free test. Since 1 August, the costs incurred are covered if the test is performed within 72 hours of entering the country. The costs incurred for one repeat test per person are also covered.
Rules and Exceptions
The entry rule is based on the country from which the traveller is coming from, and not on nationality.
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
No special documentation is required.
Find out more:
Federal Foreign Office
Federal Ministry of Health
Latest information (in German)
Documents you need to travel in Europe
Travelling to and from Australia, Georgia, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay is allowed without restrictions.
For China, Japan and South Korea a lifting of entry restrictions is subject to confirmation of reciprocity.
If a country exceeds the number of new cases in relation to the population of 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants cumulatively in the last seven days, travel warnings are issued.
Rules and Exceptions
The entry rule is based on the country from which the traveller is coming from, and not on nationality.
Regardless of the possibility to enter the country, Germany has a quarantine requirement in place in all federal states on the basis of the Protection against Infection Act (Infektionsschutzgesetz) for those returning to and entering Germany from regions designated by the Robert Koch Institute as risk areas. Risk areas are those with a 7-day incidence greater than 50 cases/100,000 inhabitants. This measure can only be dispensed with if travellers have a medical certificate that confirms that there is no evidence of an infection with the SARSCoV-2 coronavirus. The medical certificate must come from a member state of the European Union or another state published by the Robert Koch Institute and must not be older than 48 hours upon arrival. Proof must be provided when entering Germany. The quarantine requirement also applies (with the exception of transit passengers) to travellers with an important reason for travel.
Mandatory Travel Documentation
No special documentation is required.
Specific measures for German residents exiting or returning to Germany
Individual countries can continue to restrict entry or ask for quarantine upon entry on their territory.
Germany has a quarantine requirement in place in all federal states on the basis of the Protection against Infection Act (Infektionsschutzgesetz) for those returning to and entering Germany from regions designated by the Robert Koch Institute as risk areas. The quarantine requirement also applies (with the exception of transit passengers) for travellers with an important reason for travel.
Links to national sources
Federal Foreign Office
Latest information (in German)
Source: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/DEU
Source: European Commission
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 restrictions
From 2 July 2020, unrestricted travel to Germany is once again possible from the following third countries with low rates of infection:
- Australia
- Georgia
- Canada
- Montenegro
- New Zealand
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Uruguay
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 countries
Travel 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:
- German nationals and nationals from other EU countries, countries associated with Schengen (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) and the United Kingdom;
- Third-country nationals with a valid residence permit for Germany;
- Family members of third-country nationals travelling to Germany for the purposes of family reunification or for visits for urgent family reasons;
- Healthcare professionals, health researchers and elderly care professionals;
- Foreign experts and highly qualified personnel whose work is necessary from an economic point of view and which cannot be postponed or carried out abroad;
- Transport personnel engaged in haulage of goods and other transport staff;
- Seasonal workers in agriculture;
- Sailors;
- Foreign students whose studies cannot be continued entirely from outside Germany;
- Persons in need of international protection or seeking protection for other humanitarian reasons;
- Diplomats, staff of international organisations, military personnel and humanitarian aid workers in the exercise of their functions;
- Late repatriates;
- Passengers in Transit.
Travel within the EU or the Schengen area
The 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:
https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/coronavirus/ausbreitung-...
WCO/Central Customs Authority
01.04.2020
Measures for Protection and Self-protection of frontline Customs Officers:
Both the German Central Customs Authority and the local customs authorities have set up crisis
teams to ensure the overall performance of customs tasks. In order to guarantee personnel
availability in the long term, the official tasks of the organizational units, which are in direct
contact with those involved (e.g. customs clearance), have been reduced to the necessary core
areas. The use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks etc. is mandatory for
these personnel. In addition, the relevant hygiene measures must be observed. Employees who
are not absolutely necessary are put on standby duty. Persons returning from risk areas may
not enter the office for 14 days after their return. This applies accordingly to employees who live
in the same household as the aforementioned holiday returnees. Employees who belong to the
groups of persons who have a higher risk of developing a serious illness (for example with
relevant underlying diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, diseases of the
respiratory system, liver and kidney as well as cancer) in principle work on a mobile or telework
basis. All employees are obliged to check their own status (confirmed infections or officially
confirmed ordered and voluntary quarantine) to their superior(s) immediately.
Measures regarding fumigation of containers and parcel consignments:
The German Robert Koch Institute currently estimates an infection with the novel coronavirus
via imported goods as unlikely, since contamination would have to have taken place beforehand
and the virus would still be active after the long transport route.
https://www.zoll.de/SharedDocs/Fachmeldungen/AktuelleEinzelmeldungen/2020/uebergreifend_coronavirus.html?nn=280764#doc368868bodyText1
Measures to fight illicit trade with counterfeited or stolen medical supply goods:
Customs ensures that the quality standards applicable in the EU are observed for commercially
imported drugs. Import is only possible with the necessary documents and permits.
Despite its efforts to facilitate the smooth movement of goods, the customs administration
continues to carry out risk-based controls, with a particular focus on protective equipment (Trotz
des Bestrebens, den Warenverkehr reibungslos zu ermöglichen führt die Zollverwaltung
weiterhin risikoorientierte Kontrollen durch und hat dabei auch einen besonderen Fokus auf
Schutzausrüstungen).
Other COVID related best practice:
* Just like the Federal Chemicals Agency at the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health, the customs administration has already reacted to the crisis in the disinfectant market
with exemptions:
All persons who already hold a permit for the tax-free use of undenatured alcohol for the
production of pharmaceuticals according to § 28 in connection with § 27 Para. 1 No. 1 AlkStG,
may also use this permit for the production of disinfectants since 20 March 2020. Accordingly,
the improper use of undenatured alcohol, which is actually to be seen therein, is temporarily
tolerated. Proof of entitlement is the existing permit. Deliveries must be made in accordance
with § 35 AlkStV.
More details, please see: https://www.zoll.de/SharedDocs/Fachmeldungen/AktuelleEinzelmeldungen/2020/uebergreifend_coronavirus.html
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...
Remarks from the International Road Transport Union
29.11.2021
Certificate required to access workplaces from 24 November - legal clarification
Since 24.11.2021, Germany is imposing b3G restrictions to access workplaces (see Flash info dated 23.11.2021).
The responsible German Ministries have now provided clarification on the relevant situation for professional drivers:
- Vehicles or means of transport are not considered workplaces within the meaning of Section 28b (1) of the Infection Protection Act IfSG. For the mere stay in the vehicle itself, therefore, no 3G evidence is required.
- However, when entering workplaces of other employers (e.g. when loading or unloading goods), professional drivers must carry a 3G certificate (proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, or proof of negative testing).
- Professional drivers are only exempt from the obligation to carry a 3G certificate if there is no physical contact with other persons at all workplaces visited. This is the case if no other persons are present, or if contact can be avoided by the respective hygiene plans on site.
Source: BGL
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
27.08.2021
Free vaccination for truck drivers at the SVG Autohof „Lohfeldener Rüssel“
The vaccination center of the government district of Kassel (Germany) offers free vaccination to truck drivers from Monday, 30 August 2021 (10 a.m.) to Tuesday, 31 August (10 p.m.).
Vaccination is taking place at the SVG Autohof „Lohfeldener Rüssel“, and no prior appointment is requested.
(Leaflets in different languages are available in attachment).
Source: BGL
_________________________________________________________________________________
16.08.2021
Austria - Germany
The attached “Dosierkalender” gives an outline of dates of the ''Blockabfertigung” measures during the first half of 2022 that the government of Tyrol will be implementing.
An automatic dosage system is used to regulate the transit of heavy goods vehicles at Austro-German border. As usual, authorities will filter HGV transit on the A 12 – “Inntalautobahn” – at the border crossing Kufstein/Kiefersfelden, direction South, as of 05.00 am in the morning.
Source: AISÖ
_________________________________________________________________________________
05.08.2021
COVID-19 Update - Germany modifies rules for entry again as of 01.08.2021
As of 01.08.2021, Germany will put into force a new ordinance (Corona-Einreiseverordnung) governing entry into Germany.
While rules for the general public are been tightened, the situation of transport personnel is being improved.
New general rules:
- Risk classification of foreign countries is being modified, with only two forms of risk areas remaining – “area of variant of concern” and “high risk areas” (formerly known as “high incidence areas). All remaining areas – including the hitherto “normal risk areas” – are considered “no-risk”.
- As of 01.08.2021, there will be a general, unqualified obligation to test or provide proof for all persons (except those subject to exemptions, such as transport personnel – see below for details) prior to entry into Germany, - that’s to say, not only for persons who spent time in an “area of variant of concern” or “high risk area” during the last 10 days prior to entry, but also for persons coming from no-risk areas. There will be no border controls, however German border police will perform random checks in the areas behind the borders.
News concerning the situation of transport personnel:
Existing exemptions are being maintained and even extended:
- No COVID-19 obligations at all fortransport personnel entering Germany after having spent time in no-risk areasexclusively during the 10 days before entry. That’s to say, these persons do not need to pre-register or self-isolate, and they’re also exempted from the new general obligation for testing/providing proof prior to entry.
- Also,no COVID-19 obligations at all for transport personnel entering Germany after having spent time in “high risk areas”during the 10 days before entry. Again, these persons do not need to pre-register or isolate, and they’re also exempted from the new general obligation for testing/providing proof prior to entry. New: Exemptions are valid regardless of the length of the stay in the “high risk area” or the length of the planned stay in Germany.
- Only transport personnel entering Germany after having spent time in“areas of variant of concern” during the 10 days prior to entry will still have to observe COVID-19 rules.
o Just as before, these persons will have to undergo testing prior to entry (PCR test max 72 h prior to entry, rapid/antigen tests max 24 h prior to entry; proof of vaccination of proof of recovery are not sufficient).
o In case the persons concerned stayed in the “area of variant of concern” for more than 72 h and intends to stay in Germany for more than 72 h, too, they will also need to pre-registerand self-isolate. New: While the contents of the rules governing entry of transport personnel from “areas of variant of concern” have not been modified, the concept of the “stay of more than 72 h” has at last been defined clearly to mean that both the stays within the “area of variant of concern” and within German territory must transgress 72 h respectively in order to trigger the obligation to pre-register and self-isolate.
For the time being, there are no countries classified “areas of variant of concern” by the German authorities within the reach of a road transport to Germany. However this status may change rapidly, and BGL will continue to inform about changes concerning the German “areas of variant of concern” classification.
As for countries hitherto classified “high incidence areas”, they will automatically become “high risk areas” as of 01.08.2021. As a country’s classification as “high risk” will no longer result in any obligations for transport personnel having spent time there prior to entry into Germany, BGL will no longer report upon this class of countrie
25.07.2021
COVID-19 update: Georgia, Netherlands, Spain will be considered as "high incidence area" in Germany
With effect from Sunday, 25 July 2021, 00:00 hours, Georgia will be considered a "high incidence area" according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO.
With effect from Tuesday, 27 July 2021, 00:00 hours,the Netherlands and Spain will also be considered “high incidence areas” again.
The relevant decision was published by RKI on 23.07.2021, 15:45 hours (see RKI risk areas ).
As a result, and on the basis of the CoronaEinreiseVO, the following rules will apply to drivers of goods transports entering Germany after having stayed in one or more of the aforementioned regions during the last 10 days prior to entry.
- Pre-registration:
None
- Duty to prove negative test result / vaccination / recovery from COVID-19 prior to entry:
Only in case of stays of more than 72 hours:
- Need for proof of a negative COVID-19 test (rapid tests: valid up to 48 h, PCR tests: valid up to 72 h)
or
- proof of COVID-19 vaccination according to https://www.pei.de/impfstoffe/covid-19 completed at least 14 days prior to entry
or
- proof of recovery which must be based on a PCR test and issued at least 28 days and maximally 6 months before entry;
All above proofs are acceptable in German, English, French, Italian or Spanish language, either in writing or digitally;
(No need for any of the above proofs in case of stays of less than 72 h)
- Self-isolation:
None
Source: BGL
23.07.2021
Temporary exemptions from German toll (Lkw-Maut) in the context of relief for heavy weather damages for transports in the context of disaster relief
According to specifications from Bundesamt für Güterverkehr (BAG) in Cologne, relief transports can be carried out exempt from truck toll (“Lkw-Maut”) under the following conditions:
Condition 1:
There has been an appeal by cities, municipalities, fire departments, associations, relief organizations, etc. for food and material donations for the population in the affected regions.
Condition 2:
The food and material donations are delivered to collection and distribution points, which distribute them to the affected population with a charitable or benevolent purpose.
Important:
In the event of a disaster, the charitable purpose of the aid action is to be assumed by way of exception even if it was not organized by a charitable or benevolent organization, but purely privately, as long as aid deliveries are destined for the population in the disaster area in general (and not for a special group of persons such as relatives, acquaintances, friends). However, it is a prerequisite that the distribution of the relief supplies to the suffering population takes place via collection and distribution points, which ultimately bring the non-profit or charitable purpose of the humanitarian relief supply to fruition.
As proof, it is recommended to carry a list in the vehicle showing the loaded humanitarian relief goods (food, hygiene items, clothing, blankets, furniture, etc.) and the collection/distribution point.
Empty runs directly related to these transports (e.g. empty return trip to company headquarters) are also exempt from tolls.
Any preparatory journeys, such as collecting food and material donations, prior to the actual aid transport to the collection and distribution point in the disaster region are not exempt from toll.
Source: BGL
22.07.2021
Temporary exemptions from week-end/holiday and summer driving bans in most parts of Germany in the context of relief for heavy weather damages
German regions Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt have issued temporary exemptions from the Sunday/holiday driving ban, as well as from the Summer driving ban (Saturdays on certain motorways) exclusively for transports that are in the context of relief / elimination of the consequences of severe weather damage.
The a.m. exemptions are valid up to and including 01.08.2021, with the exception of Rhineland-Palatine, where the exemption is valid until further notice, but no longer than 31.08.2021 (see here).
There are no exemptions from the a.m. driving bans in German regions Berlin, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia.
Source: BGL
19.07.2021
COVID-19 update: Temporary exemptions from rest and driving times for transports in the context of relief for heavy weather damages in Germany
Against the background of the severe damage due to weather events in German regions Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia, the German Ministry of Transport (BMVI) decided to introduce exemptions from the restrictions concerning rest and driving times, exclusively for transports that are in the context of relief / elimination of the consequences of severe weather damage, up to and including 01.08.2021 (see copy of decree attached).
For the a.m. transports, exemptions are as follows:
- The daily driving time may be extended no more than five times a week to a maximum of 10 hours.
- The weekly driving time may not exceed 59 hours. Article 6(3) applies unchanged.
- A driver may take two consecutive reduced weekly rest periods, provided that the driver takes at least four weekly rest periods in each of four consecutive weeks, of which at least two must be regular weekly rest periods. Any reduction in the weekly rest period shall be compensated by an equivalent rest period to be taken without interruption before the end of the third week following the week in question. If two reduced weekly rest periods have been taken in succession, the next rest period - as compensation for these two reduced weekly rest periods - shall be taken before the following weekly rest period.
The a.m. exemptions may only be used on the condition that their use does not affect traffic safety. In particular, before starting a journey, it must be checked whether the driver is capable of carrying out the intended transport.
Source: BGL
16.07.2021
Traffic obstructions due to flash flooding
Heavy rainfalls and resulting flash flooding have led to traffic obstructions in Germany, particularly in the North Rhine Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatine regions.
Up-to-date info on the present traffic situation may be found on https://www.adac.de/news/unwetter-in-deutschland/ (indicating also the motorways / highways with known full or partial closures).
Permanent link on traffic situation in Germany is also available here.
Source: BGL
15.07.2021
COVID-19 update: Accepted vaccines for "proof of vaccination" in Germany
Please note that at the present state of matters, “proof of vaccination” according to German provisions is defined, as the proof of a vaccination with one of the vaccines published under https://www.pei.de/impfstoffe/covid-19.
Please be informed that at this point, Sputnik has not been incorporated in the list of vaccines.
Source: BGL
06.07.2021
COVID-19 update: Re-Classification of Portugal, the Russian Federation and the UK from "area of variant of concern" to "area of high incidence"
With effect from Wednesday, 07 July 2021, 00:00 hours, Portugal, the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom, will be not be considered any more as an “area of variant of concern” but as an "area of high incidence" according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO. The relevant decision was published by RKI on 05 July 2021, 20:55 hours (see RKI risk areas).
As a result, and on the basis of the CoronaEinreiseVO’s new version, the following rules will apply to drivers of goods transports entering Germany who have stayed in one or more of the aforementioned regions during the last 10 days.
- Drivers who have stayed in “high incidence” areas during the last 10 days prior to entry into German territory:
- Pre-registration:
None
- Duty to prove negative test result / vaccination / recovery from COVID-19 prior to entry:
Only in case of stays of more than 72 hours
- Need for proof of a negative COVID-19 test (rapid tests: valid up to 48 h, PCR tests: valid up to 72 h)
or
- proof of COVID-19 vaccination completed at least 14 days prior to entry
or
- proof of recovery which must be based on a PCR test and issued at least 28 days and maximally 6 months before entry;
All above proofs are acceptable in German, English, French, Italian or Spanish language, either in writing or digitally;
(No need for any of the above proofs in case of stays of less than 72 hours)
- Self-isolation:
None
Source: BGL
30.06.2021
Additional information on Summer Driving Restrictions in Germany
As reported by IRU Flash Info dated 22.06.2021, there will be no COVID-19 exemptions from German summer driving restrictions in 2021.
In this regard, BGL our German association has published a map in digital format, to help find alternative routes.
The “BGL digital map of alternative road 2021” is now available for download free of charge on BGL’s website under
https://www.bgl-ev.de/web/fahrerinfos/ferienfahrverbot.htm
The digital BGL alternate route map is designed as a vector graphic, thus scalable as desired and suitable for use on mobile devices.
Source: BGL
28.06.2021
COVID-19 update: Classification of Portugal and the Russian Federation as "area of variant of concern"
With effect from Tuesday, 29 June 2021, 00:00 hours, Portugal and the Russian Federation, will be considered an “area of variant of concern” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO. The relevant decision was published by RKI on 25.06.2021, 20:00 hours (see RKI risk areas).
As a result, and on the basis of the CoronaEinreiseVO’s new version, the following rules will apply to drivers of goods transports entering Germany who have stayed in one or more of the aforementioned regions during the last 10 days.
· Obligation to register:
For drivers of goods transports, pre-registration via https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de prior to entry into Germany is mandatory only in case of stays of more than 72 h.
If digital entry registration is not possible due to lack of technical equipment or technical malfunctions, a fully completed substitute notification according to the sample form (see https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronavirus-infos-reisende/merkblatt-dea.html for samples in many languages) must be carried on entry.
· Obligation to self-isolate:
For drivers of goods transports, pre-self-isolation is mandatory in case of stays of more than 72 h.
· Obligation to test:
All drivers entering Germany after having stayed in an area of variant of concern will have to be in possession of a negative result of a COVID-19 test before entering German territory, either in writing or in digital format. While PCR tests may be up to 72 h old, rapid tests (antigen tests) may be max. 24 h old upon entry into Germany. Proof of complete vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID-19 will not be sufficient; vaccinated or recovered persons will need to prove a negative COVID-19 test result, too.
Source: BGL
22.06.2021
COVID-19 update: Information on driving restrictions (goods transport) in Germany
German Sunday and holiday driving restrictions :
All current general exemptions from Sunday and public holiday driving restrictions for goods transport granted by the German Bundesländer (regions) due to the COVID-19 pandemic are limited until 30.06.2021 and will therefore cease to apply as of 01 July 2021.
In two of the German regions, deliveries to vaccination centres will continue to be exempted from the a.m. driving restrictions:
Hessen: until 31.12.2021
Sachsen-Anhalt: until 30.09.2021
German summer driving restrictions :
German summer driving restrictions for goods transport apply to certain motorways subject to heavy holiday traffic during Saturdays from 01.07. until 31.08. (see IRU Intelligence Centre for details of the routes concerned).
There will be no general COVID-19 exemptions from these restrictions in 2021.
Exclusively in the region of Hessen, an exemption from the summer driving restrictions is granted for deliveries to vaccination centres.
Details for the a.m. regional exemptions for deliveries to vaccination centres are as follows:
“for deliveries of COVID-19 vaccination centres
· with COVID-19 vaccines,
· with cooling systems for the (intermediate) storage of COVID-19 vaccines,
· with vaccination equipment or necessary medical instruments,
· as well as with other goods and commodities which directly serve to ensure the operation or the functioning of COVID-19 vaccination centres.
· Also for empty runs in connection with the above-mentioned deliveries to COVID-19 vaccination centres.”
Please refer here for Bundesamt für Güterverkehr (BAG)‘s official publication on exemptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
11.06.2021
COVID-19 update: Germany lifts "high incidence region" restrictions for Georgia
As of 13 June 2021, 00:00 hours, Georgia will no longer be considered a “high incidence area” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO.
Georgia will revert to the status of a "normal" risk area again. As a result, there will no longer be any pre-registration, self-isolation or testing obligations for truck drivers when entering Germany after a stay in Georgia. On the basis of the new version of CoronaEinreiseVO, this will be valid for all entries starting from 13 June 2021, 00:00 h; the former 10 days’ delay must no longer be observed.
Source: BGL
04.06.2021
COVID-19 update: Germany lifts "high incidence region" restrictions for Lithuania, Sweden and Turkey
As of 6 June 2021, 00:00 hours, the following countries will no longer be considered “high incidence areas” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO:·
- Lithuania
- Sweden
- Turkey
The above countries will revert to the status of "normal" risk areas again. As a result, a stay there will no longer entail any pre-registration, self-isolation or testing obligations for truck drivers when entering Germany after a stay in one of the a.m. countries. On the basis of the new version of CoronaEinreiseVO, this will be valid for all entries starting from 6 June 2021, 00:00 h; the former 10 days’ delay must no longer be observed.
Source: BGL
28.05.2021
COVID-19 update: Germany lifts "high incidence region" restrictions for the Netherlands and Cyprus
As of 30 May 2021, 00:00 hours, the following countries will no longer be considered “high incidence areas” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO:
· The Netherlands
· Cyprus
The above countries will revert to the status of "normal" risk areas again. As a result, a stay there will no longer entail any pre-registration, self-isolation or testing obligations for truck drivers when entering Germany after a stay in one of the a.m. countries. On the basis of the new version of CoronaEinreiseVO, this will be valid for all entries starting from 30 May 2021, 00:00 h; the former 10 days’ delay must no longer be observed.
Source: BGL
24.05.2021
COVID-19 update: Germany lifts "high incidence region" restrictions for France, Andorra, Croatia, Slovenia
As of 23 May 2021, 00:00 hours, the following countries will no longer be considered “high incidence areas” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO:
· France, Andorra, Croatia, Slovenia
The above countries will revert to the status of "normal" risk areas again. As a result, a stay there will no longer entail any pre-registration, self-isolation or testing obligations for truck drivers when entering Germany after a stay in one of these countries that took place as of 16.05.2021. On the basis of the new version of CoronaEinreiseVO, this will be valid for all entries starting from 23 May 2021, 00:00 h; the former 10 days’ delay must no longer be observed.
Source: BGL
COVID-19 update: Re-Classification of the United Kingdom as "area of variant of concern"
With effect from Sunday, 23 May 2021, 00:00 hours, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including all British overseas territories, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, will be considered an “area of variant of concern” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO again. The relevant decision was published by RKI on 21 May 2021, 21:30 hours (see RKI risk areas).
As a result, and on the basis of the CoronaEinreiseVO’s new version, the following rules will apply to drivers of goods transports entering Germany who have stayed in one or more of the aforementioned regions during the last 10 days.
· Obligation to register:
For drivers of goods transports, pre-registration via https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de prior to entry into Germany is mandatory only in case of stays of more than 72 h.
If digital entry registration is not possible due to lack of technical equipment or technical malfunctions, a fully completed substitute notification according to the sample form (see https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronavirus-infos-reisende/merkblatt-dea.html for samples in many languages) must be carried on entry.
· Obligation to self-isolate:
For drivers of goods transports, pre-self-isolation is mandatory in case of stays of more than 72 h.
· Obligation to test:
All drivers entering Germany after having stayed in an area of variant of concern will have to be in possession of a negative result of a COVID-19 test before entering German territory, either in writing or in digital format. While PCR tests may be up to 72 h old, rapid tests (antigen tests) may be max. 24 h old upon entry into Germany. Proof of complete vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID-19 will not be sufficient; vaccinated or recovered persons will need to prove a negative COVID-19 test result, too.
Source: BGL
20.05.2021
COVID-19 update: Modified regulation on pre-registration and proof requirements for persons entering Germany, including rules on self-isolation upon entry
Please be informed that German “Corona-Einreise-Verordnung” has undergone several important adaptations.
The new version is already in force by now. It is containing several important facilitations for goods transport on the road, and is taking into account the situation of persons that have proof for complete vaccination or recovery from COVID-19. Also, the new version’s scope has been extended in comparison with its predecessors: In accordance with a long-time urgent request from German IRU member associations, it is now covering not only pre-registration and testing requirements but also self-isolation requirements upon entry into Germany. It is thus creating a uniform basis for quarantine valid all over Germany (with one single exemption explicitly mentioned below), putting an end to the intolerable situation where each German region maintained their own quarantine regulations.
Please refer to document attached to see the modified regulations. The modifications have been highlighted in colour.
Also find attached an English-language overview over the new regulations in the transport sector elaborated by the German Transport Ministry’s unit for crisis management.
Up-to-date German classifications of risk areas can be found under RKI risk areas.
Source: BGL
17.05.2021
COVID-19 update: Germany lifts "high incidence region" restrictions for Bosnia and Herzegowina, Estonia, Kosovo, Northern Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine
Since 16 May 2021, 00:00 hours, the following countries are no longer considered “high incidence areas” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO:
Bosnia and Herzegowina, Estonia, Kosovo, Northern Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine
The above countries will revert to the status of "normal" risk areas again. As a result, a stay there will no longer entail any pre-registration and eventual testing obligations for truck drivers when entering Germany after a stay in one of these countries that took place as of 16 May 2021.
However, please take into account that due to the “10 days” deadline foreseen in the German CoronaEinreiseVO, sojourns in Bulgaria or the Czech Republic that took place up to and including 15 May 2021 (that’s to say, at a time when these countries still were considered high incidence areas) will continue to trigger mandatory pre-registration (as well as testing requirements in case of stays of more than 72 h) for drivers entering Germany up to and including 25 May 2021.
Source: BGL
07.05.2021
COVID-19 update: Germany lifts "high incidence region" restrictions for Poland, Hungary, Armenia and Montenegro
As of 9 May 2021, 00:00 hours, Poland, Hungary, Armenia and Montenegro will no longer be considered “high incidence areas” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO.
These countries will revert to the status of "normal" risk areas again. As a result, a stay there will no longer entail any pre-registration and eventual testing obligations for truck drivers when entering Germany after a stay in one of these countries that took place as of 09 May 2021.
However, please take into account that due to the “10 days” deadline foreseen in the German CoronaEinreiseVO, sojourns in Poland, Hungary, Armenia and Montenegro that took place up to and including 8 May 2021 (that’s to say, at a time when these countries still were considered high incidence areas) will continue to trigger pre-registration and eventual testing requirements for drivers entering Germany up to and including 18 May 2021.
Source: BGL
With effect from Sunday, 9 May 2021, 00:00 hours, Georgia will be considered “high incidence area” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO.
A quick reminder on the relevant obligations on return/entry from “high incidence areas”:
Obligation to register:
For persons who have stayed in high incidence areas outside of Germany in the last 10 days prior to entry, there is an obligation to register via the website https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de. There is no exception to this registration requirement for truck drivers. However, there is an exception to the obligation to register (for all persons, i.e. also for truck drivers) if the high-incidence area was merely transited without a stay. If registration is mandatory but digital entry registration is not possible due to lack of technical equipment or technical malfunctions, a fully completed substitute notification according to the sample form (see https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronavirus-infos-reisende/merkblatt-dea.html for samples in many languages) must be carried on entry.
Obligation to test:
Persons who have stayed in a high-incidence area during the last 10 days before entry must undergo a COVID-19 test (PCR test or rapid test according to WHO criteria) before entering Germany and present it to the responsible authorities upon request. Truck drivers are exempt from this requirement for stays of less than 72 hours. For stays of more than 72 hours, drivers must undergo a COVID-19 test before entering Germany. (In response to the frequently asked question of what should be done if the 72-hour period is exceeded unplanned, we regularly receive the less than satisfactory information from the RKI that, to be on the safe side, the driver should carry out the test before entering the country if there is a risk of the 72-hour period being exceeded).
Source: BGL
30.04.2021
COVID-19 update: Germany lifts "area of variant of concern" restrictions on Moselle (France)
As of 2 May 2021, 00:00 hours, French Département Moselle will cease to be considered an "area of variant of concern". Moselle will then be back to the status of a “high incidence” area, like the rest of France, with mandatory pre-registration prior to entry into Germany but with a testing requirement only for sojourns of more than 72 hours.
However, please take into account that due to the “10 days” deadline foreseen in the German CoronaEinreiseVO, sojourns in Moselle that took place up to and including 1 May 2021 (that’s to say, at a time when the area still was considered an “area of variant of concern”) will continue to trigger testing requirements for drivers entering Germany without exceptions (that’s to say, for sojourns of less than 72 hours, too) up to and including 11 May 2021.
Source: BGL
COVID-19 update: Germany lifts "high incidence region" restrictions for Bulgaria and Czech Republic
As of 2 May 2021, 00:00 hours, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic will no longer be considered “high incidence areas” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO.
Both countries will revert to the status of "normal" risk areas again. As a result, a stay there will no longer entail any pre-registration and eventual testing obligations for truck drivers when entering Germany after a stay in one of these countries that took place as of 02 May 2021.
However, please take into account that due to the “10 days” deadline foreseen in the German CoronaEinreiseVO, sojourns in Bulgaria or the Czech Republic that took place up to and including 1 May 2021 (that’s to say, at a time when these countries still were considered high incidence areas) will continue to trigger pre-registration and eventual testing requirements for drivers entering Germany up to and including 11 May 2021.
Source: BGL
COVID-19 update: Germany adds Lithuania and Mongolia to the list of “high incidence areas"
With effect from Sunday, 2 May 2021, 00:00 hours, Lithuania and Mongolia will be considered “high incidence areas” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO.
A quick reminder on the relevant obligations on return/entry from “high incidence areas”:
Obligation to register:
For persons who have stayed in high incidence areas outside of Germany in the last 10 days prior to entry, there is an obligation to register via the website https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de. There is no exception to this registration requirement for truck drivers. However, there is an exception to the obligation to register (for all persons, i.e. also for truck drivers) if the high-incidence area was merely transited without a stay. If registration is mandatory but digital entry registration is not possible due to lack of technical equipment or technical malfunctions, a fully completed substitute notification according to the sample form (see https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronavirus-infos-reisende/merkblatt-dea.html for samples in many languages) must be carried on entry.
Obligation to test:
Persons who have stayed in a high-incidence area during the last 10 days before entry must undergo a COVID-19 test (PCR test or rapid test according to WHO criteria) before entering Germany and present it to the responsible authorities upon request. Truck drivers are exempt from this requirement for stays of less than 72 hours. For stays of more than 72 hours, drivers must undergo a COVID-19 test before entering Germany. (In response to the frequently asked question of what should be done if the 72-hour period is exceeded unplanned, we regularly receive the less than satisfactory information from the RKI that, to be on the safe side, the driver should carry out the test before entering the country if there is a risk of the 72-hour period being exceeded).
Source: BGL
26.04.2021
COVID-19 update: New internal rules in Germany
Since Saturday, 24 April 2021, German internal COVID-19 restrictions have been adapted and aligned on a federal level. The new rules of conduct apply in all German districts and cities with a 7-day incidence above 100.
Drivers from abroad should note the following new rules:
- General curfew from 22:00 h until 5:00 h of the following day - there are however exemptions for movements in the context of work or in case of emergency. Also, single persons may leave their home / cabin in the time from 22:00 h until 24:00 for physical activities.
- Food stores, pharmacies, petrol stations etc. will continue to operate. However, clients will need to carry FFP2 masks (or similar) when entering. As it is hardly possible for mobile workers to follow up the up-to-date German districts’ 7 days incidences, and especially as the reinforced rules will stay in place for several days even if incidences have dropped again, we recommend that drivers obey the a.m. restrictions whenever travelling in Germany. For the time being, the new legislation will be valid until 30 June 2021.
Please note that all regulations for entry into Germany – such as restrictions for passenger transport and non-commercial travel, as well as pre-registering/testing requirements for drivers of goods transports coming from regions classified as “high incidence areas” or “areas of variant of concern” – remain fully in place.
Source: BGL
COVID-19 update: Albania and Moldova no longer considered as "high incidence areas"
Since 25 April 2021, 00:00 hours, Albania and Moldova are no longer considered “high incidence areas” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO. Both countries have reverted to the status of "normal" risk areas again. As a result, a stay there will no longer entail any pre-registration and eventual testing obligations for truck drivers when entering Germany after a stay in one of these countries that took place as of 25 April 2021.
However, please take into account that due to the “10 days” deadline foreseen in the German CoronaEinreiseVO, sojourns in Albania or Moldova that took place up to and including 24 April 2021 (that’s to say, at a time when these countries still were considered high incidence areas) will continue to trigger pre-registration and eventual testing requirements for drivers entering Germany up to and including 4 May 2021.
Source: BGL
14.04.2021
COVID-19 update: No further prolongation of border controls with the Czech Republic
The border controls introduced at the German borders with the Czech Republic on 14 February 2021 will NOT be further prolonged. They will therefore be terminated today,14 April 2021, 24:00 hours. Please see here for details.
Source: BGL
09.04.2021
COVID-19 update: Germany lifts "high incidence region" restrictions on traffic from Latvia, Malta and Slovakia
As of 11 April 2021, 00:00 hours, Latvia, Malta and Slovakia will no longer be considered “high incidence areas” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO.
All three countries will revert to the status of "normal" risk areas again. As a result, a stay there will no longer entail any pre-registration and eventual testing obligations for truck drivers when entering Germany after a stay in one of these countries that took placeas of 11 April 2021.
However, please take into account that due to the “10 days” deadline foreseen in the German CoronaEinreiseVO, sojourns in Latvia, Malta or Slovakia that took place up to and including 10 April 2021 (that’s to say, at a time when these countries still were considered high incidence areas) will continue to trigger pre-registration and eventual testing requirements for drivers entering Germany up to and including 20 April 2021.
Source: BGL
COVID-19 update: Germany adds Armenia, Croatia, Turkey and Ukraine to the list of “high incidence areas”
With effect from Sunday, 11 April 2021, 00:00 hours, Armenia, Croatia, Turkey and Ukraine will be considered “high incidence areas”according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO. The relevant decision was published by RKI on 9 April 2021, 12:00 hours (see RKI risk areas).
A quick reminder on the relevant obligations on return/entry from “high incidence areas”:
Obligation to register:
For persons who have stayed in high incidence areas outside of Germany in the last 10 days prior to entry, there is an obligation to register via the website https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de. There is no exception to this registration requirement for truck drivers. However, there is an exception to the obligation to register (for all persons, i.e. also for truck drivers) if the high-incidence area was merely transited without a stay. If registration is mandatory but digital entry registration is not possible due to lack of technical equipment or technical malfunctions, a fully completed substitute notification according to the sample form (see https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronavirus-infos-reisende/merkblatt-dea.html for samples in many languages) must be carried on entry.
Obligation to test:
Persons who have stayed in a high-incidence area during the last 10 days before entry must undergo a COVID-19 test (PCR test or rapid test according to WHO criteria) before entering Germany and present it to the responsible authorities upon request. Truck drivers are exempt from this requirement for stays of less than 72 hours. For stays of more than 72 hours, drivers must undergo a COVID-19 test before entering Germany. (In response to the frequently asked question of what should be done if the 72-hour period is exceeded unplanned, we regularly receive the less than satisfactory information from the RKI that, to be on the safe side, the driver should carry out the test before entering the country if there is a risk of the 72-hour period being exceeded).
Source: BGL
01.04.2021
COVID-19 update: Germany adds the Netherlands to the list of “high incidence areas”
With effect from Tuesday, 06 April 2021, 00:00 hours, Netherlands will be considered as “high incidence area” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO.
A quick reminder on the relevant obligations on return/entry from “high incidence areas”:
Obligation to register:
For persons who have stayed in high incidence areas outside of Germany in the last 10 days prior to entry, there is an obligation to register via the website https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de. There is no exception to this registration requirement for truck drivers. However, there is an exception to the obligation to register (for all persons, i.e. also for truck drivers) if the high-incidence area was merely transited without a stay. If registration is mandatory but digital entry registration is not possible due to lack of technical equipment or technical malfunctions, a fully completed substitute notification according to the sample form (see https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronavirus-infos-reisende/merkblatt-dea.html for samples in many languages) must be carried on entry.
Obligation to test:
Persons who have stayed in a high-incidence area during the last 10 days before entry must undergo a COVID-19 test (PCR test or rapid test according to WHO criteria) before entering Germany and present it to the responsible authorities upon request. Truck drivers are exempt from this requirement for stays of less than 72 hours. For stays of more than 72 hours, drivers must undergo a COVID-19 test before entering Germany. (In response to the frequently asked question of what should be done if the 72-hour period is exceeded unplanned, we regularly receive the less than satisfactory information from the RKI that, to be on the safe side, the driver should carry out the test before entering the country if there is a risk of the 72-hour period being exceeded).
Source: BGL
30.03.2021
COVID-19 update: Prolongation of border controls to Czech Republic and Suspension of border controls to Tyrol
Please note that the border controls introduced at the German borders with the Czech Republic on 14 February 2021 will be further prolonged until 14 April 2021, 24:00 hours.
However, the border controls introduced at the German borders with Tyrol (Austria) on 14 February 2021 will not be prolonged and shall end on 31 March 2021.
Source: BGL
29.03.2021
COVID-19 update : Germany, entry from the Czech Republic, Slovakia or Tyrol
On 26 March 2021, IRU reported that Germany removed the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Tyrol from the list of “virus variant areas". This would enter into force on Sunday, 28 March 2021.
Meanwhile, IRU has been informed that the German Ministry of the Interior (BMI) is still carrying out checks at the German border with the Czech Republic and with Tyrol. After verification, it should be noted that the German Corona Regulation lays down that a negative Corona test going back maximum 48 hours should be presented by people entering Germany who have over the last 10 days been in a country or region featuring on the “virus variant area” list. Therefore, anyone who was in the Czech Republic, Slovakia or Tyrol during the last 10 days and that period or a part of that period was prior to 28 March 2021, still has to pre-register entry into Germany and present a negative Corona test.
Source: BGL and BMI
26.03.2021
COVID-19 update: Germany removes Tyrol (Austria) from the list of "virus variant areas"
Germany removes Tyrol (Austria) from the list of "virus variant areas", a list which triggers the strictest COVID-19 related restrictions. Tyrol will become a “normal risk area” from Sunday, 28 March 2021, 00:00. That means lorry drivers entering Germany from Tyrol will no longer be subject to mandatoryCovid-19 testing and registration obligation.
Source: BGL
COVID-19 update: Germany removes the Czech Republic and Slovakia from the list of "virus variant areas"
Germany removes the Czech Republic and Slovakia from the list of "virus variant areas", a list which triggers the strictest COVID- 19 related restrictions. The Czech Republic and Slovakia will become “high incidence areas” from Sunday, 28 March 2021, 00:00.
A quick reminder on the relevant obligations on return/entry from “high incidence areas”:
Obligation to register:
For persons who have stayed in high incidence areas outside of Germany in the last 10 days prior to entry, there is an obligation to register via the website https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de. There is no exception to this registration requirement for truck drivers. However, there is an exception to the obligation to register (for all persons, i.e. also for truck drivers) if the high-incidence area was merely transited without a stay. If registration is mandatory but digital entry registration is not possible due to lack of technical equipment or technical malfunctions, a fully completed substitute notification according to the sample form (see https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronavirus-infos-reisende/merkblatt-dea.html for samples in many languages) must be carried on entry.
Obligation to test:
Persons who have stayed in a high-incidence area during the last 10 days before entry must undergo a COVID-19 test (PCR test or rapid test according to WHO criteria) before entering Germany and present it to the responsible authorities upon request. Truck drivers are exempt from this requirement for stays of less than 72 hours. For stays of more than 72 hours, drivers must undergo a COVID-19 test before entering Germany. (In response to the frequently asked question of what should be done if the 72-hour period is exceeded unplanned, we regularly receive the less than satisfactory information from the RKI that, to be on the safe side, the driver should carry out the test before entering the country if there is a risk of the 72-hour period being exceeded).
Source : BGL
COVID-19 update: Germany adds France to the list of “high incidence areas”
With effect from Sunday, 28 March 2021, 00:00 hours, France will be considered “high incidence areas” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO. The relevant decision was published by RKI on 26. March 2021, 15:45 hours (see RKI risk areas).
Please note that the region of Moselle still is "virus variant area".
A quick reminder on the relevant obligations on return/entry from “high incidence areas”(relevant for the entire French territory with the exception of Moselle):
Obligation to register:
For persons who have stayed in high incidence areas outside of Germany in the last 10 days prior to entry, there is an obligation to register via the website https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de. There is no exception to this registration requirement for truck drivers. However, there is an exception to the obligation to register (for all persons, i.e. also for truck drivers) if the high-incidence area was merely transited without a stay. If registration is mandatory but digital entry registration is not possible due to lack of technical equipment or technical malfunctions, a fully completed substitute notification according to the sample form (see https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronavirus-infos-reisende/merkblatt-dea.html for samples in many languages) must be carried on entry.
Obligation to test:
Persons who have stayed in a high-incidence area during the last 10 days before entry must undergo a COVID-19 test (PCR test or rapid test according to WHO criteria) before entering Germany and present it to the responsible authorities upon request. Truck drivers are exempt from this requirement for stays of less than 72 hours. For stays of more than 72 hours, drivers must undergo a COVID-19 test before entering Germany. (In response to the frequently asked question of what should be done if the 72-hour period is exceeded unplanned, we regularly receive the less than satisfactory information from the RKI that, to be on the safe side, the driver should carry out the test before entering the country if there is a risk of the 72-hour period being exceeded).
A quick reminder on the relevant obligations on return/entry from “area of variant concern” (relevant for Moselle):
- Obligation to register:
The registration has to be done before entering Germany via https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de. If digital entry registration is not possible due to lack of technical equipment or technical malfunctions, a fully completed substitute notification according to the sample form (see https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronavirus-infos-reisende/merkblatt-dea.html for samples in many languages) must be carried on entry.
- Obligation to test:
A medical certificate or test result regarding the absence of infection with SARS-CoV-2 is considered proof. The proof for entrants from virus variant areas must already be available upon entry, i.e. completed before entry, but no more than 48 h before entry. The proof must be provided on paper or in an electronic document in German, English or French. It must be presented upon request to the competent authority. Both PCR tests and rapid tests according to WHO standards will be accepted.
- Quarantine obligation:
Any quarantine requirement for persons entering the country is governed by the quarantine regulations of the federal state in which the German residence of the person entering the country is located (or by the German destination of the transport in the case of foreign drivers).
Source: BGL
24.03.2021
COVID-19 update: Clarification concerning German plans for additional "days off" before Easter ("Osterruhe")
After an announcement by German Chancellor Merkel on Monday, 22 March 2021, to introduce, on a one-time basis, two additional “days off” (Ruhetage) on Maundy Thursday, 01 April 2021 and Holy Saturday, 03 April 2021 in Germany, our German association, BGL had received many sister organisations’ questions concerning the legal obligations of these “days off”. Actually, this term is not legally defined.
After vivid discussion of any possible practical implications of the “days off”, the Chancellor informed today that the “days off” plans are being officially cancelled. 01 April 2021 and 03 April 2021 will therefore continue to be normal working days in Germany.
Read more here.
Source: BGL
20.03.2021
COVID-19 update: Germany adds Poland, Bulgaria and Cyprus on the list of COVID-19 “high incidence areas”
With effect from Sunday, 21 March 2021, 00:00 hours, Poland, Bulgaria and Cyprus will be considered “high incidence areas” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO. The relevant decision was published by RKI on 19 March 2021, 20:45 hours (see RKI risk areas).
Obligations on return/entry from “high incidence areas”:
Obligation to register:
For persons who have stayed in high incidence areas outside of Germany in the last 10 days prior to entry, there is an obligation to register via the website https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de. There is no exception to this registration requirement for truck drivers. However, there is an exception to the obligation to register (for all persons, i.e. also for truck drivers) if the high-incidence area was merely transited without a stay. If registration is mandatory but digital entry registration is not possible due to lack of technical equipment or technical malfunctions, a fully completed substitute notification according to the sample form (see https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronavirus-infos-reisende/merkblatt-dea.html for samples in many languages) must be carried on entry.
Obligation to test:
Persons who have stayed in a high-incidence area during the last 10 days before entry must undergo a COVID-19 test (PCR test or rapid test according to WHO criteria) before entering Germany and present it to the responsible authorities upon request. Truck drivers are exempt from this requirement for stays of less than 72 hours. For stays of more than 72 hours, drivers must undergo a COVID-19 test before entering Germany. (In response to the frequently asked question of what should be done if the 72-hour period is exceeded unplanned, we regularly receive the less than satisfactory information from the RKI that, to be on the safe side, the driver should carry out the test before entering the country if there is a risk of the 72-hour period being exceeded).
Source: BGL
COVID-19 update: Germany removes the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland from the list of “areas of variant concern”
As of 21 March 2021, 00:00 hours, the United Kingdom, as well as the Republic of Ireland, will no longer be considered “areas of variant of concern”. Both countries will revert to the status of "normal" risk areas again. As a result, a stay there will no longer entail any pre-registration and testing obligations for truck drivers when they enter Germany.
Source: BGL
17.03.2021
COVID-19 update: Prolongation of border controls in Germany
The border controls introduced at the German borders with the Czech Republic and with Tyrol (Austria) on 14 February 2021 will be further prolonged until 31 March 2021, 24:00 hours.
Source: BGL
12.03.2021
COVID-19 update: Germany adds Moldova on the list of “high incidence area”
Germany - Moldova
With effect from Sunday, 14 March 2021, 00:00 hours, Moldova will be considered a “high incidence area” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO. The relevant decision was published by RKI on 12 March 2021, 12:30 hours (see RKI risk areas).
A quick reminder on the relevant obligations on return/entry from “high incidence areas”:
· Obligation to register:
For persons who have stayed in high incidence areas outside of Germany in the last 10 days prior to entry, there is an obligation to register via the website https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de. There is no exception to this registration requirement for truck drivers. However, there is an exception to the obligation to register (for all persons, i.e. also for truck drivers) if the high-incidence area was merely transited without a stay. If registration is mandatory but digital entry registration is not possible due to lack of technical equipment or technical malfunctions, a fully completed substitute notification according to the sample form (see https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronavirus-infos-reisende/merkblatt-dea.html for samples in many languages) must be carried on entry.
· Obligation to test:
Persons who have stayed in a high-incidence area during the last 10 days before entry must undergo a COVID-19 test (PCR test or rapid test according to WHO criteria) before entering Germany and present it to the responsible authorities upon request. Truck drivers are exempt from this requirement for stays of less than 72 hours. For stays of more than 72 hours, drivers must undergo a COVID-19 test before entering Germany. (In response to the frequently asked question of what should be done if the 72-hour period is exceeded unplanned, we regularly receive the less than satisfactory information from the RKI that, to be on the safe side, the driver should carry out the test before entering the country if there is a risk of the 72-hour period being exceeded).
Source: BGL
COVID-19 update: Germany lifts restrictions on traffic from Portugal
As of 14 March 2021, 00:00 hours, Portugal will no longer be considered an “area of variant of concern”. Portugal will not revert to the status of a “high-incidence area”, but will become a "normal" risk area again. As a result, a stay there will no longer entail any pre-registration and testing obligations for truck drivers when they enter Germany. Some areas of Portugal (Azores, Alentejo, Centro and Norte) are no longer even classified as risk areas.
Source: BGL
09.03.2021
Weekend bans in Germany lifted
Please note that weekend bans in Germany have been lifted until 5th of April 2021 in general and for transport of vaccines until 30th of June 2021.
Read more here.
Source: BGL
05.03.2021
Classification of Sweden, Hungary and Jordan as "high incidence areas"
With effect from Sunday, 7 March 2021, 00:00 hours, Sweden, Hungary and Jordan will be considered “high incidence areas” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO. The relevant decision was published by RKI on 5 March 2021, 13:15 hours (see RKI risk areas).
A quick reminder on the relevant obligations on return/entry from “high incidence areas”:
· Obligation to register:
For persons who have stayed in high incidence areas outside of Germany in the last 10 days prior to entry, there is an obligation to register via the website https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de. There is no exception to this registration requirement for truck drivers. However, there is an exception to the obligation to register (for all persons, i.e. also for truck drivers) if the high-incidence area was merely transited without a stay. If registration is mandatory but digital entry registration is not possible due to lack of technical equipment or technical malfunctions, a fully completed substitute notification according to the sample form (see https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronavirus-infos-reisende/merkblatt-dea.html for samples in many languages) must be carried on entry.
· Obligation to test:
Persons who have stayed in a high-incidence area during the last 10 days before entry must undergo a COVID-19 test (PCR test or rapid test according to WHO criteria) before entering Germany and present it to the responsible authorities upon request. Truck drivers are exempt from this requirement for stays of less than 72 hours. For stays of more than 72 hours, drivers must undergo a COVID-19 test before entering Germany. (In response to the frequently asked question of what should be done if the 72-hour period is exceeded unplanned, we regularly receive the less than satisfactory information from the RKI that, to be on the safe side, the driver should carry out the test before entering the country if there is a risk of the 72-hour period being exceeded).
Source: BGL
04.03.2021
COVID-19 update: Clarification concerning German rules on areas of variant of concern (Moselle)
There is no exemption from the German requirement of testing and registration for drivers that only transit Moselle, or any other area considered “variant of concern”.
BGL has received reports concerning a potential official interpretation in France of the German regulations concerning “areas of variant of concern”, namely, the French “Moselle” Département. BGL was informed that, according to such French interpretation, “ those who transit the Moselle region without loading and unloading are not covered by the obligation to test and register prior to entry into Germany”.
Please note that the interpretation above is not correct. The wording of “CoronaEinreiseVO” (attached herewith) in the German rules is clear that transit is not exempted in the case of “areas of variant of concern”, such as Moselle. There is an exemption for transit traffic but limited to Covid-19 areas defined by the German rules as “risk areas” and “high incidence areas”. This was also confirmed to BGL by the German Ministry for Health.
Source: BGL
COVID-19 update: German pre-registration platform online again
Germany (4 March 2021)
Please note that, after the last few days of disruption, German COVID-19 pre-registration platform www.einreiseanmeldung.de is available online again.
Source: BGL
Prolongation of border controls in Germany
The border controls introduced at the German borders with the Czech Republic and with Tyrol (Austria) on 14 February 2021 will be further prolonged until 17 March 2021. Early cancellation of this measure could however be considered in case of a positive development of the epidemiological situation.
Read here.
Source: Bundesministerium des Innern BMI
01.03.2021
COVID-19 update: Reinforcement of sanitary measures at the French/German border in Moselle
France - Germany
In order to take better account of the health situation in Moselle, France will be implementing the following measures for the department Moselle from 1 March 2021:
- The exemption from the obligation to present a PCR test of less than 72 hours upon entry into France will be limited to professional activities only. Cross-border commuters travelling for reasons other than work will therefore have to present a negative PCR test at the border;
- The use of teleworking for cross-border workers will be reinforced;
- The implementation of an interactive testing strategy for staff crossing the border for professional activities in the form of a weekly test.
Joint patrols by the French and German police could be stepped up in the territory to ensure the effectiveness of these measures.
The government continues to monitor the health situation in the region with the utmost attention and to exchange views with the German authorities.
Read the press release here
You can find a full list of testing centres in Moselle – PCR and antigenic - (labs, pharmacies or nurses) here. Almost all of them are by appointment. It is better to call them before to know if their facilities are suited for drivers with their vehicle.
Source: French Health Ministry and AFTRI
COVID-19 update: Pre-registration platform temporarily unavailable due to cyber attacks
The German Ministry for Health (BMG) informs about a massive disruption in access to the German COVID-19 pre-registration portal www.einreiseanmeldung.de (DEA) due to cyber attacks. The authorities are working at full speed to restore the availability of the system, but according to current estimates, it is expected that the system will be unavailable for the three days to come.
During this time, entry pre-registrations will be processed in paper format via a substitute notification. Sample forms in various languages can be downloaded under this link.
Source: BGL
COVID-19 update: New Covid-19 testing center at the Inntal Autohof Raubling, next to the german Inntal Motorway A 93
At the german side of the Inntal motorway A93 a new COVID-19 testing center was opened on 01 March, 2021. The testing center is located, next to the exit 57 Reischenhart at the Inntaler Autohof Raubling. Detailed information is below.
Inntaler Autohof Raubling GmbH & Co. KG (inntaler-autohof-raubling.de
The testing center was opened for drivers travelling in the direction of Austria/Italy in the case they will be back to Germany within 48 hours.
It is reminded that lorry drivers need a medical certificate or test result regarding the absence of infection with SARS-CoV-2, for the entry to Gemany if they have been in the last 10 days in Tyrol (virus variant area) The proof for entrants from virus variant areas must already be available upon entry, i.e. completed before entry, but no more than 48 hours before entry.
The rapid tests for transport workers are free of charge.
At the Inntaler Autohof Raubling there is an existing parking capacity for about 100 to 130 lorries.
Source: BGL
COVID-19 update: Germany extends the list of Covid-19 new variant regions by the inclusion of the French Moselle Département
With effect from Tuesday, 2 February 2021, 00:00 hours, the French Moselle Département will be considered an “area of variant of concern” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO. The relevant decision was published by RKI on 28.02.2021, 12:45 hours (see RKI risk areas).
As a result, and as of the a.m. date, all exemptions from the obligation to register as well as the obligation to test will cease to apply for persons entering Germany who have stayed in or transited Moselle during the last 10 days.
At the present stage, Germany does not plan to introduce border controls at the border between Germany and the Moselle Département.
A quick reminder on the relevant obligations on return/entry from “areas of variant of concern”:
- Obligation to register:
The registration has to be done before entering Germany via https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de. If digital entry registration is not possible due to lack of technical equipment or technical malfunctions, a fully completed substitute notification according to the sample form (see https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronavirus-infos-reisende/merkblatt-dea.html for samples in many languages) must be carried on entry.
- Obligation to test:
A medical certificate or test result regarding the absence of infection with SARS-CoV-2 is considered proof. The proof for entrants from virus variant areas must already be available upon entry, i.e. completed before entry, but no more than 48 h before entry. The proof must be provided on paper or in an electronic document in German, English or French. It must be presented upon request to the competent authority. Both PCR tests and rapid tests according to WHO standards will be accepted.
- Quarantine obligation:
Any quarantine requirement for persons entering the country is governed by the quarantine regulations of the federal state in which the German residence of the person entering the country is located (or by the German destination of the transport in the case of foreign drivers).
Source: German CoronaEinreiseVO and BGL
23.02.2021
COVID-19 update: Prolongation of border controls
The border controls introduced at the German borders with the Czech Republic and with Tyrol (Austria) on 14 February 2021 will be prolonged until 03 March 2021.
Source: BGL
22.02.2021
COVID-19 update: Restrictions and closure of border crossings in Denmark
Denmark - Germany
It should be noted that several border crossings on the land border between Denmark and Germany will be closed completely from midnight, 00.00 hrs 20 February 2021.
Only minor border crossing at the land border will be closed completely. The following border crossing on the land border between Denmark and Germany can be used:
Frøslev/Ellund (E45) – 00.00 hrs -24.00 hrs
Padborg – 00.00 hrs -24.00 hrs
Sæd – 00.00 hrs – 24.00 hrs
Pebersmark - 10.00 hrs -18.00 hrs
Kruså – 00.00 hrs- 24.00 hrs – only for vehicles below 3,5 tonnes
The control at the border will be intensified so this might cause delays. However, at Frøslev there is a lane exclusively for freight transport which should hopefully shorten the waiting time.
A worthy purpose, such as transporting goods, is required for entry into Denmark. Persons who enter Denmark in connection with the transportation of freight are still exempt from the requirement to take a test - except if the person is residing in the United Kingdom or South Africa, in which case, the traveller must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours before entry.
Truck drivers who are not residents of Denmark are still required to isolate when they are not performing work. This can be done in the vehicle if allowed according to the regulation on driving and rest time.
Source : ITD
COVID-19 update: Spain and Lithuania no longer considered "high incidence areas"
Effective as of 21 February 2021, 00:00 a.m., German Robert Koch Institute RKI is no longer classifying Spain and Lithuania as “high incidence areas” (see RKI List of areas). Both countries are now considered “risk areas”.
As a result of this decision, drivers of truck transports coming from Spain or Lithuania are no longer subject to mandatory pre-registration and testing if they enter Germany. This is of course under the condition that they comply with appropriate safety and hygiene concepts and that they have not stayed in other high incidence areas or areas of variant of concern during the last 10 days before entry.
Source: BGL
19.02.2021
COVID-19 update: Test results in Italian language accepted for entries from Austria
The German Ministry of Transport has informed our member association, BGL that, on an exceptional decision by the Ministry of the Interior and owing to the situation at hand, negative COVID-19 test results in Italian language are being accepted by the control authorities at the borders between Germany and Austria. The German Federal police has been advised accordingly.
(Please keep in mind that in principle, these results have to be in German or English or French.)
Source: BGL
COVID-19 update: Modifications to German digital pre-registration form
Drivers entering Germany and having stayed in a “high incidence are” or “area of variant of concern” during the 10 days prior to entry are subject to mandatory pre-registration on the German pre-registration platform www.einreiseanmeldung.de. However, up to now this form did not allow to indicate any exemptions that might apply to the driver. As a result, many drivers were contacted by the German health authorities, requesting test results in situations where the drivers were no obliged to have any, or ordering quarantine in situations where the drivers were not subject to them.
The pre-registration form has now been adapted. The new version is allowing to indicate grounds for exemption that the entrant is qualifying for. The driver may also indicate whether or not he/she is in possession of a negative COVID-19 test. Indication of both details is voluntary, and the driver is even asked for his/her consent on whether these details may be forwarded to the health authorities. However, correct information on the situation at hand will assist health authorities in correctly assessing the need for further communication, and may serve to avoid unnecessary checks respectively have the necessary ones better fit the actual situation. It is therefore recommended to correctly fill in the relevant details and to agree their forwarding to the health authorities. The authorities are of course reserving their right to check that the exemptions are actually valid under the given circumstances.
Source: BGL
12.02.2021
COVID-19 update: Czech Republic, Slovakia and Tyrol (Austria) classified as "Area of variant concern" by Germany
With effect from Sunday, 14 February 2021, 00:00 hours, the Slovak Republic, the Czech Republic and part of Austria (province of Tyrol with the exception of the political district of Lienz, the municipality of Jungholz and the Rißtal in the municipal area of Vomp and Eben am Achensee) will be declared “areas of variant of concern” according to the German CoronaEinreiseVO (Read more here ).
As a result, and as of this date, all persons entering Germany (including goods transport drivers) who have stayed in or transited one or more of the aforementioned countries during the last 10 days will be subject to the obligation to register, to hold a negative COVID-19 test and, in some cases, to quarantine, as detailed below.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior has announced that compliance with the rules will be monitored by the Federal Police at the borders with CZ and AT from 14 February 2021.
A quick reminder on the relevant obligations on return/entry from “areas of variant of concern”:
- Obligation to register:
The registration has to be done before entering Germany via https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de. If digital entry registration is not possible due to lack of technical equipment or technical malfunctions, a fully completed substitute notification according to the sample form (See here for samples in many languages) must be carried on entry.
- Obligation to test:
A medical certificate or test result regarding the absence of infection with SARS-CoV-2 is considered proof. The proof for entrants from virus variant areas must already be available upon entry, i.e. completed before entry, but no more than 48 h before entry. The proof must be provided on paper or in an electronic document in German, English or French. It must be presented upon request to the competent authority. PCR and some specific rapid tests are acceptable. See here for more information.
- Quarantine obligation:
Any quarantine requirement for persons entering the country is governed by the quarantine regulations of the federal state in which the German residence of the person entering the country is located (or by the German destination of the transport in the case of foreign drivers).
Testing opportunities:
For drivers returning from/through Tyrol: See here.
For drivers returning from/through the Czech Republic: See here.
For riders returning from/through the Slovak Republic: See here.
There is no information on the suitability of the listed test facilities for truck travel.
Source: BGL
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 travelling in transit through Germany are exempted from pre-registration and testing, 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 and test if they come from an area of variant of concern.
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
Negative COVID-19 test: None
- Drivers that have been in a “High incidence area” during the last 10 days prior to entry into German territory:
Pre-registration: Mandatory – Please register under https://www.einreiseanmeldung.debefore entry. The digital form is available in many languages.
Negative COVID-19 test: No mandatory test for stays up to 72 h. For stays of more than 72 h, a mandatory COVID-19 test must be performed priorto entry, to be shown upon request of a responsible authority. Test may be max. 48 h old upon entry.
- Drivers that have been in an “area of variant of concern” during the last 10 days prior to entry into German territory:
Pre-registration: Mandatory – please register under https://www.einreiseanmeldung.debefore entry.
Negative COVID-19 test: Mandatory, no exemptions. COVID-19 test must be performed prior to entry, to be shown upon request of a responsible authority. Test may be max. 48 h old upon entry.
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.
These persons are also exempted from testing is all three cases.
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 maximum daily driving time can be extended to 11 hours;
- The exceptional circumstances foreseen in Article 12 of Regulation 561/2006 have been declared, according to which, to “… reach a suitable stopping place, the driver may depart from Articles 6 to 9 to the extent necessary to ensure the safety of persons, of the vehicle or its load…”, thus allowing further prolongations of driving time;
- The weekly rest can be taken at the latest at the end of 8 (eight) 24-hour periods after the end of the previous weekly rest, provided that the following rest time taken is of at least 45 hours;
- The maximum weekly driving time can be extended to 60 hours, coupled with the obligation to compensate the difference between the regulatory weekly maximum driving time of 56 hours and the 60 hours by a relative prolongation, to be taken during the following weekly rest period.
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.
Also, the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg has extended the exemptions on the ban on driving on Sundays and public holidays until 30 June 2020. The state of Bremen did so until 1 June 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.
People entering Germany must proceed directly to their home or to a suitable accommodation and isolate themselves for a period of 14 days after the entry into the country. They are also required to contact their competent public health office without delay and inform them of their entry into the country. People must provide the local health authority with the following information: identity and date of birth, travel itinerary, contact data, address of the domicile.
Derogations to this rule may be applied by regulations issued by federal states and only concern people that show no symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
Bus companies and tour operators doing cross-border transport to Germany must comply, within the framework of their operational and technical capabilities, with the following provisions:
- 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.
Source: BAG, DSLV
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).
Source: BGL