The coronavirus pandemic in 2019 resulted in uncertainty on international travel, including traveling to Germany. To some extent, the uncertainty remains in place even now. Depending on the Pandemic trend, some lockdown and stringent measures are still in place. However, Germany has opened its border for essential travel from countries in the EU/Schengen area and third-world countries. Since July 2020, Germany began allowing entry from a variety of countries. However, for citizens of non-EU- countries, entering Germany for tourism purposes isn’t fully permitted. Particularly authorities in the country have imposed travel restrictions based on the country of residence of the traveler. For The EU/Schengen, among other countries, restriction-free entry is allowed. Germany still has put hundred of countries under strict restrictions based on the pandemic situation. You can check out Expedia to find a portal that will help you book a vacation to Germany after the pandemic.
Which countries have their travelers permitted to enter Germany?
The German Government’s data show that Schengen associated countries such as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, and European Union Member states are permitted to Enter Germany. Travelers coming from Schengen and Eu countries and who have been listed to come from high incidence areas must have a negative covid-19 result carried out within 48 hours of the time they’ve arrived in Germany. They should also register online. In addition, they will be needed to self-isolate for ten days. The Covid testing certificate they present is valid if available in Spanish, German, French, Italian, and English. For those vaccinated, the same languages apply to the vaccination certificate. The Vaccination doses that the German government has approved include: Moderna, Comirnaty, Janssen, and Vaxzevria. The EU council has also recommended that travelers from some third regions and countries be permitted into Germany restriction-free, and these includes:
- Canada
- Australia
- Hong Kong
- Chile
- Moldova
- Kuwait
- Jordan
- Macao
- New Zealand
- Qatar
- Rwanda
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- China (subject to reciprocity)
- South Korea
- Uruguay
- Ukraine
Dangerous virus mutant and High-risk regions
The German government divides regions into two, virus mutant and high-risk areas. The virus mutant regions are those characterized by the presence of coronavirus variants and are of concern. On the other hand, the high-risk areas have high virus incidences, posing a significant infection risk. Germany has categorized some countries as high-risk areas. These include the United Kingdom, Turkey, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, some parts of France, and other non-European countries, including Israel and the US. It is, however, important to keep confirming this list from the German embassy as Germany Keeps updating it from time to time
Entry rule for arrivals from Virus variant and High-Risk Areas.
Persons entering Germany and who have stayed for over 10 days in areas with a high incidence of Covd-19 should present proof of vaccination, Covid-19 test result, or their proof of recovery. However, there are particular exceptions to people who have continually traveled through areas at high risk without making any stop. While you have used air transport, you should provide a negative COVID-19 result upon entry and before departure. Airlines have to check the documentation of the negative test result before departure. This rule also applies to persons traveling by ferry, train, or bus. In addition, to registering online and proving they have registered, travelers from virus variant and high-risk areas will be needed to download the Corona-Warn App and will also be screened on their entry to Germany.
The tourism sector in the country is still optimistic
Most third countries and EU states have had their entry restrictions into Germany eased, which is good news for the country’s tourism industry, the sector that received the most significant hit by the pandemic. Particularly the German tourism sector desires for visitors from the US as before the pandemic, the US was Germany’s third-largest tourists after Dutch and Swiss.
Who is supposed to quarantine on arrival in Germany?
When deciding to travel to Germany, you should be aware that German entry requirements depend on the country you are coming from. Persons from the virus variant and high-risk areas should self-isolate on their arrival to Germany for ten days. But if you are arriving from areas with variants of the virus, you should stay in self-isolation for 10 days. During the period of self-isolation, no one is permitted to receive visitors or leave their accommodation. There are some categories of person who are exempted from the requirement of quarantine, and this include.
- Person traveling and only using Germany as a transit country.
- Those who haven’t made any stopovers in high incidence or risk areas.
- Persons leaving Germany within 24 hours of entry or those who have stayed for less than 24 hours in high-risk areas.
Above is a guide that will help you travel to Germany amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.