With its rich history, colorful architecture, castles, mountains, delicious food and beer, its no wonder why Germany continues to be one of the top destinations for international travelers in the world.
Germany has opened its doors for tourism and is hoping to revitalize its economy after being shut down due to the pandemic.
Here are all the COVID-19 entry requirements for Germany that travelers need to know before booking.
*Note: As of November, Germany is currently in a partial lockdown due to a surge in cases. Restrictions may be extended into February 2021.
Countries Permitted To Visit Germany For Tourism
Residents of the following countries may enter Germany for tourism:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Romania
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
Countries NOT listed above are prohibited from entering Germany for tourism.
*Ireland, Portugal and the UK are banned until at least Feb 17, 2021.
Important UPDATE: Nov 1
MANY of the above countries now have regions/cities/counties that WILL require a 10-day quarantine upon entering Germany due to a surge in cases. (See the quarantine section below for more details)
Essential travelers from all other countries may be eligible to enter Germany if they have an imperative need for doing so.
COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements
Travelers coming from the approved countries will NOT need to present negative test results from a PCR COVID-19 test when entering Germany.
Quarantine Entry Requirements for Germany
A 10-day quarantine will apply for travellers arriving from some of the approved nations, or citizens returning from high-risk areas.
The country list requiring the 10-day quarantine changes constantly, so the German government has created an easy online system to definitely know if you must quarantine upon arrival.
The Digital Registration Upon Entry system should be used by ALL passengers into Germany to determine if a 10-day quarnatine applies.
COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements
All incoming travelers should have travel insurance the covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip to Germany
COVID-19 Health Requirements While in Germany
All visitors must follow COVID-19 health requirements while in Germany:
- Wearing a mask in all indoor public spaces
- Wearing a mask on public transportation
- Social distancing rule of 1.5 meters
COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements
Germany has not announced any mandates on a proof of vaccine record for entry.
Visa Entry Requirements For Germany During COVID-19
All travelers arriving in Germany will still need to follow German visa requirements.
180 countries are able to visit Germany for a period of up to 90 days without a visa. Use this government chart to see if your country requires a visa for entry.
Travelers that require a visa must submit an application, together with all necessary documents, in person at the German embassy/consulate in their home country.
Germany Covid-19 Entry Requirements:
- Check if your country is on the approved list to visit Germany
- Check if your country requires a visa to visit Germany
- All approved countries will not require prior COVID-19 testing
- Use the Digital Registration for Entry online form/system to determine if you must quarantine for 10-days
- Follow all German health protocols for the duration of your trip.
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Disclaimer: Current Germany travel rules are changing without notice and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Article originally published August 21, 2020
Matt
Thursday 7th of January 2021
Does a Canadian need to have a negative COVID test to transit through Frankfurt to Bulgaria?
Kashlee Kucheran
Thursday 7th of January 2021
I don't believe so, but I can't be sure with all the intense restrictions across Europe right now
Sara
Sunday 3rd of January 2021
Does US passport need PCR negative test if they have transit flight in Germany ! Any information please
Jim
Sunday 3rd of January 2021
Does US citizen need PCR negative test if they have transit flight in Germany?
Tzouliano Pirko
Thursday 26th of November 2020
Hello, my mum and brother are transiting through Frankfurt tomorrow morning, heading to Paris. They will be flying from Greece. What forms do they need to have with them and surely they don't have to quarantine for 10 days if they are simply waiting at the airport for the next flight?
Many thanks in advance.
Kashlee Kucheran
Thursday 26th of November 2020
transits are happening fine as long as they stay inside the boarding area and do not go through customs.
Stan Brown
Saturday 31st of October 2020
I am a US Citizen and had worked in Germany on a military base (SOFA) from 2011-2019. I left the end of January 2020 with the intention returning in 91 days and form a company with a German National. Due to COVID that didn't happen but it appears that the necessary paperwork will be completed shortly to create the company and I will be named a partner with a work permit. Would that allow me to enter Germany and start work after a negative test has been received?
Kashlee Kucheran
Sunday 1st of November 2020
I'm sorry I don't have such a specific answer for you, as we follow mainly tourism rules. For work permits, etc, it's best to contact the consulate to get the proper guidance