Germany: COVID-19 Entry Requirements For Travelers

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Last Updated 2 months ago

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 reopened its doors for tourism and is hoping to revitalize its economy after being shut down due to the pandemic. On May 13, 2021, the German government even announced that tourists can avoid the 10-day quarantine if they can prove they are fully vaccinated, recently recovered, or have a negative 72-hour PCR test.

Here are all the COVID-19 entry requirements for Germany in 2021 that travelers need to know before booking.

Countries Permitted To Visit Germany For Tourism

Residents of the following countries may enter Germany for tourism

(updated July 8 2021):

• Albania
• Armenia
• Australia
• Austria
• Azerbaijan
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Israel
• Italy
• Japan
• Jordan
• Latvia
• Lebanon
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Kosovo
• Malta
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Qatar
• Romania
• Serbia
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Thailand
• Tunisia
• USA

Countries NOT listed above are prohibited from entering Germany for tourism at this time.

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 may need to test and/or quarantine, depending on the risk level the country they are travelling from is currently categorized as.

Germany categorizes countries as low-risk, high-risk, high-incidence or virus variant areas. The list of which country is in which category is available here

Low-risk: No test or quarantine required

High-Risk: A 72-hour PCR or 48-hour Antigen test required. A 10-day quarantine is also required with an option to ‘test-to-release’ on the 5th day. Proof of recovery or proof of vaccination will exempt from testing/quarantines.

High-Incidence: A 72-hour PCR or 48-hour Antigen test required. A 10-day quarantine is also required with an option to ‘test-to-release’ on the 5th day. Proof of recovery or proof of vaccination will exempt from testing.

Virus Variant Areas: A 72-hour PCR or 24-hour Antigen test required, plus a 14-day quarantine.

Digital Entry Form

The Digital Registration Upon Entry system should be used by ALL passengers into Germany coming from a high-risk nation.  

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.  

Approved travelers to Germany who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 will no longer need to test on arrival or quarantine unless coming from an area where variants of concern are prevalent (like India, Brazil, South Africa, etc)

The big 4 vaccines are recognized by Germany and 14-days must have elapsed since the last/final dose of the vaccine.

Starting June 25, travelers from third-party countries will be able to enter Germany by showing their appropriate proof of vaccination.

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:

1. Check if your country is on the approved list to visit Germany 
2. Check if your country requires a visa to visit Germany
3. Check to see your risk level and if you need a test  
4. Use the Digital Registration for Entry online form/system to determine if you must quarantine for 10-days 
5. Follow all German health protocols for the duration of your trip.

Read More: 

Countries reopen for Vaccinated Tourists

All Countries Reopening For Tourism

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. 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

Sources: German Federal Foreign Office/German Federal Ministry

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 with updates for 2021