The hurdles for entering Germany are significantly lower this winter than in 2020. However, depending on the country of origin, the trip may require some preparation.
Berlin – With the increasing number of corona cases in Germany and the approaching public holidays, many Germans and their family members living abroad are currently asking themselves whether entry to Germany could become more difficult again due to corona restrictions. The good news: With a 3G certificate, entry into the country is basically possible for everyone, but there are still a few things to consider.
What makes the biggest difference when entering Germany is the question from which country someone would like to enter Germany. While the EU and Schengen states are generally on a green list, the Federal Ministry of the Interior has also issued a so-called “positive list”, which includes Australia and Canada as well as many states in South America and Asia. Entrants from other third countries must either have a full vaccination or a good reason, such as an employment relationship or study abroad.
Traveling to Germany despite Corona: high-risk areas require an entry form
The other important difference when entering the country is made by the joint classification by the Foreign Office and the RKI of so-called high-risk and virus variant areas. Depending on the country of origin and vaccination status, travelers must also fill out an entry form for contact tracking after their arrival in Germany for a certain period of time and in the case of entry from a high-risk or virus variant area. The strictest rules apply to virus variant areas, but no country in the world is currently designated as such.
In addition to popular holiday destinations such as Greece, Croatia or Thailand, some of Germany’s neighboring countries are also among the high-risk areas. Anyone entering from Belgium, the Netherlands or Austria, for example, has to be in quarantine for 10 days without a full vaccination and can “test themselves” from the 5th day. Children under the age of 12 only need to be in quarantine for 5 days. Children under the age of 12 are also generally exempt from the 3G verification requirement that applies to everyone.
Corona makes traveling in Germany more difficult: Special rules apply to some countries
Traveling within Germany is basically just as possible for people who have come to Germany from abroad as it is for people who live in Germany, even if exceptions may apply in some cases. For example, the Free State of Saxony, where the 7-day incidence is currently over 1000, has generally prohibited overnight stays by tourists. A similar regulation also applies in parts of Bavaria. In other countries, too, after the new Corona laws of the federal states come into force, 2G rules for overnight stays in hotels, restaurant visits or theater performances may apply. (ska)
