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Last update: 12/01/2023
Germany began allowing travelers from some countries to enter in July 2020. At the moment, only travelers from EU/Schengen Area countries, travelers from approved countries, and vaccinated travelers from all other countries can enter Germany for any reason, including tourism.
Entry requirements depend on which country you are traveling from. Travelers from certain EU/Schengen Area countries and other countries can enter Germany without restrictions. All they need to do is present proof of full vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to entry, or a negative antigen test result from within 48 hours prior to entry.
Travelers from “high-risk areas” must complete a digital registration form and provide proof of full vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to entry, or a negative antigen test result from within 48 hours prior to entry.
Unvaccinated travelers from “high-risk areas” must also quarantine for 10 days from their arrival, although they can end their quarantine early if they get tested and receive a negative result on or after the 5th day of their quarantine period.
Travelers from EU/Schengen Area “high-risk areas” and vaccinated travelers from other “high-risk areas” can enter Germany for any reason. Unvaccinated travelers from all other “high risk areas” can only enter Germany if they have an urgent need to travel.
All travelers from “areas of variant of concern” can only enter Germany for a few specific reasons. If travelers from these countries are allowed to enter Germany, they must complete a digital registration form and provide proof of a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to entry or a negative antigen test result from within 24 hours prior to entry, even if they are fully vaccinated. They must also quarantine for 14 days from their arrival in Germany.
Can I travel to Germany right now?
You can travel to Germany from many countries right now. Below is a map of all the countries that can visit Germany at the moment.
Germany - EN
- Germany
- Countries allowed to travel to Germany
Travelers from these countries can enter without restrictions
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Travelers from these countries can enter Germany with restrictions
High-Risk Areas
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All travelers from EU/Schengen Area “high-risk” countries can enter Germany for any reason. Travelers from all other “high-risk” countries can only enter Germany if they are fully vaccinated or if they have an urgent reason for travel. More information on acceptable reasons for travel can be found here.
Germany travel ban is in place for these countries
Areas of variant of concern
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The only people who can travel to Germany from “areas of variant of concern” are German citizens and their immediate family, German residents, travelers who are transiting in Germany, medical staff, anyone who is traveling to Germany for humanitarian reasons (death of immediate family, medical treatment, etc.), and anyone traveling on behalf of the UN or International Atomic Energy Agency. More information on these exceptions is available here.
Germany COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
Germany’s entry requirements are quite strict and depend on the country you are traveling from.
Germany COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
If you are traveling from certain EU/Schengen Area countries and other countries, you can enter Germany without restrictions. All you need to do is present proof of full vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to entry, or a negative antigen test result from within 48 hours prior to entry.
If you are entering Germany from an EU/Schengen “high-risk area” or are a vaccinated traveler from another “high-risk area,” you must provide proof of full vaccination and register online. You can enter Germany for any reason.
If you are traveling from a non-EU/Schengen “high-risk area” and are unvaccinated, you can only enter Germany if you have an urgent need for travel, such as if you’re a student, healthcare worker, or passenger in transit. If you are allowed to enter Germany, you will have to register online and provide proof of recovery from COVID-19, a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to entry, or a negative antigen test results from within 48 hours prior to entry.
If you are unvaccinated and traveling from a “high-risk area,” regardless of whether it is in the EU/Schengen Area, you must quarantine for 10 days from your arrival in Germany, unless you can provide proof of another negative COVID-19 test, which will allow you to end your quarantine early (after 5 days or more).
You cannot enter Germany from an “area of variant of concern,” except in very limited circumstances. If you do have a valid reason for entering Germany, you must register online and have proof of a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to entry or a negative antigen test result from within 24 hours prior to entry, even if you are fully vaccinated. You must also quarantine for 14 days from your arrival in Germany.
COVID-19 Vaccine to travel to Germany
Travelers who can provide proof of full vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID-19 do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test result if they are traveling from a country that is not a “high-risk area” or “area of variant of concern.” If they are traveling from a “high-risk area,” travelers who can provide proof of full vaccination can enter Germany for any reason, do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test result, and are exempt from quarantining on arrival in Germany.
COVID-19 Vaccine to travel to Germany
This does not apply to travelers from “areas of variant of concern,” who must still present a negative test result and quarantine on arrival in Germany.
Proof of vaccination must be in German, French, English, Italian, or Spanish and can be in digital or physical form. Acceptable vaccines include Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson.
14 days must have elapsed since the traveler received their last dose. For travelers who have proof of recovery from COVID-19, one dose of a vaccine (even if it is a two-dose vaccine) is acceptable.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Germany?
All unvaccinated travelers and travelers from “areas of variant of concern” must get tested for COVID-19 in order to be able to enter Germany.
All travelers from “areas of variant of concern” must present proof of a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to entering Germany or a negative antigen test result from within 24 hours prior to entry.
Unvaccinated travelers from “high-risk areas” must provide evidence of a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to entry or a negative antigen test result from within 48 hours prior to entry.
Unvaccinated travelers from all other countries must present proof of a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to entry or a negative antigen test result from within 48 hours prior to entry.
Proof of testing must be in German, English, French, Italian, or Spanish. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from presenting a negative test result, proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery from COVID-19.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Germany?
There is a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Germany for travelers from “areas of variant of concern” and unvaccinated travelers from “high-risk areas.” Vaccinated travelers from “high-risk areas” are exempt from this quarantine requirement.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Germany?
Unvaccinated travelers from “high-risk areas” must quarantine for 10 days from their arrival in Germany. However, they may end their quarantine early if they obtain a negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken on or after 5 days of quarantine. Quarantine for children under the age of 12 automatically ends after 5 days instead of 10 days.
Travelers from “areas of variant of concern,” regardless of their vaccination status, must quarantine for 14 days from their arrival in Germany.
Germany’s federal states (Länder) also have their own quarantine regulations, so be sure to check the regulations for the area you will be visiting.
Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Germany
It is not an entry requirement to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to enter Germany, but you definitely shouldn’t travel without some kind of coverage.
If you’re looking for travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, Heymondo is an excellent option. We’ve compared many different types of travel insurance and Heymondo emerged as the best choice because of their policies’ extensive coverage, particularly for COVID-19 testing and treatment abroad. You can even save 5% on their policies with the discount link below.
Other travel restrictions for Germany during COVID-19
Germany has a few other travel restrictions in place:
- All travelers from “high-risk areas” and “areas of variant of concern” must register online and present proof of registration upon arrival in Germany.
- All travelers will undergo health screenings upon arrival in Germany, which may include COVID-19 testing.
- Face masks are required in all public areas.
- Social distancing rules must be observed.
- You may need a tourist visa to visit Germany. Check if you need one below.
What’s open in Germany
Many businesses have reopened in Germany. Hotels, attractions, and restaurants are all open, although each German federal state (Länder) has its own regulations, so be prepared to encounter different regulations based on where you are in the country.
Hotels that are open in Germany
Hotels in Germany are currently open.
Regulations will depend on the German federal state in which you are staying. Some hotels will require you to present proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative COVID-19 test result.
More information on hotel regulations is available here.
Attractions that are open in Germany
Many attractions in Germany are open. As previously mentioned, attraction regulations will depend on the German federal state you are in.
Attractions that are open in Germany
Masks are required in indoor spaces. Some indoor attractions may require visitors to show proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative COVID-19 test result.
More information on attraction regulations can be found here.
Restaurants that are open in Germany
Many restaurants in Germany have reopened for indoor and outdoor dining. Regulations for restaurants will depend on the region of Germany you are in.
Some restaurants require indoor diners to present proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative COVID-19 test result. When you go out to eat, make sure you take a vaccination certificate or negative test result with you.
You should wear a mask when you are entering, exiting, and moving around a restaurant. You should also expect to provide your personal details for contact tracing purposes.
You can find more information on restaurant regulations here.
Airports that are open in Germany
Germany’s five busiest airports are all open and international flights are operating. The five airports are Berlin Brandenburg, Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf, and Hamburg.
Travelers must keep a distance of 2 meters away from others who are not in their household and wear face masks. They must also wash or sanitize their hands. Travelers will be subject to health screenings upon arrival in Germany.
Curfew in Germany
There is no curfew in Germany at this moment.
COVID-19 testing in Germany
Where to get a PCR test in Germany – COVID-19 testing in Germany
Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get a PCR test in Germany, you can find information on testing here.
Germany reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.
Check out these FAQs related to Germany reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.
Can I travel to Germany right now?
Yes, you can travel to Germany from EU and Schengen Area countries, as well as from a few other countries. You can also travel from almost any country if you are vaccinated.
Is it safe to travel to Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic?
There are currently 38,000+ active cases and 92,000+ deaths due to COVID-19 in Germany as of today. The CDC classifies travel to Germany as “Level 2- Moderate Risk.” If you have a pre-existing condition or any health condition that could increase your chances of serious illness, do not travel to Germany.
Is there a travel ban in Germany?
Yes, travelers from countries that are classified as “areas of variant of concern” are generally banned from entering Germany, although there are a few exceptions. You can find a list of “areas of variant of concern” here. Also, unvaccinated travelers from “high-risk areas” cannot enter Germany unless they have an urgent need to travel.
Is quarantine required to visit Germany?
Yes, unvaccinated travelers from “high-risk areas” must quarantine for 10 days from their arrival in Germany. However, it is possible for them to end their quarantine early if they obtain a negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken on or after 5 days of quarantine. All travelers from “areas of variant of concern” must quarantine for 14 days from their arrival in Germany. You can find a list of “high-risk areas” and “areas of variant of concern” here.
Do you need a PCR COVID-19 test to travel to Germany?
Yes, travelers from “areas of variant of concern” and unvaccinated travelers from all other countries must get tested for COVID-19 to travel to Germany. Anyone traveling from an “area of variant of concern” must have proof of a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to entering Germany or a negative antigen test result from within 24 hours prior to entry. Travelers from all other countries must have a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to entry or a negative antigen test result from within 48 hours prior to entry.
Is a curfew in place?
No, there is currently no curfew in Germany.
Are there restrictions on intercity or interregional travel?
No, there are no restrictions on intercity and interregional travel.
Are hotels open in Germany?
Yes, hotels in Germany are open.
Are airports open in Germany?
Yes, Germany’s five busiest international airports, Berlin Brandenburg, Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf, and Hamburg, are all open.
Are restaurants open in Germany?
Yes, many restaurants in Germany are open.
Are attractions open in Germany?
Yes, many German attractions are open.
Is Germany open to American tourists?
Yes, American tourists can currently visit Germany.
Is Germany open to Canadian tourists?
Yes, Canadians can currently enter Germany for any reason.
Sources
We will update this guide on Germany reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to Germany, you can check these official sources:
- US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in Germany
- CDC Travel Recommendations for Germany
- General Germany Travel Advisory
- Information on Entry Restrictions and Quarantine Regulations in English
- Current Information for Travelers in English
- List of Risk Areas in German
- List of Risk Areas in English
- Risk Area FAQs in German
- Information on Testing for Entering Germany in German
- Information on Testing for Entering Germany in English
- Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions in English
- Digital Registration Form in English
- Rules for Germany’s Individual Federal States in German
