Germany is apparently on the home stretch in the direction of the corona exodus. If the vaccination rate picks up in the next few weeks and months, nothing stands in the way of your summer vacation. But what about the Whitsun holidays? Can you currently go on vacation in Germany and if so, under what conditions? We provide the answers.
What do i need to know before traveling?
Before travelers pack their bags, they should inquire about the 7-day incidence at the destination.
Regions with an incidence of over 100 should generally be avoided by vacationers. The hard lockdown, known as the federal emergency brake, continues to apply there. The measures in force could spoil travelers’ holidays.
Fully vaccinated or recovered German citizens do not have to adhere to the night curfew, but they should keep in mind that outdoor restaurants, campsites, zoos and attractions are closed.
In circles where the federal emergency brake no longer applies, the infection protection laws of the individual countries apply. Because there are serious differences there, travelers should find out about the applicable rules in advance. Federal states only lift the federal emergency brake if the 7-day incidence remains stable below 100 for five consecutive days.
What documents do I need for my trip?
Many federal states are only open to their own residents, others have very strict test rules during the holiday and in others hotels remain closed, but holiday apartments and campsites can easily be booked under certain conditions. The following documents are therefore required for the Whitsun holidays when traveling in Germany:
- the Identity card or a document showing the place of residence (Registration certificate or current invoice),
- the Vaccination card or the Vaccination certificate for fully vaccinated people,
- the positive one PCR test for those who have recovered (E-mail or printed out) and
- possibly a current rapid antigen testthat is available from the test center, pharmacy or family doctor. The rapid antigen test can also be carried out by a current PCR testthat are available from your general practitioner or in certain test centers.
Do I need a test on the train or on the bus?
There is currently no mandatory test in local or long-distance traffic However, travelers must keep a sufficient distance from other passengers and wear a respirator. The PCR test requirement currently only applies to international travel by plane, train and bus for the most part.
Where can I go on vacation in Germany?
Baden-Wuerttemberg has mostly opened hotels, holiday apartments and campsites. Sitting in the beer garden and outside catering is no problem either. However, the prerequisite is that the incidence numbers are below 100 and unfortunately that is not the case everywhere.
In Bavaria Beer gardens are already open, but hotels, holiday apartments and campsites will not open again until May 21st. Reservations and bookings are already being accepted. When you arrive, you will need an up-to-date negative PCR or antigen rapid test. FOCUS Online forecast: The prices for the hotel or the train ride will rise significantly from Thursday.
Berlin is particularly suitable as a city trip on Whitsun. However, from May 21st, the capital will only open outdoor dining. Apartments and hotels will remain closed for the time being. If you still want to go to Berlin for the long Whitsun weekend, you can go to Brandenburg book an apartment or a holiday home. Vendors – just like campsites – are allowed to receive tourists from May 21st. You can then commute to Berlin by train or bus. Upon arrival, you must present a negative rapid antigen test.
In Hamburg Tourist overnight stays in hotels and accommodation establishments should only be possible in the second half of June. That too Saarland open to travelers at a later date.
Do you want an even deeper understanding?
Well informed through the crisis with our Corona guide: Experts explain what you now need to know about Covid-19.
In Hessen, North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate vacation is possible again for everyone. In regions with low incidence, travelers can now stay in hotels, holiday homes (or Apartments) and campsites without any problems. Here, too, a negative antigen rapid test applies on arrival. The outdoor catering is also open. Exceptions for gastronomy and tourism are all districts in which the federal emergency brake applies.
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania goes its own way. Day tourists are allowed to go to the Baltic Sea if they are fully vaccinated or have recovered. If you want to stay longer in Meck-Pomm, you can only book hotel rooms from mid-June. Hotel, camping and holiday apartment complexes will open from June 7th – but only for residents with primary or secondary residence in a city or district in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
In Lower Saxony Vacation is also possible. However, only for residents of the state. With an incidence value below 100, Lower Saxony opens hotels, holiday apartments and campsites for this group of people.
In Saxony can currently only open holiday apartments, campsites and outdoor catering in Leipzig. A five-plus-two rule is stipulated in the state ordinance: For openings, the seven-day incidence in a district or an urban district must be below 100 for five days in a row, plus two days of preparation. Dresden, too, has recently been below the 100 limit, all other regions are still above it. Hotels will remain closed for the time being over Pentecost.
In Saxony-Anhalt Campsites and holiday apartments are already allowed to receive guests. However, only where the 7-day incidence is low and only if a negative rapid antigen test is presented.
In Schleswig-Holstein travelers must be tested, fully vaccinated or recovered from a Covid-19 infection in order to go on vacation. Those who have been tested, have been fully vaccinated or have been proven to have recovered must bring appropriate evidence upon arrival.
What do I need for my vacation on the Baltic Sea and the North Sea?
At the Baltic Sea and at the North Sea there is a strict test requirement for people who have not been vaccinated or who have not recovered.
A negative PCR or antigen test, which must not be older than 48 hours, must be presented on arrival. Three days later, vacationers have to do another antigen test. If you stay for a longer period of time, it is due every four days. Those who have already been fully vaccinated or have recovered do not need any tests.
Local are allowed to reopen their outdoor and indoor areas. Here, too, guests must present a negative corona test or prove that they are fully vaccinated. This means that the second vaccination must be at least 14 days ago.
Boat trips and city tours – what do I have to consider?
If you are planning a boat trip or a city tour with the tourist bus, you should book an appointment in advance. In many cities, in addition to the mask requirement, there is also a reservation requirement. You have to enter your name and your contact details. For the most part, there are people restrictions and a greater distance from other guests.
Also, many anchor points are not approached directly and stopovers are ignored because the sights are closed. Therefore, find out in advance what applies to your destination and what will be approached on the sightseeing tour.