Attention, holiday returnees! The federal government has changed the entry regulations.
The following applies from now on: It does not matter from where and how holiday returnees enter Germany, they must be able to show their vaccination certificate, a negative antigen rapid test certificate or a valid proof of recovery upon arrival and at any time.
Anyone entering from high-risk areas or virus variant areas also needs the digital entry form. You can fill it out here.
Travelers will be informed of the new regulations by SMS. The message says succinctly: “The Federal Government: Willkommen / Welcome! Please note the test / quarantine rules; please follow the rules on tests / quarantine. ” A link that travelers can access is also attached. You can find the link here.
The federal government has been sending out such notifications since March 1st. The messages are received as soon as smartphones log into the German cellular network. Recipients do not have to pay anything for the SMS. The sender is the number 01721241041.
What is valid from now on when entering the country?
Travelers need their identity card or passport and valid evidence that can prove a corona vaccination (full protection) or recovery. If both documents are not available, a negative rapid antigen test is required. The regulation applies to travelers aged 12 and over. The date of birth on the ID or passport document always applies.
When do I have to fill out the digital immigration form?
Travelers only need to fill out the digital entry form and have it with them if they are entering Germany from risk areas or virus variant areas. This applies to vaccinated, convalescent and unvaccinated alike. On the basis of the information, law enforcement officers and health authorities check whether travelers need to be in quarantine and whether they are actually complying with it.
For comparison: In other EU countries, ALL travelers have to fill out the digital travel registration, no matter which holiday country they come from. This is the case in Italy, Malta, Greece, Spain or Croatia, for example.
Who has to be in quarantine?
Only those who have not been vaccinated, those from high-risk areas and all immigrants who come from virus variant areas must be quarantined.
How long is the quarantine?
- High risk areas: The quarantine lasts at least five days. It begins when you arrive in Germany. With a negative antigen rapid test on the fifth day, the isolation can be left. Children up to the age of 12 can leave the quarantine on the fifth day without proof of test.
- Virus variant areas: There is a general ban on transport. Anyone who enters the country anyway has to be in quarantine for 14 days. Isolation applies to vaccinated, convalescent and unvaccinated people – and cannot be interrupted.
Can I go shopping or jogging during the quarantine?
Upon request, the competent authorities will declare that quarantine means that those affected will self-isolate.
During the quarantine it is not allowed to leave the house or the apartment to leave and receive visitors. Going shopping, going for a walk or jogging, all of these are forbidden. In extreme cases, there is a risk of a fine of 25,000 euros.
- FOCUS Online advises: During the time of isolation, use grocery delivery services or order from restaurants you trust. In the comment field, state that the delivery will be parked in front of the door for you.
For example, use thebofrost delivery service or check out this study – The Best Delivery Services.
Which countries are considered high risk areas?
Within the EU and at the EU’s external borders: Andorra, Georgia, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain and Cyprus as high risk areas.
Additionally were Egypt, Argentina, Bolivia, Botswana, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Eswatini, Fiji, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Colombia, Cuba, Kuwait, Lesotho, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Oman, Paraguay, Peru, Zambia, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tanzania and Tunisia classified as high risk areas.
Which countries are considered virus variant areas?
Brazil and Uruguay are as virus variant areas. Entry from these countries is only possible with very few exceptions.
What do travelers have to pay attention to?
FOCUS Online advises: If you are traveling by car or train, collect all the receipts and invoices that can prove your whereabouts on your trip.
What many do not know: The ten-day principle applies. In addition to proof of the test, the authorities can generally also ask for evidence in order to find out where you have been for the past ten days. Credit card statements, hotel bookings or travel tickets can be presented as such evidence.
- Case study: Maria travels with her husband and child by car across the French border into Germany. The authorities want to know where Maria was during the ten days. She replies that she was in France. The law enforcement officers ask for evidence that can prove the stay in France. It turns out that Maria was previously in Spain with her family. The authorities can now request the digital entry form. Spain is considered a high risk area. If this is not the case, Maria must expect a warning. In the worst case, even with a fine. In addition, she and her family must be quarantined for at least five days.