The German government, effective Sunday, June 20, 2021, 0.00 AM, declared the United States a “safe country.” Therefore, travel to Germany for all purposes will be permitted again. Additionally, the “Best Friends” work permit and subsequent Schengen visa/national visa/residence permit are now available again for US nationals.
Proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID-19, or negative test result is still required for entry via air travel.
Unrestricted travel is now available to EU nationals and residents; nationals and residents of Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein; nationals from non-EU countries (third-country nationals) who have a current long-term residence permit from an EU or Schengen country and their immediate family members; and residents of “safe countries” — Albania, Australia, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, Macao, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States.
For travelers from all other countries, entry is possible only in exceptional cases for urgent needs.
Travel Restrictions for Risk Areas
- Travelers who have visited a basic risk area, high incidence area, or area of virus variants of concern area in the last ten days before entering Germany, must register at www.einreiseanmeldung.de before arriving in Germany and carry proof of registration with them upon entry.
- For entry by air, travelers from the age of 6 must be able to present negative COVID-19 test results, proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or proof of recovery.
Quarantine Requirements
- Travelers from no-risk areas are not obligated to go to their destination immediately after entry to isolate for 10 days.
- Travelers from basic risk areas and high incidences areas must go directly to their destination and quarantine for 10 days. Travelers may be able to shorten their quarantine with a test on the 5th day.
- Travelers from areas of virus variants of concern must go directly to their destination and quarantine for 14 days.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to send updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.