As published in the Ordinance on Coronavirus Entry Regulations on May 12, individuals traveling by plane or who have spent time in a ‘risk area’ within 10 days of arriving in Germany must follow specific guidelines. The lists of high incidence areas, virus variant areas, and other risk areas are published on the RKI website.
Most notably, a travel ban has been imposed for travelers entering Germany from an area of virus variants of concern.
Public Health Requirements — What to Expect
- A general test requirement for travelers entering Germany by air. These travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test to their air carrier prior to boarding the plane. Children under 6 years old are exempted from COVID-19 test requirements.
- Quarantine requirement, travelers may curtail their quarantine by presenting a negative test certificate to the relevant authority. For travelers who have spent time in a high-incidence area prior to entry, the test should not be conducted earlier than five days after entry. Following a stay in an area of virus variants of concern, the duration of quarantine may not be shortened. The requirement to quarantine will initially be in force until June 30, 2021.
- Proof of vaccination or of recovery from Covid-19 can replace a negative test certificate and exempt travelers from quarantine on entry. This does not apply to travelers who have spent time in an area of virus variants of concern prior to entry.
- Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 can be provided in digital or paper form. The vaccine must be one of those listed on the website of the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut. A period of at least 14 days must have elapsed since receiving the last vaccine dose.
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.