Current information on entry from a SARS-CoV-2 areas

All SARS-CoV-2 virus variant areas can be found here:Current virus variant areas

• Currently, persons from virus variant areas are generally prohibited from entering Germany. Exceptions exist only for persons who already have a residence/long-term right of abode in Germany (in these cases a 14-day quarantine after entry is obligatory).

Should you be allowed to enter from a virus variant area, the following applies:

• You must register via the entry portal before entering the country. Be sure to save or print the registration confirmation. The transport companies and/or German authorities may ask you for it. Your travel and contact information will be forwarded to the health authority responsible for your location, who can then contact you.
• A test before entry is mandatory for you - regardless of whether you are already fully vaccinated or recovered. Antigen tests must not be older than 24 hours at the time of entry, PCR tests must not be older than 72 hours. The test result must be available in English, French or German. Information on the approved test procedures can be found here: RKI information.
• A 14-day quarantine is mandatory for all persons entering the country - regardless of whether fully vaccinated*, recovered** or tested. Quarantine cannot be shortened.
• Quarantine means that you must go directly to your accommodation immediately after entering the country. You may use public transportation for this purpose. During quarantine you are not allowed to leave your home, not even for a short time and not even for shopping. In addition, you may not receive visitors during this time. Please check with your scientific caregivers, colleagues, friends, or landlord to determine the best way to organize your care during quarantine.

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* Fully vaccinated means: The last necessary vaccination dose must be at least 14 days ago and must have been done with one of the vaccines listed here.

** Recovered means: Positive PCR test result at least 28 days but not more than 6 months ago.

Persons living in Potsdam or Berlin can shorten the 10-day quarantine after stays in high risk areas under the following conditions:

•  You take a test in Germany at the earliest 5 days after your entry. Antigen tests are mostly free of charge, especially when you can somehow proof to live in Potsdam/ Berlin (e.g. by a rental contract; proof of registration with the citizen services office, etc.). PCR tests cost approx. € 120 though.
• For children under 12 years, quarantine ends automatically from the 5th day after entry - testing is not necessary
• You upload your negative test result to the entry portal or you send a copy of the negative test result to the health office responsible for your place of residence - stating your full name, your address in Germany, your date of entry and a justification for shortening the quarantine period
  • Health Office Potsdam: 0331 289-2351, Berlin road 150 a, building P, 14467 Potsdam, reiserueckkehrer@Rathaus.Potsdam.de
  • Health Offices Berlin

Shortening quarantine after being in a virus variant area is not possible (regardless of whether they have a negative test result, are fully vaccinated, or have recovered).

General

The so called 3G rule ("geimpft, getestet, genesen" = vaccinated, tested, recovered) applies in all over Germany.

For indoor catering, attendance at indoor events, and use of body-related services (e.g. hairdresser), indoor sports, and lodging, persons need to be vaccinated, recovered or tested. This applies to everyone six years of age and older in general, and beyond that to schoolchildren because they are tested regularly as part of a school policy.
Individuals who are neither fully vaccinated nor recovered require a rapid antigen test (max. 24 hours old) or PCR test (max. 48 hours old).
In Potsdam, the 3G rule applies whenever the city's incidence is above 20 for more than 5 days in a row.

In both Potsdam and Berlin, the above mentioned locations may individually decide to apply the 2G rule ("geimpft, genesen" = vaccinated, recovered) instead of the 3G rule. This means, that only fully vaccinated or recovered persons are allowed to enter/ use the offered services. Please check directly with the location.

• Information for travelers and commuters
• Federal regulations - "Federal Emergency Brake"
• FAQ of the Federal Ministry of the Interior on the coronavirus
• FAQ of the Federal Ministry of Health on the coronavirus

For persons residing in Potsdam

• Corona rules from 17th August (in German only)
• Handling and quarantine regulations Land Brandenburg (only in Germany, 15th September, 2021)
• Health Office in Potsdam

For persons residing in Berlin

• Measures against the coronavirus (4th September, 2021)
• Health Offices in Berlin