Current information on entry from a SARS-CoV-2 risk area

yellow suitcase in front of a turnpike, in the background viruses
Source: pixabay | Alexandra_Koch

We make every effort to keep the information provided here up-to-date.

Since changes are often announced at very short notice by the authorities, we ask you to always check the pages of the Federal Ministry of the Interior/ Ministry of Health.

Lockdown until 18th April, 2021

  • Obligation to wear medical mouth-nosecoverings (surgical masks, FFP2, KN95) in public transport as well as in stores; in Berlin FFP2 masks are obligatory in all enclosed spaces such as public transport and stores
  • Shops for daily needs (grocery stores, drugstores, pharmacies, banks, bookstores, flower stores and garden markets as well as hairdressers) are open; restaurants offer pickup and delivery service
  • Private meetings of the own household with another household possible, but limited to a maximum of five persons. Children up to 14 years of age are not counted; in regions with a 7-day incidence of less than 35 new infections per week, the possibilities for private gatherings can be extended to one's own household and two other households with a maximum of ten persons together. Children up to 14 years of age are excluded
  • Daycare centers are open again; elementary schools gradually reopen for face-to-face instruction; from 22nd March, the compulsory education is suspended again due to the increasing corona numbers
  • If a region achieves a stable 7-day incidence of less than 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants, the respective country may provide for the following further openings accordingly on a countrywide or regional basis:  retail outlets, museums, galleries, zoological and botanical gardens, and memorials; non-contact sports in small groups (max. 10 people) in outdoor areas, including outdoor sports facilities
  • Nationwide regulations
  • Regulations for Potsdam/ Brandenburg (in German only) (as of: 30/03/2021)
  • Regulations for Berlin (as of: 31/03/2021)

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Entry ban from virus variant areas until 18.04.2021

Since 30.01.2021 until at least 18.04.2021, persons from virus variant areas are generally prohibited from entering Germany (exceptions to the entry restrictions are only possible if you can prove that you already have a long-term residence in Germany; in this case, a 14-days quarantine is obligatory upon arrival). Please inform yourself directly before your departure to Germany whether your country of origin/ the country you stay before leaving to Germany in is currently listed as a virus variant area.

Before the entry

If you enter Germany from abroad and have stayed in a SARS-CoV-2 risk areawithin 10 days before entering Germany, you must fill out a digital entry formbefore entering Germany. Please save or print the registration confirmation. The transport companies and/or German authorities can ask you for it.

Your travel and contact details will be forwarded to the health authority responsible for your place of residence, which can then contact you.

From 30.03.2021, the following applies: For entrants from any foreign country - not matter if the departure country is considered to be a risk area, a high incidence area or a virus variant area, the test is mandatory up to 48 hours before entry. The test result must be available in English, French or German. Here you'll find information about the types of tests accepted by the German authorities: RKI information

A detailed FAQ section about entry and test regulations is offered by the Federal Ministry of Health.

After entry

If you come to Germany from a SARS-CoV-2 risk area, a 10-day mandatory quarantine applies to you directly after entry. This means that you must go directly to your accommodation immediately after entry. You may use public transport for this purpose.

During the 10-day quarantine you are not allowed to leave your home, not even for a short time and not even for shopping. You are not allowed to receive visitors during this time. Please discuss with your scientific supervisors, colleagues, friends or landlord how best to organize your care during the quarantine.

Corona test

From 30.03.2021, all travelers must be tested up to 48 hours before arrival - no matter if the departure country is considered to be a risk area, a high incidence area or a virus variant area. The test result must be available in German, English or French. Here you can find detailed information about the types of tests accepted by the German authorities: RKI information

Irrespective of the test results, the ten-day quarantine obligation remains in place.

Corona test centers

Reduction of the quarantine period