Can I Go to Germany Right Now? (Your COVID-19 Questions Answered)

If you’re starting to plan a trip to Germany in 2022, you might be wondering about the COVID-19 situation there and if Germany is safe to travel in. What do you need to know to stay safe and healthy on your vacation in Germany?

Here are answers to your Germany travel questions!

Note: the information in this post was updated and current as of the end of 2021.

Can US citizens travel to Germany? Can I travel to Germany right now? 

Yes. US citizens who are fully vaccinated and have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months can enter Germany for any reason, including tourism. US citizens who are not fully vaccinated can also enter Germany provided that they demonstrate an important need to travel.

What are the quarantine rules for Americans in Germany?

Fully vaccinated American travelers and American travelers who have recovered from COVID-19 are not required to quarantine. 

Not fully vaccinated American travelers are required to quarantine for 10 days. The quarantine period can be ended by taking a Covid test after 5 days, provided that the test result is negative.

However, regardless of the vaccination or recovery status, American travelers who stayed in a virus-variant area in the 10 days prior to arrival in Germany are required to quarantine for 14 days

The list of high-risk areas and virus-variant areas can be found here.

Can US citizens fly to Germany from the US this fall?

Yes, US citizens can fly to Germany from the US this fall provided that they show a proof of vaccination OR a proof of recovery OR a negative Covid-19 test prior to departure. They must also complete the Digital Registration on Entry.

What are the quarantine rules for Germany?  

Quarantine rules in Germany depend on the traveler’s vaccination status and the country they are traveling from. Each federal state within Germany sets its own quarantine regulations. Travelers should check the specific quarantine requirements and possible exemptions for their intended destination within Germany.

Travelers with a proof of vaccination or proof of recovery are not required to quarantine, unless they stayed in a virus-variant area in the last 10 days prior to arrival in Germany. 

Unvaccinated travelers are required to quarantine for 10 days. However, the quarantine can be ended with a negative test taken after 5 days. Children under the age of 12 can end quarantine automatically after 5 days, even without a test.

All travelers who stayed in a virus-variant area are required to quarantine for 14 days, regardless of their vaccination or recovery status. There is no possibility to shorten the quarantine period.

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Does Germany check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? 

Yes. Health screening procedures are in place at airports and other ports of entry in Germany. A mandatory COVID-19 testing at the airport may be required for certain travelers.

Does Germany require a negative COVID-19 test for American travelers?  

American travelers fully vaccinated with a vaccine accepted in Germany are not required to provide a negative COVID-19 test. To be considered fully vaccinated, the second shot of a two-dose vaccine or the first shot of a one-dose vaccine must have been administered at least 14 days prior to entry in Germany.

American travelers who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 6 months prior to entry in Germany are not required to provide a negative COVID-19 test.

Not fully vaccinated American travelers and travelers entering from virus-variant areas (regardless of vaccination or recovery status) are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test to enter Germany. These travelers will not be allowed to board their flights without a negative result. Both PCR and rapid antigen tests are accepted provided that the tests meet the requirements laid out by the German government. The PCR test must have been taken less than 72 hours prior to entry to Germany, while a rapid antigen test must have been taken less than 48 hours prior to entry.

Does Germany require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for American travelers? 

A proof of vaccination or a proof of recovery from Covid-19 is required to visit Germany for any reason and without quarantine. Alternatively, a negative Covid test can also be used by American travelers who are not fully vaccinated, provided that they demonstrate an important need to travel.

Am I required to provide a negative COVID-19 test or to quarantine if I have been vaccinated?  

No. Fully vaccinated Americans are not required to provide a negative Covid test or undergo quarantine (unless they stayed in a virus-variant area in the last 10 days prior to arrival in Germany).

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What are my COVID-19 testing options for returning to the U.S.? 

If you’re a US citizen, while you’re in Germany you can get a PCR test or Rapid antigen test by booking an appointment here or by calling local health authorities at 116 117. You may be charged for the test. Results are typically available within 72 hours.

What healthcare options are available to travelers in Germany who get the virus?  

Hospitals and clinics are open in Germany. Persons with health concerns can contact the local health authorities at 116 117 or go to this website.

What service businesses and restaurants are open in Germany?  

Shops are now open in Germany. Bars and restaurants have also reopened. The rules and limits on indoor/outdoor dining are set by individual states and may differ in various parts of Germany.

Are face masks required in Germany? 

Yes. Individual states in Germany have the authority to implement their own rules regarding face masks so be sure to check local rules and regulations (try asking about this when booking accomodations).

Are buses running in Germany?  

Yes, public transportation is operating in Germany. You’ll need to wear a medical grade mask (e.g., a surgical mask, or one that meets the N95, KN95 or FFP-2 standard) on all public transportation. You will not be allowed to sit in the front seat of taxis.

Other important information:

• When entering from virus variant areas, there is a ban on passenger transport by train, bus, ship, and flights from these countries.
• Americans who spent time in a high-risk or virus-variant area in the 10 days prior to arrival in Germany are required to submit a Digital Registration on Entry. As of August 15, 2021, the United States has been designated as a high-risk area.
• In most states, you can end quarantine by providing a PCR COVID-19 test at 5 days after arrival. However, travelers entering Germany from a virus-variant area will not be able to end quarantine early by testing negative. Antibody tests are currently NOT accepted by German authorities as evidence you are negative for COVID-19.  
• If you violate quarantine you may could be prosecuted. Violations could be punishable with a fine of up to 25,000 Euros.