What's the Covid situation in Germany right now?
Germany is seeing a steep rise in Covid infections at the moment due to the spread of two highly infectious Omicron subtypes: BA.4 and BA.5. As of Wednesday July 13th, the 7-day incidence of infections stood at 691.8 per 100,000 people.
Can I travel to Germany?
Yes. Germany has lifted most of its Covid entry restrictions which means that people can enter from almost all countries in the world for any reason, including tourism.
READ ALSO:
- Germany drops Covid restrictions for non-EU travellers
- What to know about Germany's relaxed Covid-19 entry rules for travellers
Travellers over the age of 12 also no longer have to show evidence of vaccination, recovery from Covid or a negative test (known as the 3G rule). This requirement has been dropped until at least the end of August.
There is also no need to fill in any online forms.
However, if a country is in future classed as a 'virus variant' region then stricter rules come into force. In these cases, non-essential travel is banned except for some exceptions such as for German citizens and residents.
Those who can enter the country have to go into a 14-day quarantine on arrival, even if they have been vaccinated or have recovered.
No country is a virus variant area currently.
Travel rules could be reinstated after summer or if the Covid situation gets worse so keep an eye on any developments.
Are there any Covid restrictions in Germany?
Although much of the rules have been relaxed in recent months, some restrictions remain in place. These include having to wear surgical face masks on public transport, like buses, trains and trams, as well as planes to and from Germany. Masks also have to be worn in places like doctor office waiting rooms.
FFP2 masks have become the standard in Germany, but in some cases, other medical masks are sufficient. In Bavaria, for instance, people can wear a cheaper medical mask rather than an FFP2 mask on public transport. Cloth masks are generally not sufficient in Germany.
Masks don't have to be worn in places like shops and restaurants, however, some businesses might have their own rules requiring this. People can also choose to wear masks voluntarily.
Can I get tested?
Germany recently changed its testing restrictions. Taxpayer-funded rapid Covid-19 tests are no longer free of charge to everyone, however they are free to certain groups of people, including those who can't get vaccinated against Covid for medical reasons as well as carers and people with disabilities.
People have to show proof of their exception at test centres, which are dotted around German cities and towns. They usually have a sign outside them that reads: Covid tests, Bürgertests (citizen tests) or Schnelltests (rapid tests). Furthermore, people in Germany can pay a reduced fee of €3 for a test for private use, including for visits to family celebrations, concerts or another “indoor event”, such as the theatre.
A €3 test can also be purchased by anyone who gets a red Covid warning on their Covid warning app, or who plans to meet someone over the age of 60 or people with a pre-existing illness or disability. You have to sign a declaration form if you're getting a test for one of these reasons.
READ ALSO: The new rules on getting a Covid test in Germany
You can also pay to get tested at a centre or test station. The cost of tests differ depending on the centre. You can also buy self-administered tests from a drugstore or supermarket.
What do I do if I have Covid?
If you receive a positive Covid test result through a self-test, you should contact the non-emergency medical on-call service on 116 117 or the local health authorities where you are. They can advise on whether you should get another Covid test.
If you have Covid symptoms you should also isolate and contact the health authorities or use the on-call number. They can arrange for a Covid-19 test.
If at any point you are struggling to breathe or need emergency medical assistance, call 112 for an ambulance.
Do I have to isolate if I get Covid?
Yes, Germany still has mandatory isolation rules in place. The rules on this differ from state to state, but there is one general requirement: those who test positive for Covid have to go into isolation at home and avoid all contact with people outside the household. The isolation period lasts at least five days or a maximum of 10 days.
Some states may require you to take a test in order to end your quarantine or self-isolation early. In this case, you're entitled to a free rapid test anytime after the fifth day. If the result is negative, you can end the self-isolation period.
READ ALSO: The Covid rules across German states
Where can I self-isolate?
That will depend. You might be able to stay in your existing accommodation or have to transfer to a state hospital or other government-provided accommodation. Check with the local authorities.
You may need to fund accommodation, even if it just to extend your hotel stay.
What if I need treatment?
If you are an EU citizen, your country’s healthcare can cover state treatments. It's similar if you are a UK citizen and hold an EHIC or GHIC. The e-card, European health card, EHIC or GHIC will not cover private treatments, though.
If you are a third-country citizen, you must check exactly what your travel insurance covers. In general, people travelling to Europe from abroad are recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical treatments, and you might also be insured through a credit or debit card. It's worth checking and planning before you travel.
Sites like Doctolib are handy for arranging doctor appointments in Germany. Your hotel will also be able to advise you of a nearby Hausarzt (GP), or you can search online.
The German government has set up this page in English with information for travellers. It includes links to the 16 federal states so you can find information on the state you are in or travelling to.
Rachel Loxton
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