Alert to increase of covid-19 in Europe 1:00
(CNN) -
If you plan to travel to Germany, here is what you need to know and expect if you want to visit the country during the covid-19 pandemic.
The basics
Germany's border policies are changing rapidly as the country regularly updates its lists of high and moderate risk destinations.
As cases with the delta variant increase, Germany is accelerating its vaccination campaign.
But the country is also at the heart of the new European wave.
What is offered?
Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt have long been great cultural successes.
But there is more to Germany than its magnificent cities, from hikes in Bavaria to wild forests on the French border and a vastly underrated coastline in the north.
Add in excellent road and public transport connections and this is an excellent country for those interested in a long, free vacation.
Record of infections in Germany: a return to quarantines before the end of the year "cannot be ruled out," according to an expert
Who can go
In principle, residents of the EU member states and the Schengen associated states of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can enter Germany without restrictions, although if they are classified as high risk or have a variant of concern, they apply restrictions.
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Arrivals from other countries depend on the epidemiological situation and vaccination status.
As of November 10, tourists are allowed without restrictions from 16 destinations outside the EU, including Hong Kong and Canada.
See here for a complete list.
Arrivals from countries that are not on that list are allowed if they are fully vaccinated;
check here.
However, there are special measures when traveling from countries that are considered high risk or have worrying variants;
see a list here.
Whether you will have to quarantine yourself or not depends on the level of risk;
see below.
What are the restrictions in Germany?
All arrivals must complete a digital registration form prior to travel.
Those entering by plane must provide a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of travel or proof of complete vaccination.
Travel for EU and Schengen-related residents is not restricted, although you must use your EU Digital Certificate to show proof of vaccination, recovery, or negative test.
If you've been to a designated high-risk country in the past 10 days, you must provide a negative test result and must travel directly to your destination and quarantine there for 10 days.
Those in a high-risk area can terminate the quarantine early if they test negative after five days.
The quarantine requirement does not apply if proof of vaccination or recovery.
If you've been in a "variant area of concern," there is a ban on entering by rail, ship, plane, or bus.
Essentially, you must drive and then self-quarantine for 14 days.
As of November 10, there are no variant areas of concern or new high-risk areas.
On November 5, seven destinations were removed from the high-risk list, including the Netherlands, Cuba and Jamaica.
This leaves around 70 high-risk areas, including the United Kingdom and the United States.
The current list of risk areas, last compiled on November 5, is here.
Anyone entering from countries not on the "safe list" must be fully vaccinated with Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, or Johnson & Johnson, and the last dose was administered at least 14 days prior to travel;
check the requirements here.
If you are not vaccinated, only those traveling for essential reasons can enter.
Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 may enter if traveling with a vaccinated parent.
The Robert Koch Institute keeps track of country rankings.
What is the covid situation in Germany?
Following peaks in winter 2020 and spring 2021, Germany saw the number of cases drop dramatically as it beefed up its vaccination program.
However, the delta variant has placed it at the heart of the new European wave.
On November 8, authorities announced that infection rates were at their highest, with 201 infections per 100,000 people in the previous seven days, up from the previous record of 197.6 in December 2020.
As of November 10, there have been 96,968 deaths and more than 4.8 million cases to date.
Germany is experiencing a "massive" unvaccinated pandemic, says Health Minister
What can visitors expect?
Restrictions in Germany vary across the country's 16 states, although vaccinated people tend to be exempt from restrictions.
You can find links to each state's regulations on this Government page.
Several states, including Hamburg and Brandenburg, are allowing companies the option of banning entry to people who are not vaccinated.
Berlin has also recently stepped up restrictions, re-implementing a mask mandate for primary school pupils.
Helpful Links
Digital registration form
BMI.bund.de
Federal Ministry of Health
Robert Koch Institute
Regional restrictions
Editor's Note:
Coronavirus cases remain high around the world.
Health officials warn that travel increases the chances of contracting and spreading the virus.
Staying home is the best way to stop streaming.
Here is information on what to know if you still plan to travel, last updated on November 10.
Covid-19 travel
