The requirements for travel to Germany changes constantly and is always updated according to the current Corona situation. In the meantime there have been many relaxations concerning the entry to Germany. Travelers from many countries can enter again without any problems and undertake holiday or buiness trips in Germany. However, some countries still have strict regulations and guidelines and sometimes quarantine regulations. The following article will show you exactly which rules apply, where you can go on holiday in Germany and where the journey is worthwhile despite the corona pandemic.
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Can I travel to Germany?
First of all, yes – the entry to Germany and vacation in this country is basically possible again. The borders to the neighbouring countries already opened in June and gradually Germany has also relaxed the entry requirements for other EU countries. Depending on the number of cases in each country, certain regulations apply. While the nationals of most EU countries, the Schengen area and Great Britain are allowed to enter again without any problems, other countries of origin still have strict entry restrictions, which mean that good reasons must be presented for entry and a domestic quarantine for 14 days is necessary. If your own country is considered a corona hotspot, entry is sometimes not even possible. In the following, the special regulations for European countries and also for third countries are described. It should be noted, however, that regulations can change quickly and that there are no uniform corona regulations in Germany. It is therefore essential to obtain information before entering the country and to enquire about the current situation at the local tourist information office.
Which countries can enter Germany easily?
Can I travel to Germany from UK? Meanwhile countries of the EU, but also Great Britain and countries of the Schengen area are allowed to enter Germany without any problems. Holidaymakers and business travellers from these areas no longer have to go into quarantine and are allowed to travel and move freely in Germany without special regulations. However, countries with a high incidence of corona cases are an exception. This includes Sweden, for example. Anyone who wants to enter Germany from such a country must go into domestic quarantine for 14 days. The same applies, by the way, to Germans returning from a holiday in Sweden. The quarantine regulations are not uniform throughout Germany, but vary from state to state. It is therefore useful to find out which regulations apply to the respective home country or country of origin so that the holiday does not have to be spent in quarantine.
For which countries are stricter rules in force?
Special corona measures apply to all countries that do not belong to the Schengen area, the EU or Great Britain. Strict entry restrictions are imposed here, which only allow travellers to enter Germany for good reasons. After entering the country, they also have to go into domestic quarantine for 14 days before they are allowed to move freely in the country. Despite the EU-determined relaxation of entry restrictions, Germany only allows a few states to enter their own country without special measures. These include Georgia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Montenegro, Tunisia, Thailand and Uruguay.
Can Americans Travel to Germany?
Which attractions in Germany can be visited?
In Germany almost all attractions and sights have been reopened in the meantime. Museums, amusement parks, swimming pools and castles have collectively reopened and are allowed to receive guests again, subject to special corona measures.
For example, the popular Neuschwanstein Castle can be visited again. However, it is important to note that most hotspots are only allowed to receive a limited and greatly reduced number of visitors. Guided tours must be carried out with considerably fewer people and in most cases the wearing of a mouth-nose cover is obligatory. It is therefore often necessary to book or reserve tickets online in advance so that the number of visitors per day can be easily controlled. At best, you should contact the local tourist information office or the Internet to find out how the regulations are currently applicable at your destination.
However, if you plan cleverly, you will hardly have to miss any destination and can enjoy your holiday as usual.
What corona rules and restrictions are in place in Germany?
The regulations on the corona crisis often vary from state to state. While some federal states have already relaxed their measures, others are sticking to even stricter regulations. These measures then also have an impact on the corresponding case numbers in the federal state. In principle, however, it applies almost everywhere that mouth-nose covers must be worn in public buildings. The same applies to visiting a restaurant, swimming pool, using public transport or entering a museum. Most buildings have their specific corona rules posted at the entrance door, so that one can get information before entering. However, the local tourist information offices can also provide information about the regulations in force.
Furthermore, a minimum distance of 1.50 metres must be maintained in public spaces, whether outside or inside. This applies to all persons who do not live within their own household. In some federal states there are even stricter regulations regarding the accumulation of crowds, but even these have been largely relaxed.
Nevertheless, it is advisable to find out about the rules in force in the destination federal state before you arrive, as these – as already mentioned – are not uniform throughout Germany and can also change quickly depending on the development of the number of cases.
Which destinations in Germany are recommendable despite Corona?
Especially recommended for travel to Germany are destinations that intend outdoor activities. There are no special requirements, there are no delays or unexpected closures and the risk of coronavirus infection is low.
For these reasons, a hiking holiday in the Bavarian Alps or a beach holiday on the North or Baltic Sea is now particularly worthwhile. Outdoors, a minimum distance of 1.50 metres must be maintained, so that it can become a little tight on beaches, especially during the holiday season between July and the beginning of September. So find out about the regulations at your holiday destination in advance and keep an eye out for less crowded beaches.
A hike in the mountains or in the Black Forest will also make you independent of the current corona regulations. Even on narrow hiking trails you should make sure to keep the minimum distance. If you plan to stop for a bite to eat in an alpine pasture or inn, wearing a mouthguard is again compulsory. Bottlenecks can also occur here, especially during the holiday season, because many restaurants only have a limited number of seats available due to corona regulations.
All in all, however, you will be much better off with an outdoor holiday, provided that you want to be independent and do not have a great desire for crowds of people and the constant wearing of a mouth and nose cover.
Travel to Germany bottom line:
Holidays in Germany are again possible without any problems for many countries. Third countries are currently still struggling with strict entry restrictions, which are expected to be relaxed in the near future. Anyone who wants to enjoy a relaxed holiday without many restrictions will look for a destination where they spend a lot of time outdoors. Hikes in the mountains or family time on the Baltic Sea beach are well suited here. Although the minimum distance must be maintained, there are no other special regulations for holidaymakers. But also the sights and attractions in Germany can be visited again for the most part. Those who inform themselves in advance on the internet about the opening times and corona regulations and if necessary buy a ticket directly, play it safe and avoid long waiting times or possibly even refusal of admission. Do not forget to always carry a mouth-nose cover. As Germany has the corona crisis comparatively well under control, holidaymakers do not need to worry about a high risk of infection. So nothing stands in the way of a holiday in Germany.
