Just in time for the summer holidays, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has announced that he plans to relax COVID-related entry rules for travellers to Germany. 

Germany to no longer require proof of vaccination, recovery or test

From June 1, people entering Germany via car, train or plane will no longer have to prove that they have been vaccinated against, recovered from, or tested negative for coronavirus, Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach announced this week. 

The current COVID entry regulation - which is valid until May 31 - requires all people over the age of 12 to present proof of a vaccination, recovery or negative COVID test before coming to Germany, often at the airport before boarding their flight. 

Stricter rules apply to travellers coming from virus variant areas, who are required to go into a 14-day quarantine in Germany, regardless of their vaccination status. This rule will continue to apply in the coming months, although no country is currently defined as a virus variant area. “If such areas are defined [in future], those entering the country must be quarantined,” Lauterbach told the Funke Media Group. “Even with lower incidences over the summer, we have to remain cautious.” 

Change to entry requirements to be implemented as soon as possible

Funke reports that the change to the entry regulation is expected to be passed by the Federal Cabinet on Wednesday and come into effect immediately. 

The change also provides for the recognition of not only vaccines approved for use in the EU, but all vaccines approved by the World Health Organisation, as proof of vaccination on entry.