Germany planning new entry rules for travellers from risk areas

Since November, travellers arriving into Germany from risk areas abroad have been required to go into quarantine for 10 days. On the fifth day after entry, they have the option of taking a coronavirus test to cut short their self-isolation. Now, however, the federal government is thinking of changing these rules. 

Draft suggests scraping quarantine in favour of COVID test

According to a report in Bild, Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn is considering the option of asking travellers to get a coronavirus test before they travel to Germany - and therefore scrapping the quarantine requirement. This emerges from a draft of a new corona protection regulation, drawn up by the Federal Ministry of Health and seen by Bild. 

According to the plans, individuals coming from risk areas outside the Schengen zone would have to present a negative COVID-19 test before being allowed to start their journey to Germany. Proof of immunity or proof of a coronavirus vaccination would also be accepted. Anyone unable to supply this documentation would not be allowed to travel.

Germany could change entry rules in January

Those coming from risk areas within the Schengen zone would be required to present a test result, proof of vaccination or proof of immunity to their local health department within 72 hours of entering the country. With the new rules, the previous quarantine obligation for passengers travelling from high-risk areas would no longer apply. 

It’s not yet clear when the regulation will be issued, but the draft states that it should be sometime in January. 

The Robert Koch Institute currently classifies all of Germany’s neighbouring countries as risk areas. The decisive factor here is the so-called seven-day incidence of more than 50 new infections per 100.000 inhabitants within one week - a value that is being clearly exceeded in Germany as well.