What applies to entering Germany?
Since the beginning of the "Corona Crisis" we have been receiving repeated inquiries as to whether and under what conditions persons from non-EU countries may enter Germany.
Here we have listed the latest provisions of the Federal Ministry of the Interior. Further links can be found at the end of the text.
Entering from third countries
Since 17 March 2020, uniform EU-wide entry restrictions have been in place for unnecessary travel from third countries. These restrictions also apply in particular to entries into Germany. Details can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
In view of the partial improvement in the global epidemiological situation, the Council of the European Union adopted a recommendation on 30 June 2020 on the basis of a draft from the Commission on easing entry restrictions. Germany will implement this recommendation as follows from 2 July 2020:
Third countries without entry restrictions
From the following third countries with a low incidence of infection, entry will be possible again without restrictions from 02 July 2020:
- Australia
- Georgia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Uruguay
For China, Japan and South Korea, the lifting of entry restrictions is foreseen if they grant corresponding entry possibilities.
This list of states is to be updated regularly. The question of whether entry is permitted is based on the previous whereabouts of the travellers, not their nationality.
Entry possibilities for travellers from all third countries:
Entry into Germany can also be made from third countries not included in the above list if there is good reason to do so. The following groups of persons or travel purposes are permitted to enter Germany:
- German nationals and nationals of other EU states, Schengen-associated states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) or of Great Britain;
- third-country nationals with an existing right of residence in Germany;
- third-country nationals who enter Germany for family reunion or visiting trips for urgent family reasons;
- Health care workers, health researchers and geriatric care workers;
- foreign specialists and highly qualified workers whose employment is necessary from an economic point of view and whose work cannot be postponed or carried out abroad;
- personnel in the transport of goods and other transport personnel;
- seasonal workers in agriculture;
- seamen;
- foreign students whose studies cannot be carried out entirely from abroad;
- persons in need of international protection or protection on other humanitarian grounds;
- diplomats, personnel of international organisations, military personnel and humanitarian workers in the exercise of their duties;
- late repatriates;
- passengers in transit.
Travel within the EU or the Schengen area
Temporary entry restrictions from other EU states, Schengen associated states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland) or Great Britain have been completely abolished since 21 June 2020. Entry to Germany from other EU states, the Schengen area or Great Britain has therefore again been possible without restriction since then.
Find more information here: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/covid-19/2296762