Germany to Continue Applying Relaxed COVID Entry Rules for Incoming Travellers Until January 31

Nov 28, 2023

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The German government has announced that the country will continue to apply relaxed entry rules for all travellers until January 31.

Through one of its most recent press releases, the government said that all incoming travellers would continue to be permitted restriction-free entry into the country as the authorities have decided to extend the Coronavirus entry regulation.

This means that until January 31, everyone can enter Germany without having to present a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

"Entry into Germany will remain uncomplicated until January 31, 2023: Anyone entering Germany does not have to prove that they have been vaccinated against the coronavirus, have recovered from it or have been tested," the statement of the government reads.

Despite announcing that relaxed entry rules will apply until January 31, the government emphasised that the existing strict registration, proof, and quarantine regulations will remain in force for travellers from virus variant areas.

However, since there is currently no country on Germany's virus variant list, everyone is permitted restriction-free entry even if they do not hold a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate.

While Germany will continue to keep in place relaxed entry restrictions, the country decided earlier this month to start applying new nationwide COVID protection measures from October 1.

The German Bundestag approved a proposal of the Ministry of Health on September 8. It has been explained that the package of requirements aims to prepare and protect Germany from the further spread of the Coronavirus infection cases as the country moves into autumn and winter.

In line with the new rules, from Saturday, October 1, all people over 14 will have to wear an FFP2 face mask on long-distance trains in Germany.

Children between six and 13 will also be required to wear a face mask on long-distance trains. However, it has been noted that they do not necessarily need to wear an FFP2 mask as a surgical mask is sufficient for this age group.

Coronavirus rules will also be tightened up in nursing homes and hospitals. From October 1, all nursing home and hospital employees, as well as visitors, will have to wear an FFP2 face mask. Moreover, visitors will also be required to present a negative rapid test, whereas the staff will be required to test three times a week.

Data from the World Health Organization show that Germany has reported a total of 316,201 new COVID infection cases in the last seven days.

As for the vaccination rate, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control show that as of September 22, 93.5 per cent of the entire adult population has completed primary vaccination, and another 74.4 per cent have received the first booster shot.