Entry requirements for returning travellers

CORONAVIRUS AKTUELL

Informationen zum Thema Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 und Impfungen auf einen Blick

Öffentlicher Verkehr & Reisen

Tourism & Entry Requirements

The English version is for information only. For a legally binding version, please refer to the German text.

Tourism

A travel warning for non-essential travel still applies to all countries classified by the Federal Government as a risk areaExternal Link.

If you are planning a trip within Germany, inform yourself e.g. on the websites of the state governments. The rules of the federal states apply.

There are no travel or movement restrictions within the state of Hesse.

Further Information:
frankfurt-tourismus.de: Official Travel Website of Frankfurt am MainExternal Link
frankfurt-tourismus.de: Corona ExitExternal Link
frankfurt-tourismus.de: Tourist Information OfficesExternal Link

Entry Requirements & Regulations for Travellers

Since 1 August 2021, all persons aged 12 and over must hold proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, of a full COVID-19 vaccination, or of recovery from an infection when entering the Federal Republic of Germany. From now on, the testing mandate applies to air travel as well as travel by train, bus, ship, and individual transport.

You should check the websites of the Federal Ministry of HealthExternal Link (German only) and the Federal Foreign OfficeExternal Link well in advance of your trip and before returning to Germany.

Which rules apply depends on whether the area is classified as a high-risk area or area of variant of concern by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI.de)External Link.

The Federal Government provides a brief overview: Einreiseregelung Übersicht (GIF , 331KB)Download Link (German only)

Non-Risk Area

Digital entry registration: not applicable
Testing mandate: On entry or before travelling by plane: negative PCR test result (max. 72h) or antigen test result (max. 48h) or proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination or of recovery from an infection
Obligation to quarantine: not applicable

High-Risk Area

Digital entry registration: Control before carriage and on entry
Testing mandate: On entry or before carriage: negative PCR test result (max. 72h) or negative antigen test result (max. 48 h), or proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination or of recovery from an infection
Obligation to quarantine: 10 days, mandatory quarantine ends immediately after submitting proof of vaccination or proof of recovery. The quarantine period may be shortened on the basis of a negative test carried out no earlier than five days after entry. For children under the age of 12, the quarantine automatically ends at the end of the fifth day after entry.

Area of variant of concern

For more information, please visit:

Digital Registraion on Entry (substitute registration on paper)External Link
Bundesregierung.de: FAQ TravelExternal Link (German only)
Bundesgesundheitsministerium.de: Current information for travelersExternal Link
Bundesgesundheitsministerium.de: Entry information in multiple languagesExternal Link
Federal Foreign Office: Information on entry restrictions, testing and quarantine regulations in GermanyExternal Link
Federal Foreign Office: COVID-19-related travel warnings: FAQExternal Link (German only)
Frankfurt-airport.com: FAQ coronavirusExternal Link

Entry requirements fpr returning travellers

Where can persons entering the country get tested?

The state government provides an overview of the corona test sites in Hesse on the following pages: www.corona-test-hessen.deExternal Link (German only)

Travellers have to pay for the test at their own expense.

You can find a summary of the registration, testing and quarantine requirements for people entering the country on the website of the Federal Ministry of Health: SMS when entering Germany (bundesgesundheitsministerium.de)External Link

Last updated on 02 August 2021
For more information, visit the following website: Information on the recognition of diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 for persons arriving in Germany from risk areas (04.06.2021) (RKI.de)External Link

What do I do if my PCR test turns out positive?

Returning travellers with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection based on a positive PCR test are obliged to enter a 14-day quarantine immediately after taking the respective test.

During this period, you are not allowed to receive visitors from persons who do not belong to your household. Domestic quarantine applies to all persons living in this household. Persons who are in quarantine because they live in a household with persons who have tested positive are only allowed to leave the apartment temporarily to make essential purchases of daily needs. A quarantine obligation does not apply to persons who have tested positive for the coronavirus by a PCR test within the last three months and the required period of isolation due to this infection has passed.

Returning travellers with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection based on a rapid antigen test or self-test must immediately undergo a PCR test. The quarantine obligation is suspended for the duration necessary to perform a test. The isolation ends if you get a negative PCR test result. If a PCR test confirms the already detected infection, the duration of the quarantine will not be extended.

The positive test result is forwarded by the laboratory to the responsible local health authority (Gesundheitsamt), which then contacts the person affected. Important note: If the Frankfurt local health authority (Gesundheitsamt) does not contact you within three working days after you have been notified of the positive test result, please contact the local health authority independently by calling 069 212 77400 or using the coronavirus contact formExternal Link.

In case of a positive test result prior to entry to Germany, the following applies:
Transport by the transport companies is only permitted with a negative test certificate. You are responsible for isolating yourself in accordance with local regulations.

Additional information for employees in case of incapacity to work due to SARS-CoV-2 infection: Claims for compensation for loss of earnings for employees and self-employed personsExternal Link (German only)

Last updated on 29 July 2021

Do contact persons of travellers who have tested positive for the coronavirus also have to quarantine?

Yes, home quarantine applies for 14 days, starting from the last day of contact with a person tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. This applies to all household members and those who have had close unprotected contact for at least 15 minutes. Home quarantine may be shortened to ten days if a negative SARS-CoV-2 test (antigen test or PCR test) can be presented; the test may be performed on the tenth day of quarantine at the earliest. If necessary, isolation can take place in another facility after considering the options and following a risk assessment by the local health authority.

Last updated on 29 July 2021
For more information, please visit: RKI.de: Contact tracing for SARS-CoV-2 infectionsInternal Link