Travel Restrictions
Information last updated on Wednesday, June 3, 2020.
Germany has introduced restrictions for travelers who are not German nationals, and the Federal Ministry of the Interior has urged German nationals to avoid travel unless it’s absolutely essential.
Temporary border controls have been introduced between Germany and France, Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark.
Travelers entering the country must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival and contact the relevant public health office (Gesundheitamt) immediately to inform them of their arrival in Germany. They will also be given this leaflet with detailed instructions. Travelers arriving from China, Iran, Italy, Japan, or South Korea by air or sea must complete disembarkation cards with details of their trip.
Germany has not implemented formal domestic travel restrictions, and regional trains are still running. Restrictions on booking overnight accommodations vary by state, but many are being lifted throughout the month of May.
Americans in Germany whose visas are set to expire during this time should apply for an extension to the relevant immigration office by email before the expiry date. Their residence in Germany will remain legal until the immigration office reaches a decision. They should carry a printed version of this application in addition to the expired visa and a valid passport if they must travel.
Germany has restricted the entry of all travelers who are not nationals of Germany, residents who obtained permanent residence before coronavirus (COVID-19), and D-Visa holders. Travelers in transit to their home countries who have no other option and have proven entry requirements for each country may also enter. All arriving travelers must proceed directly to their own homes or other suitable accommodation to self-isolate for 14 days.
Germany’s land borders with France, Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark, and air borders with Spain and Italy have border checkpoints. Only cross-border goods and commuters will be allowed through. Travelers with no valid need to cross the border and travelers who show symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed through.
Germany’s travel advisories are set to change on June 15, with restrictions expected to be lifted for 31 European countries.
Certain categories of travelers may still enter Germany. Travelers like diplomats, healthcare professionals, food industry personnel, commuters, US military personnel stationed in Germany and their family members, and other specialists who have evidence that they must travel to perform their professional activity may also enter the country.
All arriving travelers in Germany must go home or proceed directly to a place where they can safely self-isolate for 14 days, and notify the relevant public health office (Gesundheitamt) of their arrival. Click here for more information about contacting this office.
Germany has implemented some restrictions on public life nationwide. The social distancing requirement for all people to maintain at least 1.5 meters of distance in public stands until at least June 5. Public gatherings of up to 10 people are now permitted.
All shops are allowed to open, while some are maintaining strict requirements for masks and the number of people inside. Restaurants, hotels, cinemas, and theaters are reopening depending on state regulations. Recreational outdoor sports are now allowed, subject to hygiene and distancing rules. Key services like food shops, takeaway and delivery services, pharmacies, medical supply shops, banks, post offices, etc remain open. People may go to work if their workplace allows (for example: healthcare, police and ambulance services), see a doctor, provide care for others, exercise outdoors, and tend to medical emergencies.
Masks are required on all forms of public transportation.
Embassy and consulate contact information
Website: U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Germany
Phone number: US Embassy Berlin emergency number : +49-30-8305-0
Email address: ACSBerlin@state.gov
Yes – only German nationals, permanent residents, and D-Visa holders may enter the country. Travelers in transit to their home countries who have no other option and have proven entry requirements for each country may also enter.
No – there are no official nationwide travel restrictions within Germany, but it’s important to refrain from traveling for personal reasons, even for visiting relatives.
Sort of – the land borders between Germany and France, Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark, and air borders with Spain and Italy have designated checkpoints to monitor for non-essential travel.
Germany’s major airports in cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Dusseldorf all remain open, but some have consolidated passenger traffic to fewer terminals, and travelers can expect a greatly reduced number of available airlines.
Yes – all arriving travelers in Germany must immediately quarantine for 14 days and notify their local public health office that they’ve done so.
Sort of – there are restrictions nationwide about gathering in public, and how shops and other public establishments can open. The social distancing requirement for all people to maintain at least 1.5 meters of distance in public stands until at least June 5. Public gatherings of up to 10 people are now permitted. See above for full details.
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