Key points of the new regulation, which will take effect in Germany from Sunday, August 1st:
REQUIREMENT OF PROOF: In the future, everyone over the age of twelve must be able to prove when entering the country that their risk of transmission is reduced: with proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative test result. This requirement already existed for all flight passengers, now it also applies to entry by car, train or ship.
VIRUS VARIANT AREA: If you stay in areas with new, worrying virus variants, proof of a test is required. Proof of recovery or vaccination is not sufficient in this case.
CONTROLS: You have to have the respective proof with you when you enter the country and present it in the event of “random” checks by the authorities. Air travelers must show the airline the proof before take-off, on cross-border trains it should also be possible during the journey. Border controls of all cars are not planned.
TESTS: Rapid tests or PCR tests are possible abroad – at your own expense. Rapid tests may not be more than 48 hours old when entering Germany, PCR tests 72 hours. For rapid tests, the time limit for virus variant areas is reduced to 24 hours.
RISK AREAS: In future, there will only be two categories for global regions with a higher risk of infection instead of three. In addition to the virus variant areas, these are “high-risk areas” with particularly high case numbers. One indication: a seven-day incidence of “well over 100”. However, other factors should also be considered.
QUARANTINE: Returnees from high-risk areas have to be in quarantine for ten days, which can be ended with a negative test on the fifth day at the earliest. For children under twelve, the quarantine generally ends after the fifth day after entry. Vaccinated and convalescents do not have to be quarantined. A quarantine of 14 days, which cannot be shortened, continues to apply to virus variant areas.
REGISTRATION: Vacationers from high-risk or virus variant areas must continue to register with the official digital entry portal. Test, vaccination or recovery records can also be uploaded there as soon as you have them.
SANCTIONS: Violations threaten fines – for example against the obligation to register, to present evidence or to go into quarantine. Transport companies also face fines for violations. In general, fines for blatant violations can amount to up to 25,000 euros.
