germany travel mask requirements

Germany Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Germany

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces.

Germany entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Germany from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Germany.

Can I travel to Germany if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Germany without restrictions.

Can I travel to Germany without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Germany without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Germany?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Germany.

Can I travel to Germany without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Germany?

Mask usage in Germany is not required in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Germany?

Restaurants in Germany are open. Bars in Germany are .

What are you looking for?

Coronavirus (covid-19).

Important information

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i receive a digital covid certificate/qr code.

No information is currently available about how those with a foreign vaccine card (e.g. from the US) can receive a digital COVID certificate which is recognized in Europe. Talks are currently underway regarding recognition of international vaccinations (i.e. received outside the EU ). As soon as such information becomes available, we will communicate on this site.

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Germany tightens COVID rules for travel during fall, winter

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach wearing a face mask as he arrives for the weekly cabinet meeting of the German Government at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Karl Lauterbach, Federal Minister of Health, and Marco Buschmann, Federal Minister of Justice, answer questions from journalists and inform media representatives about new rules in the Infection Protection Act, which were previously approved by the cabinet in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, Aug.24, 2022. (Wolfgang Kumm/dpa via AP)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, right, and German Economy and Climate Minister Robert Habeck, right, attend the weekly cabinet meeting of the German Government at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

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BERLIN (AP) — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Cabinet approved legislation Wednesday that ensures basic protective measures against the coronavirus pandemic are continued during the fall and winter when more virus cases are expected.

The presentation of the rules — which also include the new obligation to wear N95-type face masks during all long-distance travel by train and bus as well as on planes — coincided with the publication of photos showing the chancellor and German Economy Minister Robert Habeck flying to Canada earlier this week without wearing masks.

The pictures triggered strong public criticism of an alleged double standard for politicians and regular people. Currently, medical face masks are mandatory on planes and public transport though N95-style masks are recommended.

Justice Minister Marco Buschmann and Health Minister Karl Lauterbach told reporters that the specific pandemic rules that apply to the German air force, which operates government flights, were met and that everyone on the flight, which also included German business leaders and reporters, took a PCR test before boarding the plane.

Still, the justice minister conceded that “politically, I would recommend to us as a federal government that we apply the same rules everywhere that apply elsewhere.”

“Because otherwise, of course, the feeling arises that you’re willing to impose something on the citizens that you don’t want to impose on yourself,” Buschmann added. “And that’s why I can also understand to some extent that there’s so much talk about it.”

In addition to the mandatory use of N95-type masks during long-distance travel, the new measures, which will apply from Oct. 1 to April 7, will also include a nationwide obligation to wear masks in and test before accessing hospitals, nursing homes and similar institutions with vulnerable people.

Beyond that, Germany’s 16 states will have the authority to adopt their own rules depending on how severely the virus affects their areas. State governments could decide to require masks on local public transportation, in schools for students in the fifth grade and up, and at public indoor events. If the virus spreads widely again, the number of people at public events can be limited and testing can be demanded.

The justice minister stressed that there would be no more lockdowns or school closures no matter how the pandemic develops during cold-weather seasons.

“Students were certainly the group that suffered the most in the pandemic ... especially in terms of exercising their right to education, especially in terms of school closures,” Buschmann said. “And that’s why I’m also glad that we were able to quickly agree that the instrument of school closures is therefore completely disproportionate.”

The new regulations still need to go to Germany’s lower and upper house of parliament for approval, but they are expected to pass.

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COVID-19 regulations for travellers entering Germany These rules apply to travellers arriving in Germany from risk areas in other countries

Everyone entering the Federal Republic of Germany from an area designated a risk area is required to provide evidence that they are not infected with the coronavirus within 48 hours of entering Germany. Travellers from particularly affected regions, with high incidences of COVID-19 or where variants of the virus have been identified, will have to provide evidence that they have tested negative before they enter the country. These provisions are laid out in the immigration regulations of the Federal Ministry of Health. 

Monday, 25 January 2021

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Everyone who has been in an area designated as a risk area will have to register, be tested and provide evidence in order to enter the Federal Republic of Germany.

Against a blue background the diagram is headed: New immigration regulations – to stem rising numbers of new cases. Below this is the caption: Entering Germany and the following points: 

• Travellers entering Germany from risk areas must register, be tested within 48 hours and provide evidence
• Travellers entering Germany from high-risk areas* must provide evidence of negative test results before leaving on the return journey and on entry into Germany

*  Areas where mutations of the virus have been identified or where the incidence is particularly high

Photo: Bundesregierung

The immigration regulations aim to minimise the number of cases of COVID-19 imported from high or very high risk areas outside Germany. Everyone who has been in an area designated as a risk area will have to register, be tested and provide evidence of the test results in order to enter the Federal Republic of Germany. The regulations came into effect on 14 January.

A distinction is made between three types of risk areas outside Germany:

• Areas where the Federal Ministry of Heath, in conjunction with the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry of the Interior, has identified a higher risk of infection with a threatening communicable disease
• High-incidence areas , where the incidence is several times higher than that in Germany, but at least 200
• Areas in which particularly infectious variants of the virus are widespread.

All travellers who have been in a risk area will have to fill in an online immigration registration form before they enter Germany, as is already the case. Within 48 hours of entering the country they must have evidence that they were not infected with SARS-CoV-2 at the time they entered the country, and must present this to the relevant authority on request.

Everyone entering Germany from a risk area in which there is a particularly high incidence or where particularly infectious variants of the virus are widespread will have to carry this evidence on their person when they enter the country and present it, on request, to the carrier before they leave, to the relevant authorities on entry into Germany or to officers undertaking any police checks.

The Robert Koch Institute provides an overview of designated risk areas, high incidence areas and areas where variants of the virus have been identified.

Preventing the spread of virus variants as far as possible

"Travel to foreign risk areas is not appropriate in this pandemic situation. Anyone who nevertheless insists on travelling will have to be tested on their return in future. Mutations of the virus are an additional threat to our health. We must prevent them spreading in Germany as far as possible," stressed Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn.

Mandatory quarantine still applies

The common goal of the federal and state governments is to prevent travellers entering Germany becoming new sources of infection in the country. The requirement to self-isolate, i.e. to quarantine, on arrival from risk areas remains in place. Travellers arriving from outside Germany, who have been in an area designated a risk area by the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry of the Interior within the last ten days, are required to quarantine immediately on their arrival in Germany for a period of ten days.

Under certain circumstances exceptions to mandatory quarantine can apply. The individual federal states impose mandatory quarantine regulations for all travellers arriving from abroad and also stipulate any exceptions to this rule. Please check the regulations that apply in your federal state.

Another change is that as of 1 March, mobile telephony providers must inform their customers by text message about the immigration and infection control measures in place in Germany.

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Travel Advisory May 1, 2024

Germany - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued after periodic review with minor edits

Exercise increased caution in Germany due to  terrorism .

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups keep planning attacks in Germany. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning. They target tourist locations and transportation hubs. They also target markets/shopping malls and local government facilities. They target hotels, clubs, and restaurants. They also attack places of worship, parks, and major sporting and cultural events. They target schools, airports, and other public areas.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel to Germany.

If you decide to travel to Germany:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Germany.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

Three months beyond planned date of departure from the Schengen area.

Not required for stays under 90 days.

 10,000€ (euros or equivalent).

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. EMBASSY BERLIN    Clayallee 170  14191 Berlin  Federal Republic of Germany  Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Fax: +(49) (30) 8305-1050 Email:  [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL FRANKFURT Giessener Str. 30 60435 Frankfurt am Main Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (69) 7535-0 Fax: +(49) (69) 7535-2252 Passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, and Citizenship:  [email protected]  All other questions:  [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL MUNICH Koeniginstrasse 5 80539 Munich Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (89) 2888-0 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) 89-2888-0 Fax: If you need to send a fax, please email first to obtain a one-time use fax number.  Email:  [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL DUSSELDORF   Willi-Becker-Allee 10  40227 Duesseldorf  Federal Republic of Germany  Telephone: +(49) (69) 7535-0 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0  Fax: +(49) (69) 7535-2252 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt. 

U.S. Consulate General Hamburg   Kehrwieder 8 20457 Hamburg  Federal Republic of Germany  Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin: +(49) (30) 8305-0  Fax: +(49) (30) 8305-1050 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.  

U.S. Consulate General Leipzig   Wilhelm-Seyfferth-Str. 4  04107 Leipzig  Federal Republic of Germany  Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin: +(49) (30) 8305-0  Fax: +(49) (30) 8305-1050 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Germany for information on U.S. - Germany relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Traveling Through Europe : If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• In Europe's  Schengen area , your passport generally must be valid for at least six months at the time of your entry. Although Germany only requires travelers to have three months of validity remaining beyond their intended departure date, airlines may still deny boarding for having less than six months validity, especially if transiting additional Schengen countries.
• If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.
• If traveling with prescription medication, review the information below regarding pharmaceuticals to avoid potential fines and confiscation.

Carry identification with you at all times.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to, or foreign residents of, Germany.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:   Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.

Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack –including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:  

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, and celebratory gatherings)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists  
• Places of worship  
• Schools  
• Shopping malls and markets  
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)  

For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.  

Crime:  Violent crime is rare in Germany, but can occur, especially in larger cities or high-risk areas such as on large metropolitan subway systems and in train stations, primarily during late night or early morning hours. Most incidents of street crime involve the theft of unattended items and pickpocketing.  Theft and pickpocketing primarily take place at train stations, on public transportation, at tourist attractions, and at large public events.   Always pay close attention to your valuables! 

Be cautious and aware of your surroundings. 

U.S. citizens should exercise caution when congregating in known expatriate hangouts. 

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. They are illegal to bring back into the United States, and you could also be breaking local law. 

Demonstrations:  Demonstrations occur regularly in Germany. Large, public demonstrations take place for a variety of political and economic issues. Demonstrations tend to take place on politically significant holidays like German Labor Day (May 1) and during international summits hosted in Germany.  Demonstration organizers must obtain prior police approval, and police routinely oversee participants.    

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable; avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Strikes may interfere with travel plans. We strongly encourage travelers to check transportation schedule information prior to travel.    

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Germany. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Most scammers pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.

Tips to avoid scammers:

• Look for red flags like their location is far away, their profile was recently created or seems to be too good to be true, the pace of the relationship is moving too quickly, or they ask for money.
• Set up a phone call/video chat in the initial stages.
• Do a reverse image search on the profile picture.
• If they ask for help, you should refer to them to the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate so we can work with local authorities to assist.
• If you believe you have been scammed, report the incident to local law enforcement right away and stop all communications with the scammer.

Common scams include:

• Romance/online dating
• Money transfers
• Lucrative sales
• Gold purchase
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Grandparent/relative targeting (kidnapping, arrested, medical emergency)
• Free Trip/luggage
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits/job offers
• Bank overpayments

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobiles Devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices prior to traveling abroad are keeping all software (operating system and apps) updated and using virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S.-based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app, make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration. Be cautious of using dating apps/online dating websites abroad as U.S. citizens can be targeted by scammers. Make sure to inform your friends and family of your whereabouts, meet at a well-known public location, and not consume suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Victims of Crime:  Report crimes to the local police: in an emergency dial 112 for ambulance and 110 for the police and contact the U.S Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate (see contact details above). 

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. 

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . 

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care 
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys 
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States  
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation and support in Germany
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home 
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

We also maintain information on our website on how to report  child abuse situations to the local authorities.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or the Consulates General in Frankfurt or Munich for assistance. Call 110 if you are in immediate danger.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally well regulated, and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage, and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.

Germany sometimes experiences extreme weather conditions including floods, long periods of drought, and unusually harsh winters with vast amounts of snow even in urban areas. Numerous injuries and deaths occur every year in Germany’s Alpine and coastal regions. Most of the emergencies relate to the following sports:  skiing, hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking, sledding, rock and mountain climbing, paragliding, and swimming. Those engaging in Alpine sports are strongly encouraged to register with  German “Alpen Verein.”

In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.  

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate General immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances: Germany has strict customs regulations concerning:

• Temporary importation or exportation of firearms
• Military artifacts (particularly those of World War II)
• Medications/pharmaceuticals
• Business equipment

Under German law it is also illegal to bring into or take out of Germany any literature, music, or paraphernalia that glorifies fascism, the Nazi past, or the “Third Reich.”

Contact the  German Embassy in Washington  or one of the German consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Faith-Based Travelers : See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

International Volunteers:

LGBTQI+ Travelers : There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Germany. Same-sex marriage is available in Germany. LGBTQI+ persons are protected by federal anti-discrimination laws, and LGBTQI+ Pride events are officially encouraged by most large city governments, including those in Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Munich. 

See   our page and section 6 of our   Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Germany prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. Expect accessibility to be limited in some older public transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure, especially outside major cities, but common in most urban infrastructure. Some older buildings and public transportation systems are less adapted to individuals with disabilities.

Check your hotel or destination to learn more about options to accommodate disabled traveler needs before visiting Germany.

The German National Tourist Board maintains  information about accessibility and disability-friendly travel .

All German airports and  Lufthansa  offer services for disabled travelers.

The German National Railway,  Deutsche Bahn , maintains a mobility resource webpage.

Students: See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Germany has generally high-quality medical care and facilities. Prescript ion and over-the-counter medicines are widely available although brands and drug names differ from those available in the United States.

For emergency services in Germany, dial 112.  

Ambulance services are widely available.  

We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health webpage and general Traveler Advice for Germany.

• Review all sub-sections including the Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
• Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers, and Expatriates)
• General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates general do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. If you are not a resident of Germany, doctors and hospitals will expect immediate payment in cash.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas or purchase travel insurance for this purpose. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our  webpage  for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on the type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

The Department of State strongly recommends supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices to ensure the medication is legal in Germany. Also read the information below regarding pharmaceuticals and the documentation required to enter Germany with prescription medication.

Vaccinations: Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the winter. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens
• People over 65 years of age
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General maintain  lists of doctors and medical services in Germany . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery 

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations. Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on Medical Tourism.  
• Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Germany.  
• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.   

Pharmaceuticals 

• If traveling with prescription medication, visit the  German customs website  to ensure the medication is legal in Germany.  For medications that Germany classifies as narcotics, you may only carry a 30-day supply.  A comprehensive list of these medications can be found   here.   If your medication is on that list, there is an additional requirement for your doctor to complete a  certification form .  You will see part E asks for the endorsement of an “issuing authority.”  As there is no such authority in the United States, travelers may have the doctor self-certify the form and enter the information of his or her practice in part E, ideally with a stamp or seal from their office.  Due to Germany’s strict customs regulations, you are not allowed to receive prescription medication by mail without special permission.  Always carry your prescription.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.   
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.    

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy   

If you are considering traveling overseas to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our  ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .  

• All surrogacy arrangements, as well as IVF procedures involving the use of donated eggs, are illegal in Germany. For additional information, see  this webpage of the German Foreign Ministry  (German language only).

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in general are excellent but can differ from those in the United States, but driver error is a leading cause of accidents involving U.S. citizen motorists in Germany.

If you hold a valid U.S. driver’s license, you can drive in  Germany for up to six months  without acquiring a German driver’s license. Many German traffic laws and traffic signs differ significantly from those in the United States. For more information, please visit the U.S. embassy’s webpage on  driving in Germany .

Speed limits are posted on large stretches of the highway, on the Autobahn in urban areas, and when the road has many curves. Although high speeds are permitted on the Autobahn, adverse weather conditions and unfamiliar road markings pose significant hazards. Speed limits are strictly enforced. Use of seat belts is mandatory in front and back seats. Do not park on bike paths or sidewalks. Your vehicle registration, insurance policy, a first-aid kit, a reflective vest, and a reflective triangle must be in your vehicle at all times. In snowy or icy conditions, your vehicle must have snow tires or all-season tires (indicated by M+S marking) or you will be subject to a fine.

Bicycles: German streets and sidewalks have dedicated bike lanes. Bicycles have priority use of bike lanes over pedestrians and automobiles. Bicyclists also have priority over cars when turning onto side streets. If you are driving, check whether a bicyclist is approaching from either direction before attempting to enter side streets, even when the light is in your favor. You will be held responsible for any injury or damage caused if you turn into a side street and hit a bicyclist using a marked bike lane. If you are walking, watch for bicyclists before crossing or stepping into bike lanes. 

Traffic Laws:  If you are involved in a traffic accident in Germany, even a minor fender-bender, you MUST stay with your vehicle and not leave the scene until police arrive to take a report. It is illegal to use your cell phone while driving in Germany. Except on priority roads, vehicles coming from the right have the right-of-way. It is generally illegal in Germany to pass vehicles on the right. Germans strictly observe the ‘slower traffic keep right’ rule. It is illegal to operate a vehicle if your blood alcohol level is 0.05% or higher. You may be fined, and your driver’s license may be suspended for specified periods of time, depending upon the gravity of each violation. 

Public Transportation: Germany has an extensive and safe public transportation network consisting of buses, streetcars, trains, and subways. Metered taxis are also prevalent throughout Germany. Uber and other rideshare companies are available in most cities in Germany. Use common sense safety practices such as guarding valuables and remaining aware of your surroundings on all public transportation. 

Strikes in Germany may disrupt public transportation and travel plans.  We strongly encourage travelers to check transportation schedule information prior to travel.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of Germany’s  Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMVI) , the national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Germany’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Germany’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . 

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Germany should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings.

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Everything you need to know about traveling to Germany

Berlin is full of life again, bustling with tourists trying to capture the best picture for their Instagram feeds. The clubs the city is famous for are open again, with tourists and locals alike dancing to techno into the wee hours of the morning.

“Berlin is open and is as vibrant and dynamic as it used to be before covid-19,” says Ralf Ostendorf, the director of market management of VisitBerlin .

Your guide to planning a European vacation

Susan Choi, owner of cocktail bar Mr. Susan , depended on locals to keep the doors open during the height of the pandemic. Now that travel is back, Choi has noticed the influx of international guests through her doors, especially visitors from the United States.

“You can see at the bar all the Americans are back drinking margaritas and dirty martinis,” Choi says.

With the easing of coronavirus restrictions in the past few months, there has been a clear sign of pent-up travel demand as visitors slowly return to Germany for a little European holiday. Here are a few tips if you also decided to go.

How to get there

Travel to Germany is open for all, regardless of vaccination status. As of June 11, travelers no longer need to show a negative test or proof of recovery for entry. But there are other restrictions: Although the European Union has recommended lifting the mask mandate when flying, FFP2 or medical-grade masks are required for flights taking off or landing in Germany. In German airports, masks are recommended but not required.

Everything you need to know about going to France

Airports in Europe are seeing the same crowds and chaos as U.S. airports because of labor shortages, so be sure to give yourself enough time to check baggage, get through security and immigration checkpoints, and eat before a long flight.

What to know about restrictions

You no longer need to show proof of vaccination or wear a mask to enter shops, hotels, bars and restaurants in Germany. A mask — specifically an N95, KN95 or FFP2 — is required on public transportation. Since regulations easily can change, Ostendorf recommends regularly checking for updates in Berlin and other regions you will visit.

Getting around

To ease the rise of the cost of living, the German government is offering a 9-euro monthly transit pass valid anywhere in the country for June, July and August. This ticket is available to everyone, including visitors, and can be used for local and regional trains, buses and trams. Tickets can be purchased at Deutsche Bahn ticket machines or local public-transport stations.

While the discount ticket encourages people to use public transportation, trains throughout the country have been packed with travelers taking advantage of the deal. Deutsche Bahn warns that if you are planning a trip along touristy routes with the 9-euro ticket, expect a higher number of passengers, especially on the weekends and sunny days. To avoid crowds, travel on the weekdays if possible.

How to dine and explore

Katherina Klimke, vice president of operations of 25hours Hotels , said bookings from Americans have doubled compared to last year, but they are not at pre-pandemic level. She advises visitors to book their hotel stay early to secure the best rates and availability.

“While leisure destinations fill up more quickly and reservations two to three months in advance would be advisable, some city destinations might also have last-minute availability,” Klimke adds.

Everything you need to know about going to Italy

Sebastian Riewe, director of sales and marketing of the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin , also has noticed an increase in bookings from Americans. They have had some last-minute booking requests that they were unable to accommodate.

“So ideally, we would recommend that clients go back to the old booking patterns — i.e., a lead time of at least six to eight weeks, or ideally two to six months for international trips,” Riewe says.

Hotels and restaurants are not the only ones seeing an increase in bookings; tours around Germany are on the rise again. Since March, BottleStops founder Jerome Hainz has gotten many inquiries and bookings for his wine tours and tastings for Mainz and the surrounding German wine regions. The one significant difference is that more people are opting for private tours.

“This has to do with people wanting to be careful about sitting in a car with strangers,” Hainz says.

Because of this demand, Hainz suggests booking private tours three to four weeks in advance, but he said public tours are more flexible and can sometimes be arranged at the last minute.

How to find tests before returning home

As of June 12, it is no longer required to show a negative coronavirus test to enter the United States. You still might want to get tested before your flight home for peace of mind.

You should still test for travel, health experts say

You can find testing sites at any major airport in Germany, but expect to book an appointment and pay a premium. The easiest and cheapest way to test is to buy an at-home coronavirus test, which can be found in most grocery stores and pharmacies for less than $2.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

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Travelling to Germany in Spring 2022: Current Entry Rules & Other Restrictions Explained

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Differently from other European Union and Schengen Area countries that have already eased their measures, Germany continues to keep in place general restrictions for all travellers.

Germany has been categorising countries into different categories based on their COVID-19 risk. The majority of countries have been part of the high-risk list.

However, as soon as the Coronavirus situation started improving, the German authorities decided to make changes to their listing. Since March 3, all countries have been removed from Germany’s high-risk list, which means that everyone can now enter Germany under facilitated entry rules provided that they meet general rules.

In an exchange of emails, Germany’s Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community has disclosed for SchengenVisaInfo that currently, all persons over the age of 12, regardless of their country of origin, need to present valid proof of their COVID-19 status.

This means that all travellers need to hold a valid vaccination, recovery, or test certificate upon their arrival in Germany in order to be exempt from additional entry rules.

“Every person over the age of 12 is obliged to carry proof of their COVID ‑19 status when entering Germany. Persons over the age of 12 must therefore have a negative test result or proof of recovery or vaccination when entering Germany. As a rule, COVID ‑19 test results (antigen or PCR tests) must not be more than 48 hours old at the time of the (planned) entry,” the statement of the German Federal Ministry of Interior reads.

The German authorities explain that a vaccination certificate is recognised upon entry only if the document proves that the holder has completed vaccination with one of the accepted vaccines within the last nine months. Vaccination passes indicating vaccination with a booster shot are also recognised.

As for the recovery certificates, the authorities have emphasised that they recognise only documents that prove that the holder has tested positive with the virus in the last 90 days.

Except for travellers who enter Germany, those who are only transferring at an airport in Germany also need to present one of the certificates – a vaccination, recovery, or test certificate.

“Travellers who are only transferring at an airport in Germany are also required to present proof of their COVID ‑19 status. This applies both to non-Schengen transit from or to third countries outside the EU and to transit from or to Schengen states,” the Ministry added.

Even though Germany currently applies relaxed entry rules for incoming travellers, everyone should note that entry restrictions change at the moment a country is moved to the high-risk or virus variant areas list.

This means that if the German authorities decide to categorise a country as a high-risk or virus variant area, travellers from these countries will have to follow additional entry measures, such as pre-entry testing and quarantine.

However, since no country is currently part of the high-risk or virus variant areas list, everyone can enter Germany without having to follow additional rules provided that they hold one of the certificates.

Germany’s Current COVID-19 Rules

Travellers, as well as citizens of Germany, are no longer required to wear a face mask when attending different public places and events as the requirement has been abolished. The mask-wearing requirement continues to remain in place only when accessing public transport, planes, and long-haul trains.

Germany is also planning to relax other restrictions. The authorities have announced their plans to remove the requirement to hold a valid vaccination, recovery, or test certificate when attending different public places.

However, the authorities have not come out with an official decision regarding the matter yet.

>> Germany to Lift Majority of COVID-19 Restrictions, Despite Epidemiological Situation

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Germany to drop COVID mask requirement on flights

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Masks in Germany - where are they required? - Germany Forum

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Masks in Germany - where are they required?

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Is this nationwide? Or do some states say cloth masks on public transport or have no masks at all?

35 replies to this topic

Cloth masks haven't been a thing here since two years and are nowhere accepted. In most states you can wear a medical mask instead of FFP2 on public transportation, though.

Masks in shops are no longer required, but some shops still ask you to wear them, for instance the orthopedic products shop said that a mask was still mandatory.

Also, any medical settings would require an FFP2 mask and often also a negative test. I've just come back from a consultation on my hip, as an outpatient in a hospital, and I had to have an FFP2 mask while there, and a negative Covid-19 test to be even allowed to enter the building.

All trains subways buses trams require FFP2. Some museums require masks, others simply recommend wearing them. Some stores required a mask

The only museum we visited was the Documentation Center in Nuremberg and masks were not mandated. The workers were not mandated to wear them either. We also visited Dachau and the tour group were asked to wear a mask each time we entered a building but again not asked to wear a FFP2 mask.

This was just my experience. But while in Italy , on a trenetalia train and 2 flights the FFP2 mask was mandated but on all other public transportation the surgical mask was fine and again no shops, hotels or restaurant asked anyone to wear a mask that we saw. In Paris the surgical mask was fine on the one train we took and again we did not visit any museums but hotel, shops and restaurants did not ask for masks to be worn.

Thanks for the replies, everyone. Helpful to know what to expect.

I am taking a group of scouts from UK by bus to Wuerzburg area next week Aug 12th, with a day trip to Rothenburg o d T. They MIGHT go into local shops to buy sweets and MIGHT want to buy souvenirs in RodT. I'd thought we'd be ok without masks, due to my ignorance! What problems might we face, maskwise, please?

#6: Masks are required on public transportation., but not in shops, restaurants etc.

It‘s still obviously advisable to tell everyone to bring at least one surgical masks in case they find themselves in the odd shop where the owner requires a mask or if you do end up taking a city bus or tram in Würzburg or if you are in a crowded indoor space where wearing a mask is just the sensible thing to do.

thank you but at this point years on i won’t patron a store that asks for a mask - they won’t get my money. if by law i’m required on public transport, of course i will.

LOL, I am sure a store that would ask for a mask will be quite happy if you stay away with that attitude.

Also, I was replying to post #6 as you might be able to tell by the chronological order and context.

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• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

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Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

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Did Fauci say he ‘made up’ COVID-19 rules on social distancing, masks? Let’s look at the transcript.

Headlines have distorted what the transcript shows Fauci telling members of the House in a January meeting

When Republican lawmakers on May 31 released a transcript from two days of closed-door interviews with the nation’s best-known infectious diseases expert, a portion of the transcript inspired a splashy headline.

“REVEALED: Dr. Anthony Fauci confesses he ‘made up’ covid rules including 6 feet social distancing and masking kids,” read a  June 2 headline in the  Daily Mail, a British publication.

“Bombshell testimony from Dr. Anthony Fauci reveals he made up the six foot social distancing rule and other measures to ‘protect’ Americans from covid,” the article’s first paragraph read.

Screenshots  of the Daily Mail  headline  soon went  viral  on  social media  and were shared by  prominent   conservatives , such as  Charlie Kirk .

But the headline distorted what the transcript shows Fauci, formerly the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director and chief White House medical adviser, told members of the House Oversight Committee’s Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic in the January meeting.

When Republicans on the subcommittee  released a memo  along with the transcript, they highlighted comments Fauci made about social distancing and masking children, but they did not say Fauci said he “made up” any rules.

What Fauci said about 6-foot social distancing

Starting on Page 183 of a 246-page  transcript  of Fauci’s second day of testimony, he said he was not aware of studies that supported the 6-foot social distancing guidelines that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention instituted  early  in the pandemic.

Committee Staff Director Mitch Benzine asked Fauci whether he recalled when discussions about a 6-foot threshold began.

“You know,” Fauci replied, “I don’t recall. It sort of just appeared. I don’t recall, like, a discussion of whether it should be 5 or 6 or whatever. It was just that 6-foot is — ”

“Did you see any studies that supported 6 feet?” Benzine asked.

“I was not aware of studies that — in fact, that would be a very difficult study to do,” Fauci said.

After some back and forth, Fauci said the decision was “empiric,” which  in medical terms  means a determination based on experience rather than a precise understanding of the cause of something.

“I think it would fall under the category of empiric,” Fauci said. “Just an empiric decision that wasn’t based on data or even data that could be accomplished. But I’m thinking hard as I’m talking to you. … I don’t recall, like, a discussion of, ‘Now, it’s going to be’ — it sort of just appeared, that 6 feet is going to be the distance.”

What Fauci said about masking

Earlier in the hearing, Benzine and Fauci discussed masking for children. Starting on Page 135, the transcript shows Fauci did not say he “made up” masking rules, but that he didn’t recall specific studies supporting masking for children. Fauci emphasized the role of another agency — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — in making the masking guidelines. He also noted there were conflicting studies about masking’s negative effects on children.

Here are two exchanges on the topic:

Benzine noted that the World Health Organization recommended against masking children and asked Fauci whether there was a “cost-benefit analysis done on the unintended consequences of masking kids versus the protection that it would give them?”

“Not to my knowledge,” Fauci said.

Benzine then asked Fauci whether he felt masking children as young as 2 was necessary.

“I think it’s context-dependent,” Fauci responded. “It really depends on where you are. I think you were having a time like when you’re having a tsunami of infections and you’re desperately trying to protect people from getting infected and dying to the point where every one of our healthcare facilities are in danger of overrunning, you might want to do something that might seem -— what’s the right word? — excessive, whereas under most other circumstances, you won’t. And I believe the CDC felt at that time that that’s what was needed given the dire — I would say, the dire situation that we were in.”

Later in the exchange, Benzine also asked Fauci whether he recalled reviewing any studies or data supporting masking for children.

“You know, I might have, Mitch,” Fauci answered, “but I don’t recall specifically that I did. I might have.”

Benzine asked Fauci whether he followed any studies about masking and negative effects on children, such as on speech and learning loss.

“No,” Fauci responded. “But I believe that there are a lot of conflicting studies, too, that there are those that say, ’Yes, there is an impact,’ and there are those that say there’s not. I still think that’s up in the air. I mean, I’m very sensitive to children. I have children and I have grandchildren. So, I don’t want to have anything that would do to harm them. But I think that there was a conflicting discussion about the negative impact on speech and formation of the bones of the face and that, I think, was debunked pretty easily.”

What Fauci said in his live testimony

Three days after the committee released Fauci’s transcript, Fauci appeared before the subcommittee and  testified  publicly, as had been planned before the transcript’s release. During the hearing, Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla., accused Republicans of sitting on the transcript for months and mischaracterizing some of Fauci’s statements. She asked whether he wanted to clear anything up publicly.

“One I’m sure is going to come up later is the issue of the 6-foot distance,” Fauci answered. “And I made the statement that it just appeared and that got taken like I don’t know what’s going on, it just appeared. It actually came from the CDC. The CDC was responsible for those kinds of guidelines for schools, not me.”

He also clarified what he meant when he said he had not seen any studies that support the guideline.

“What I meant by no science behind it, is that there wasn’t a controlled trial that said compare 6 foot with 3 feet with 10 feet,” he said.

He said he thought the CDC used past studies about the spread of droplets to make that decision, before health officials realized the virus was spread through the air.

Rep. John Joyce, R-Pa., pressed Fauci about why he didn’t challenge the CDC on the 6-foot guideline when it was clear the virus was aerosolized (meaning tiny virus particles that can get suspended in the air). Fauci said it was the CDC’s decision to make and that it wasn’t appropriate to publicly challenge a sister health organization.

At one point in the hearing, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R.-Ga., held up an enlarged copy of the Daily Mail headline and said, “Mr. Fauci, you also represent the type of science where you confessed that you made up the COVID rules, including 6-feet social distancing and masking of children.”

“I never said I made anything up,” Fauci said.

“You admitted that you made up, that you made it up as you went,” Greene said.

“I didn’t say I made it up,” Fauci said.

“So, are you saying this is fake news, Mr. Fauci?” Greene asked.

“I didn’t say I made anything up,” Fauci said.

“What did you say?” Greene asked.

“I said that it is not based in science and it just appeared,” Fauci said.

A CDC spokesperson told PolitiFact that the 6-foot recommendation was based in part on  1955 research  examining how respiratory droplets travel. That research was used because there was no other data for COVID-19, the spokesperson said. The guidance was  updated  Aug. 11, 2022, to no longer recommend 6-foot distancing because of widespread immunity and effective treatments, the spokesperson said.

The revelation about the 6-foot rule is not new. Dr. Robert Redfield, the CDC director in former President Donald Trump’s administration  testified  before a House panel March 17, 2022, about early mitigation efforts.

“There was no magic around 6 feet. It’s just historically that’s what was used for other respiratory pathogens,” Redfield said. “So, that really became the first piece.”

Fauci’s live hearing also touched on mask mandates for children. Rep. Mike Cloud, R-Texas, asked whether there was scientific evidence supporting that guideline.

“There was no study that did masks on kids before,” Fauci said. “You couldn’t do the study. You had to respond to an epidemic that was killing 4(,000) to 5,000 Americans per day.”

PolitiFact Staff Researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this report.

This fact check was originally published by PolitiFact , which is part of the Poynter Institute. See the sources for this fact check here .

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