2021-06-23-KPMG_Global-Germany_–_Some_Easing_of_Travel_Restrictions_for_U.S.,_Other_Countries_Travellers_3页_361kb

Germany - Easing of Travel Restrictions for U.S. and Other Countries

Core Content

On 20 June 2021, the German government removed the U.S. from its list of COVID-19 risk areas, allowing unrestricted travel from the U.S. to Germany. This change also applied to other countries such as Serbia, Hong Kong, Albania, Lebanon, and Taiwan (R.O.C.).

Starting from 25 June 2021, fully-vaccinated individuals from third countries were generally permitted to enter Germany for any purpose, provided they meet specific vaccination and quarantine criteria.

Main Points

• U.S. Travelers:

  • No longer classified as a risk area from 20 June 2021.
  • Unrestricted travel to Germany is allowed.
  • No entry registration or quarantine requirements.
  • Must have permanent residence in the U.S. (a short stay is not sufficient).
  • A negative test result is required before departure, regardless of the origin country.

• Fully Vaccinated Travelers from Third Countries:

  • Allowed to enter Germany from 25 June 2021.
  • Must have received the last required dose of a vaccine accepted in Germany.
  • At least 14 days must have passed since the last dose.
  • Vaccination proof must be in German, English, French, Italian, or Spanish.
  • A digital COVID certificate (EU format) or comparable proof is required upon entry.

• Exclusions:

  • Reciprocity reservations (e.g., People's Republic of China) are still in effect.
  • Virus variant areas are still subject to entry and transport restrictions, even for fully vaccinated individuals.
  • A constantly updated list of risk areas and variant areas is available on the Robert Koch Institut website.

Key Information

• Travel Restrictions Lifting:

  • U.S. travelers: 20 June 2021.
  • Fully vaccinated third-country travelers: 25 June 2021.

• Entry Requirements:

  • Negative test result within 48 hours before departure.
  • Digital EU COVID certificate or equivalent proof of vaccination.

• Vaccination Acceptance:

  • A list of accepted vaccines is available on the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut website.

• Dynamic Changes:

  • The German government updates travel rules regularly.
  • Travelers are advised to consult with travel agents and immigration counsel before making travel plans.

• Contact for Assistance:

  • Dr. Maren Kämmerer (Manager): +49 30 530199-190, mkaemmerer@kpmg-law.com
  • Dr. Thomas Wolf (Partner): +49 30 530199-300, twolf@kpmg-law.com
  • Christian Alexander Jimenez Metzler (Partner): +49 69 551195-753, cjimenezmetzler@kpmg-law.com

• Disclaimer:

  • KPMG LLP (U.S.) does not provide labor law or immigration services.
  • KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist with U.S. immigration matters.

Additional Resources

• U.S. Entry and Exit Requirements: https://de.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
• Testing Obligations: https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/coronavirus-infos-reisende/faq-testpflicht-einreisevo/testing-obligation.html
• Accepted Vaccines: https://www.pei.de/EN/newsroom/dossier/coronavirus/coronavirus-content.html?cms_pos=2
• Risk Area List: https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Risikogebiete_neu.html
• EU Digital COVID Certificate: https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/coronavirus-response/safe-covid-19-vaccines-europeans/eu-digital-covid-certificate_en