The new Ordinance on Coronavirus Entry Regulations with effect from 01 August 2021 contains a general obligation for persons entering Germany to furnish proof, irrespective of the mode of transport or whether they previously spent time in a high-risk area (like INDIA) or area of variants of concern. Persons aged 12 or over must, as a rule, possess a negative test result or proof of vaccination or recovery when entering the country. In addition, when entering the Federal Republic of Germany following a stay in a high-risk area or area of variants of concern outside of Germany, a special obligation to register, quarantine and furnish proof has to be observed.

The Federal Republic of Germany has designated India as a country with significantly elevated risk of infection (high incidence area) with effect from 07 July 2021.

The following applies for travel to Germany from India:

Residents of non-EU countries are only permitted to enter Germany if they serve in an important role or if they have an urgent need to travel (please see “What constitutes an urgent need for travel?”) or if they are fully vaccinated (please see “What rules apply for fully vaccinated people?”).

If you were vaccinated in India with Covishield, please note that your vaccination certificate must contain your passport number or date of birth. Reference to Aadhar number is not sufficient.

These entry restrictions do not apply to German citizens or members of their immediate family (spouses, children under 18, parents of children under 18).

EU citizens and citizens of Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland and the members of their immediate family (spouses, children under 18, parents of children under 18) are exempted from the entry restrictions.

The same applies to citizens of non-EU countries who have a current long-term residence permit from an EU or Schengen country and their immediate family members, as long as they comply with passport and visa regulations.

First-time entry by citizens of non-EU countries, however, is only permitted if they prove that one of the above-mentioned exceptions to the entry restrictions applies to them, that is, if they are residents of a country who are allowed unrestricted entry into Germany, or if they are fully vaccinated or if there is an urgent need for the entry.

Digital Entry Registration, Testing and Quarantine Requirements

All travellers from Covid-19 risk areas or high incidence areas such as India, must register on www.einreiseanmeldung.de before entering Germany.

As of Tuesday, 30 March 2021, any person entering Germany by plane is to carry a negative corona test and present it to the airline prior to Boarding. The test is to be taken not earlier than 72 hours (PCR) or 48 hours (Antigen) prior to the scheduled arrival time in Germany. Exempted are children below 6 years. Details about testing can be seen from the Website of Robert Koch-Institut. The test result is to be kept for at least 10 days after entry and has to be presented to the authorities upon request.

Travellers from India have to go directly to their final place of residence / stay and immediately undergo a mandatory home quarantine for 10 days. The quarantine period may be ended on the basis of a negative test carried out no earlier than five days after entry. For persons who have been vaccinated or recovered from an infection and arrive from a high incidence area, mandatory quarantine ends immediately after submitting proof of vaccination or proof of recovery. For questions on quarantine regulations please contact your local Health Authority (Gesundheitsamt).

Violation of registration and quarantine requirements can lead to a fine of up to 25,000 €.