In Germany and many other countries, the summer holidays will soon begin and with improved weather, people will travel. With the upcoming holidays, questions arise as to what is now permitted and possible, with the background of the still ongoing pandemic. In this regard, the Federal Ministry of the Interior, for Construction and Home Affairs announced on 17 June 2021 that the German government will relax the restrictions on entry to Germany for fully vaccinated persons. In the following article, we explain which regulations now apply and under which conditions you may travel to Germany.
This article is one of a series we are publishing as this crisis unfolds. In these difficult times and due to the constantly changing situation, we would like to keep our clients informed about the developments in Germany. Should you require more extensive professional advice or support in a legal dispute concerning German visas, residence permits or other issues, please contact our office directly. We can be reached by telephone at +49 221 93295960, e-mail at info@se-legal.de or by our contact page. Our lawyers will be happy to help you and provide comprehensive support for your legal queries.
Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte advises corporate and private clients in German immigration law and on all issues concerning Covid-19. Our legal team is available by phone and email, and they also offer video conference facilities to clients. for more information on German immigration law, please visit our Immigration Information Germany Center.
Current Situation: Travelling to Germany
Entry into Germany is currently possible in principle for citizens of the European Union or the European Economic Area (EEA). The only exception is for persons from areas with virus variants. Non-essential travel from such countries is generally not allowed, and entry into Germany is still not permitted.
On the other hand, for citizens from non-EU countries, entry is currently only permitted in exceptional cases. However, this restriction is now to be largely lifted under certain conditions. If you require specialised advice concerning the impact of these conditions on your current situation, please contact us by phone at +49 221 93295960 or by email at info@se-legal.de.
Conditions for Entry to Germany: Relaxation of Entry Restrictions to Germany
Regardless of the purpose of the journey, citizens from non-EU countries are also to be allowed to enter Germany again from 25 June 2021. In addition, tourists, business travellers and students will be allowed to enter Germany under certain conditions. In the following, we will show you what you need to observe and prove when entering the country.
For entry into Germany, you must already be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. This means that 14 days must have passed since your last required vaccination. The relaxation only applies to people who have been vaccinated with a vaccine currently approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson are the vaccines that make it possible for third-country nationals to enter Germany. The website of the Paul Ehrlich Institute lists how many vaccine doses are necessary and which substances can be combined if necessary.
A deviation from the information presented on the website of the Paul Ehrlich Institute is permissible if the person travelling to Germany can prove that they are considered fully vaccinated even with only one administered vaccine dose due to recovery. In principle, two doses of a vaccine are required to be fully vaccinated. Exceptions to this rule are the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and persons who have already contracted the virus. However, for entry, the person must prove that they were ill with the virus and is now considered recovered.
In addition, a digital COVID certificate from the EU or comparable proof is required for entry into Germany. This proof must be presented in digital or physical form.
Fulfilment of the other residence law requirements is also necessary. Both entry into and residence in Germany are regulated for citizens of a third country in the Residence Act (AufenthG). As a third-country national, you need a residence title. Our practise group for German immigration law will be happy to advise you on all questions and assist you with your visa application.
Immigration Law Services Following the Relaxation of Entry Restrictions to Germany
Following the relaxation of entry restrictions to Germany, it will be easier to come to the country, whether on a short-term visa or a long-term residence permit. Whatever your reason for coming to Germany, our German visa lawyers are here to help. As a full-service law firm with a dedicated immigration law team, the lawyers at Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte will assist you throughout the process.
We advise on all forms of German residence permits and visas and have assisted clients based all over the world. Our experienced lawyers will oversee the necessary paperwork, advise you on the different residence permits and visas’ requirements, and support you in any legal disputes that may arise. Our clients can expect premium legal service throughout their time working with us.
Legal Advice from Schlun & Elseven
Schlun & Elseven Rechtsanwälte is a full-service law firm operating throughout Germany. The COVID-19 coronavirus affects all areas of human interaction and has massive economic implications for our private and corporate clients. Against this background, the COVID-19 coronavirus has also hugely affected many areas of law. For more information on the coronavirus in Germany, please visit the website of the Robert Koch Institute.
If you need legal advice regarding the impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus on your company, the impact of the relaxation of entry restrictions to Germany, or other legal issues, please contact us directly. Our offices are located in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Aachen. We are also available by telephone at +49 221 93295960 or e-mail at info@se-legal.de.
