New entry sails: That will change on August 1st

Stricter test obligations when entering Germany are intended to prevent the spread of corona at the end of the summer holidays.

These are the key points of the new regulation that will take effect from Sunday:

Who has to be tested?

In future, all people aged twelve and over 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.

What applies to entries from virus variant areas?

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.

Where is it checked?

"Random" checks by the authorities are possible at any time.

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.

You must always have the relevant proof with you when you enter the country.

What are the requirements for tests?

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.

Rapid tests or PCR tests are possible abroad - but at your own expense. 

On what basis are risk areas classified?

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 "significantly more than 100".

However, other factors should also be considered.

When do I have to be in quarantine?

Returnees from high-risk areas must be in quarantine for ten days; it 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.

How do I report my return from Corona hotspots?

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.

What are the threats in the event of violations?

Fines - for example if the obligation to register is not met, evidence is not presented or you do not go into quarantine.

Transport companies also face fines for violations.

In the case of serious violations, the fines can amount to up to 25,000 euros.