IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Germany has implemented new COVID-19 testing requirements in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including new variants.

What does the change mean? Under a change that took effect Jan. 14, travelers entering Germany from “high-incidence areas” or areas with a “variant of concern” must present results of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within the 48 hours prior to their travel to Germany. There are a limited number of exceptions for people entering from “high-incidence areas” and no exceptions for people entering from “variant of concern” areas. Travelers arriving from other “risk areas” can be tested within 48 hours after arriving in Germany if they have not been tested within the 48 hours before arrival. Test results must be in German, English or French.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
  • Who is affected: All travelers entering Germany, including German and EU nationals, who has been in any of the types of risk areas listed above within 10 days before entering Germany.
  • Impact on processing times: Processing times will generally not be affected, but the change could cause delays and even a bar to entry for those who require a test under the new regulation but are unable to present one.
  • Next steps: Companies should check if employees traveling to Germany have been in a risk area and ensure employees meet the applicable requirement. Travelers may also be subject to quarantine following arrival if arriving from a risk area.

Additional Information: Travelers can check here to see if they have been in a high-risk area. Additionally, travelers will have to fill out an entry registration form and may have to go into quarantine. Authorities have the right to request test results, and they must be available for at least 10 days.

Analysis & Comments: The new regulation is another attempt by the German government to contain the spread of COVID-19, including new COVID-19 variants that have proved to be particularly infectious. In some regions of Germany, the number of COVID-19 cases is still increasing. As a result, the government is also prolonging the nationwide lockdown, including the closure of schools, until at least Feb. 14. Further restrictions may be implemented depending on how the pandemic develops. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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