travel germany rules

Germany Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Germany

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces.

Germany entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Germany from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Germany.

Can I travel to Germany if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Germany without restrictions.

Can I travel to Germany without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Germany without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Germany?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Germany.

Can I travel to Germany without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Germany?

Mask usage in Germany is not required in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Germany?

Restaurants in Germany are open. Bars in Germany are .

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Current information for travelers

The Ordinance on Coronavirus Entry Regulations (Coronavirus-Einreiseverordnung – CoronaEinreiseV) regulates a uniform, nation-wide obligation to test, quarantine and furnish proof, as well as a ban on carriage from areas of variants of concern. The goal of the Ordinance on Coronavirus Entry Regulations is to reduce the risk of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, since travel movements and border traffic can introduce infections and lead to new hot spots of infection.

The Ordinance on Coronavirus Entry Regulations ( CoronaEinreiseV ) expires on 7 April 2023. After that date, entry into Germany will again be possible without coronavirus-related entry restrictions while observing the general entry requirements under the law of residence and relating to the border police (information from the Federal Ministry of the Interior " Lifting of COVID-19-related restrictions ").

CoronaEinreiseV - Overview and download of all versions of the regulation (German)

Last change: 7. April 2023

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• Mobility and Travel

Travelling to Germany

Entering Germany, relaxing by the sea and vacationing in the mountains – what the coronavirus rules allow and what they don’t. We answer your questions.

What are the rules on entering Germany?

The answer is: it all depends. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic there are travel restrictions on entry from many countries . Anyone entering Germany from a risk area or by air must complete a digital entry registration, is subject to mandatory testing or must provide proof of immunity and must self-isolate (quarantine).

You will find detailed coronavirus rules on the websites of the Federal Foreign Office  and Federal Ministry of the Interior .

From which countries am I allowed to enter Germany?

Basically entry is possible from:

• EU member states
• Schengen-associated countries: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein
• other countries from which entry is permitted on the basis of the EU evaluation of the epidemiological situation

From which countries am I not allowed to enter Germany to travel?

Entry to Germany from countries not listed above is only possible in exceptional cases. The prerequisite is an urgent need to travel.

A transport prohibition exists in relation to countries where virus mutations are widespread (so-called virus variant areas ). Transport companies, such as air or rail enterprises, are not permitted to carry passengers to Germany from these countries.

The Federal Ministry of the Interior answers other important questions here .

Do the coronavirus rules allow me to vacation on the coast or visit Neuschwanstein Castle and the Alps?

The answers to these questions are subject to daily change. Incidence rates are currently falling throughout Germany so that more and more tourist regions are opening for visitors.

You will find the best information on the Germany Travel website, which is provided by the German National Tourist Board here .

If you scroll down the page on the Germany Travel website, you will find information on the current situation in each German state regarding access not only to hotels, guesthouses and camping sites, but also restaurants and cultural institutions.

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Coronavirus pandemic The following applies to travellers as of 1 August

Special rules apply when travelling back to Germany: from 1 August, every returning traveller must be vaccinated, recovered or tested. What applies to high-risk and virus variant areas? The most important questions and answers at a glance.

Friday, 30 July 2021

10 min reading time

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Amended entry regulation: as of Sunday 1 August, all those entering Germany will be subject to a testing requirement.

Photo: picture alliance/dpa/Sommer

Before travelling within Germany

What do i need to know when travelling inside germany open minimise.

If the incidence is less than 100 , the rules take effect as set out by the federal states in their respective coronavirus control regulations. Rules may therefore vary depending on the incidence and the federal state. Before you travel – for whatever reason – check with the relevant federal state to find out what conditions apply and what the proof and testing requirements are.

Before travelling abroad

Where can i find out about the rules in force at my destination open minimise.

The Federal Foreign Office website offers up-to-date travel and safety advice for all countries. The Sicher Reisen travel app also provides up-to-date information on travel destinations. You can also check the information posted by the European Commission on the Re-open Europe website to see what COVID-19 rules apply when you are travelling within the EU.

Different travel warnings, testing, certificate and quarantine regulations apply depending on whether a destination is classified as a high-risk area or a virus variant area. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) publishes an up-to-date list of the countries classed as high-risk areas and virus variant areas. Given the dynamics of the pandemic, classifications can change at short notice.

Information on which countries are subject to travel warnings is provided by the Foreign Office.

For the return journey to Germany

What do i need to know when travelling to germany from another country open minimise.

• Everyone entering Germany aged 12 or over must be able to present a negative test (PCR or antigen test) as of 1 August. This does not apply to vaccinated and recovered persons providing they are able to present the relevant proof. Those aged under 12 do not require a test.
• The negative test result must not be older than 72 hours for a PCR test and 48 hours for an antigen test.
• Extended regulations apply to high-risk and virus variant areas. All those entering Germany from a virus variant area must be able to present a recent negative test result (PCR test – maximum 72 hours old, or antigen test – maximum 24 hours old). This also applies to those who have been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19.

For up-to-date information on the coronavirus situation in your destination country, see the Foreign Office website or this list published by the RKI.

What do I need to know when travelling to Germany from a high-risk area? open Minimise

The following applies to travellers who have been in a high-risk area within the ten days prior to travelling to Germany: 

• Before entering Germany, all travellers must register electronically using the  digital immigration registration system .
• In addition, a recent negative test result (PCR – maximum 72 hours, or antigen test – maximum 48 hours) is required upon entry, unless the person has recovered from the illness or been vaccinated. Children under 12 do not require a test.
• All travellers must quarantine immediately on arrival in Germany at their own expense for a period of at least ten days. Anyone who has full vaccination protection or has recovered from COVID-19 must present the relevant proof to the responsible authorities. In this case, quarantine is not required. 
• The following applies to all others: the quarantine can be ended prematurely no earlier than after the fifth day by means of a negative test.
• Children aged under 12 are exempted from the testing requirement but not from the quarantine requirement. However, children under the age of 12 can come out of quarantine five days after entry – without having to take a test. 
• Anyone who develops symptoms of a SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first ten days following arrival in Germany must report this to the responsible authorities. This will help us discover new variants.

What do I need to know when travelling to Germany from a virus variant area? open Minimise

The following applies to travellers who have been in a virus variant area within the ten days prior to travelling to Germany:

• In addition, a recent negative test result (PCR – maximum 72 hours, or antigen test – maximum 24 hours) is always required upon entry; a certificate of vaccination or recovery is not sufficient in this case. The testing requirement on entry does not apply to those aged under 12.
• Everyone – including those who have recovered or been vaccinated – must observe a strict 14-day quarantine at their own expense; in view of the particular risk posed by virus variants, there is no option here to present a negative test in order to avoid the quarantine requirement. 
• Exception: anyone who has been fully vaccinated can come out of quarantine by sending in their vaccination certificate, providing the Robert Koch Institute has determined (and published on its website) that this vaccine is sufficiently effective against the virus variant that led to the area being classified as a virus variant area.
• Additional exception: the virus variant area in question is downgraded while the returning traveller is still in quarantine in Germany (i.e. it is classified as a high-incidence area or simply as a risk area). In this case, the regulations for high-incidence areas or simple risk areas apply to the termination of quarantine.

Brazil and South Africa are currently among those countries that have been designated as virus variant areas. For up-to-date information on the coronavirus situation in your destination country, see the Foreign Office website or this list published by the RKI.

For other important information on travel restrictions and exceptions to transport bans from virus variant areas, see the  Federal Ministry of Health website .

Going into quarantine when returning from a holiday – what do I need to know? open Minimise

Anyone who goes on holiday to a region that was already classified as being at risk (risk area, high incidence area or virus variant area) prior to the trip is not entitled to remuneration or compensation for the period spent in quarantine on their return. 

The situation is different if you are returning from an area that was not previously classified as a risk area. Anyone who has to go into quarantine in this case – for example due to an infection – is entitled to receive remuneration from their employer equal to their net pay for the duration of the quarantine, though only for a maximum period of six weeks. The employer can apply for reimbursement of the amount paid. Compensation is the responsibility of the federal state in which the authority (e.g. the health authority) that ordered the quarantine or the ban on employment is located. From the beginning of the seventh week, the state continues to pay benefits at the level of a regular sickness allowance.

Good to know: consumer tips for your travel planning

Can i cancel my holiday open minimise.

There is no one clear answer to this question, since situations vary. It will depend on whether you have booked a package deal or are travelling individually, where you are travelling from, whether you are travelling inside Germany or abroad, and what means of transport you use. If “unavoidable extraordinary circumstances” or “force majeure” apply at the time of travel or in the case of short trips, i.e. circumstances that could not be foreseen at the time of booking, it should be possible to cancel the trip free of charge. Immigration bans imposed because of the pandemic, for instance, or an official travel warning are important indications that consumers have the right to cancel. In the case of  package deals ,   you are then entitled to choose between reimbursement of the cost, issue of a voucher or the option to re-book. The situation is not so straightforward where  travel arrangements have been booked individually . If the accommodation booked cannot be used because of “exceptional circumstances”, for instance, under German law you would be entitled to withdraw from the contract free of charge. The situation might be different if you have booked accommodation directly with the property owner in another country, however, and the legal situation in that country applies. Even if a trip is planned several weeks or months in advance, consumers cannot automatically expect to be able to cancel free of charge. The pivotal factor in deciding whether or not it is possible to cancel a planned holiday is always that the “extraordinary circumstances” apply at the time of travel or shortly before. Simply being afraid of falling ill is not sufficient reason to be able to cancel a trip free of charge. If a tour operator cancels a trip, however, they are required to refund the cost or offer a voucher. Many travel providers now offer special supplements (flex rates) as well as free re-booking or cancellation options. Be sure to take a close look at the specific terms and conditions when booking. Does the supplement have to be booked in addition or is it included in the cost of the trip? What requirements apply to free cancellation and which of the provider’s trips or products are covered? In general: If consumers are unable or unwilling to travel, they should contact the hotel or travel company and endeavour to find a solution that is acceptable to both sides. As an alternative to cancelling free of charge, other options would be to accept a voucher or to re-book at a later date. Consumers can also contact the consumer advice centre in their federal state, which will be happy to give them advice on their specific case, whether it involves airlines or tour operators.

The consumer advice centres and the European Consumer Centre Germany have compiled various scenarios to provide consumers with guidance in different cases.

Delayed or cancelled flights: am I entitled to compensation? open Minimise

In many EU countries, the general terms and conditions of service and the discretion of the airline determine whether a fight can be cancelled free of charge. Contact your airline and negotiate. Given the current situation, many airlines are accommodating and will offer you the chance to re-book or cancel free of charge.

If your flight is cancelled, the ticket price must be reimbursed or you must be offered alternative transport to your destination, e.g. a rail ticket, or the option to re-book on a later flight. Your rights are set out in the EU Flight Compensation Regulation .

If consumers have problems getting ticket prices reimbursed, the consumer advice centres are able to offer assistance. For further information, consult the website of the European Consumer Centre Germany.

What applies in the case of coach trips? open Minimise

Please contact your provider to find out whether the planned trip can take place and what hygiene measures apply.

If a coach is cancelled, the provisions of the EU Coach and Bus Passenger Rights Regulation apply. The operator is obliged to inform passengers about the situation and status of the trip in good time. Contact the company to find a solution. For further information, consult the website of the European Consumer Centre Germany.

What is the situation with cruises? open Minimise

Please check with your organiser. They provide details of the applicable regulations on their websites.

Would travel cancellation insurance help? open Minimise

Crises in your destination country are not covered by a travel cancellation insurance polic y . Here you are only covered if you fall ill yourself or are unable to travel as a result of certain events (e.g. death of a close relative, unemployment, short-time work). Many insurance companies do not offer cover for damage, sickness or death resulting from pandemics such as COVID-19. If your insurance policy does include coverage for a pandemic, your insurance company may not subsequently exclude this.

Important: Be sure to check with your insurance company. Some insurance companies have recently started offering additional coverage for pandemics.

I commute across a border to work – what do I need to know?

These rules apply to cross-border commuters open minimise.

Cross-border commuters are subject to specific testing, certification and quarantine requirements, depending on the classification of the area/adjacent (neighbouring) country to or from which they are commuting. 

You will find more detailed information in the regulations published by the relevant federal states and in the  FAQs published by the Federal Ministry of the Interior .

• X, The following applies to travellers as of 1 August

Wonach suchen Sie?

Willkommen auf den seiten des auswärtigen amts, entry to germany for fully vaccinated persons.

This article contains information on entry to Germany for persons who are fully vaccinated with approved vaccines.

Persons who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus SARS‑CoV‑2 with vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) (or equivalents of these vaccines used in third countries) can enter Germany from the United States. This includes persons who wish to enter Germany for the purpose of visits or tourism. Fully vaccinated persons as defined above can apply for visas at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany if required.

However, this does not apply to entry to Germany from countries that are classified as areas of variant of concern. Transportation to Germany from these areas continues to be prohibited.

Only persons who have been vaccinated with vaccines listed on the website of the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut ( PEI ) can enter Germany (see details below). This currently applies solely to vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or equivalents of these vaccines used in third countries. The plan is to extend this to other vaccines with a comparable level of protection as soon as the necessary tests have been completed.

Proof of vaccination

To enter Germany, all travellers must present proof of vaccination that meets the requirements listed under 1., 2. and 3. below in full.

1. It must be a digital EU COVID certificate or comparable proof of vaccination in digital or physical (paper) form in German, English, French, Italian or Spanish. Photographs of physical proof cannot be accepted as digital proof. Proof in digital form should have been issued digitally by the authorised issuer and transmitted digitally to the entitled holder.

2. Proof of vaccination must contain the following Information:

• the personal data of the vaccinated person (at least their family name, first name and date of birth or the number of a valid passport or other official photo ID, which is to be presented upon inspection),
• date of vaccination, number of vaccinations,
• name of vaccine,
• name of disease vaccinated against, and
• identifiers that indicate the person or institution responsible for administering the vaccination or issuing the certificate, for example an official symbol or the name of the issuer.

3. Furthermore, the vaccine itself must meet certain requirements. These requirements – which are mandatory – are published on the website of the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut and concern:

• the vaccines used,
• the number of individual vaccinations required for full protection,
• any booster shots required to maintain full protection,
• the time that must be waited following vaccination before the individual is considered fully protected, and
• the maximum time allowed between individual vaccinations or booster shots.

Before all planned travel, you should therefore check whether your proof of vaccination meets the above requirements – in particular, whether the vaccination that you have received meets the criteria published on the website of the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut in full.

Children under the age of 12 who are not yet vaccinated can enter the country with proof of a negative test result (PCR test or antigen test) when accompanied by at least one fully vaccinated parent. Children under the age of six do not require proof of a negative test result.

For more information, please consult the website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior .

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Germany imposes tougher restrictions on US visitors

Aug 16, 2021 • 2 min read

Germany has updated its entry rules for visitors ©Getty Images

Germany is tightening restrictions on US visitors amid concerns about a surge in cases of the highly transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19 there. Travelers who have recently spent time in the US will now be required to quarantine if they cannot present proof of vaccination.

Germany has increased its vigilance against risks from overseas outbreaks by designating a number of countries to its high-risk list on Sunday, including the US , Israel , Turkey , Vietnam and Montenegro . Under Germany's entry rules, unvaccinated arrivals from high-risk areas are required to self-quarantine for 10 days upon arrival—though that can be reduced to five days if they present a negative COVID-19 test result.

Read more: Do you need a visa to go to Germany?

Vaccinated arrivals, or those who have recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months, don't have to quarantine if they can present proof of vaccination or recovery status.

Travelers who received all the required doses of either the AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines are considered fully vaccinated in Germany. Before traveling to Germany, visitors from high-risk areas must register on the Digital Entry Portal ; and upon arrival, travelers must present proof of vaccination in either paper (e.g. CDC card) or digital form.

The EU recommended in June that member states should allow nonessential travel for vaccinated and unvaccinated Americans when the US was added to the so-called 'white list' after recording low COVID-19 case numbers. EU officials review the travel lists every two weeks, though ultimately the decision on who can visit their country is down to each member state.

Previously, unvaccinated US travelers had to present a negative COVID-19 test to enter Germany. But now officials have taken the decision to impose tighter restrictions as the US records a surge in COVID-19 infections in recent weeks—largely driven by the Delta variant and a stalled vaccination campaign. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 50% of the population is fully vaccinated, while the Associated Press reports the country is seeing an average of about 129,000 new infections a day.

For more information on Germany's entry rules, see here .

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What are you looking for?

Information on entering germany, covid-19-related restrictions for entry into germany lifted with effect as of saturday, 11 june 2022.

Since Saturday, 11 June 2022, all COVID-19-related restrictions on entry into Germany have provisionally been lifted. Since that date, travel from the United Kingdom to Germany is permitted for all purposes (including tourism and visits). For entry into Germany proof of vaccination, recovery or testing is no longer required.

Information for visa applicants

Visa information

These pages provide comprehensive information on our visa services. We invite you to read carefully all information provided.

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Warnings and insurance

Before you travel.

No travel can be guaranteed safe. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about the risks of travel to Germany, to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . 

Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see  general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see  general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about  safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

Knife attack in Solingen

We are aware of reports of a knife attack at a festival in Solingen on the evening of 23 August 2024, which German authorities advise has left 3 people dead and several injured. You should avoid the area and follow the advice of local authorities.

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Germany Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Germany.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet.

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Parvovirus B19

• Virus droplets from a cough or sneeze getting in your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Direct contact with the virus, like kissing the face of a child with parvovirus B19
• Touching a surface with the virus on it, like a doorknob, and then touching your face before washing your hands
• An infected pregnant person can spread it to their unborn baby 
• Wash your hands  often with soap and water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Avoid crowded areas where you may be unable to maintain physical distance
• People who are  pregnant ,  have blood disorders (e.g. sickle cell or thalassemia), or are immunocompromised are at  higher risk  for severe disease. If you are in these groups and are exposed to or contract parvovirus B-19, contact your healthcare provider.

Prevention and Treatment

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Germany, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although Germany is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Germany include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Germany’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Germany, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Germany for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Everything you need to know about traveling to Germany

Berlin is full of life again, bustling with tourists trying to capture the best picture for their Instagram feeds. The clubs the city is famous for are open again, with tourists and locals alike dancing to techno into the wee hours of the morning.

“Berlin is open and is as vibrant and dynamic as it used to be before covid-19,” says Ralf Ostendorf, the director of market management of VisitBerlin .

Your guide to planning a European vacation

Susan Choi, owner of cocktail bar Mr. Susan , depended on locals to keep the doors open during the height of the pandemic. Now that travel is back, Choi has noticed the influx of international guests through her doors, especially visitors from the United States.

“You can see at the bar all the Americans are back drinking margaritas and dirty martinis,” Choi says.

With the easing of coronavirus restrictions in the past few months, there has been a clear sign of pent-up travel demand as visitors slowly return to Germany for a little European holiday. Here are a few tips if you also decided to go.

How to get there

Travel to Germany is open for all, regardless of vaccination status. As of June 11, travelers no longer need to show a negative test or proof of recovery for entry. But there are other restrictions: Although the European Union has recommended lifting the mask mandate when flying, FFP2 or medical-grade masks are required for flights taking off or landing in Germany. In German airports, masks are recommended but not required.

Everything you need to know about going to France

Airports in Europe are seeing the same crowds and chaos as U.S. airports because of labor shortages, so be sure to give yourself enough time to check baggage, get through security and immigration checkpoints, and eat before a long flight.

What to know about restrictions

You no longer need to show proof of vaccination or wear a mask to enter shops, hotels, bars and restaurants in Germany. A mask — specifically an N95, KN95 or FFP2 — is required on public transportation. Since regulations easily can change, Ostendorf recommends regularly checking for updates in Berlin and other regions you will visit.

Getting around

To ease the rise of the cost of living, the German government is offering a 9-euro monthly transit pass valid anywhere in the country for June, July and August. This ticket is available to everyone, including visitors, and can be used for local and regional trains, buses and trams. Tickets can be purchased at Deutsche Bahn ticket machines or local public-transport stations.

While the discount ticket encourages people to use public transportation, trains throughout the country have been packed with travelers taking advantage of the deal. Deutsche Bahn warns that if you are planning a trip along touristy routes with the 9-euro ticket, expect a higher number of passengers, especially on the weekends and sunny days. To avoid crowds, travel on the weekdays if possible.

How to dine and explore

Katherina Klimke, vice president of operations of 25hours Hotels , said bookings from Americans have doubled compared to last year, but they are not at pre-pandemic level. She advises visitors to book their hotel stay early to secure the best rates and availability.

“While leisure destinations fill up more quickly and reservations two to three months in advance would be advisable, some city destinations might also have last-minute availability,” Klimke adds.

Everything you need to know about going to Italy

Sebastian Riewe, director of sales and marketing of the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin , also has noticed an increase in bookings from Americans. They have had some last-minute booking requests that they were unable to accommodate.

“So ideally, we would recommend that clients go back to the old booking patterns — i.e., a lead time of at least six to eight weeks, or ideally two to six months for international trips,” Riewe says.

Hotels and restaurants are not the only ones seeing an increase in bookings; tours around Germany are on the rise again. Since March, BottleStops founder Jerome Hainz has gotten many inquiries and bookings for his wine tours and tastings for Mainz and the surrounding German wine regions. The one significant difference is that more people are opting for private tours.

“This has to do with people wanting to be careful about sitting in a car with strangers,” Hainz says.

Because of this demand, Hainz suggests booking private tours three to four weeks in advance, but he said public tours are more flexible and can sometimes be arranged at the last minute.

How to find tests before returning home

As of June 12, it is no longer required to show a negative coronavirus test to enter the United States. You still might want to get tested before your flight home for peace of mind.

You should still test for travel, health experts say

You can find testing sites at any major airport in Germany, but expect to book an appointment and pay a premium. The easiest and cheapest way to test is to buy an at-home coronavirus test, which can be found in most grocery stores and pharmacies for less than $2.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

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Can I go to Germany? Rules for travelling from the UK

In England , international travel for leisure has been permitted since Monday 17 May 2021. Germany was previously on the UK 's green list – but what are the rules for travelling there now? 

What are the entry requirements for Germany?

Fully vaccinated travellers – those who received their final dose at least 14 days before travelling – may enter Germany from the UK for any purpose. Anyone aged 12 or over must possess either proof of vaccination (find out the acceptable forms on the German government website ), proof of recovery from Covid for at least 28 days and no more than 90 days, or a negative Covid test prior to arrival. 

Those who are not considered fully vaccinated can only enter Germany if they are a resident or citizen, a spouse or other family member of a resident, serve in an important role or have ‘an urgent need to travel’, and they must have proof of a negative Covid test taken before entry (within 48 hours before departure for Germany if it's a PCR test, or 48 hours before the time of arrival if it's a rapid antigen test). Unvaccinated children up to the age of 11 are allowed to enter Germany from the UK, as long as they travel with at least one fully vaccinated parent. Children aged 12 to 17 can only enter if they are fully vaccinated, a resident (or the child of a resident), or have an urgent need to travel.

If you are fully vaccinated and have spent any of the previous 10 days in a country designated high-risk by the German government, you must complete pre-departure digital registration . If you have done so and are not fully vaccinated, you must quarantine for 10 days – with test and release available after five days. For more details, go to the UK government website . 

Can I travel to the UK from Germany?

As of 18 March 2022, there are no Covid travel rules in the UK, which means that anyone returning to the country does not need to test, quarantine or fill in a passenger locator form , regardless of their vaccination status. The government is also no longer managing any quarantine hotels in the UK, as of the end of March.

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Court rules Germany's AfD must allow journalists at election party

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party must allow several journalists, whom they intended to exclude, access to their election party for the Thuringia elections, following a court ruling.

The Regional Court of Erfurt on Saturday ruled in favour of the media companies that saw press freedom threatened, a decision made one day before the election for the regional parliament in Thuringia on Sunday.

The judgement is not yet legally binding. The AfD can appeal the verdict at the Higher Regional Court. It is unclear whether there will be any legal steps before the election party, given the short timeframe.

The news magazine Der Spiegel, the Springer brands Bild and Die Welt, and the daily Die Tageszeitung, or taz, had jointly approached the regional court to challenge the exclusion of their journalists from the AfD election party, which they intended to cover.

Central election celebrations by political parties on election day are traditionally crucial points of contact for journalists. They capture the mood regarding the election results and conduct interviews, often with many prominent party members present.

On Sunday, the people of Thuringia are due to elect a new state parliament. The AfD is fielding top candidate Björn Höcke. In recent polls, the party is leading with figures around 30%.

The regional domestic intelligence agency, the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution, classifies the Thuringian AfD as definitively right-wing extremist.

The presiding judge, Christoph von Friesen, justified the ruling by stating, among other things, that the election party is not a thank-you event for election volunteers and party friends but has an "informative character."

As the AfD had already allowed other media representatives to attend the party, it was thus opened up, he argued. Therefore, the party must also enable other media representatives to participate. Although the claim may not be "limitless" in tight spaces, the party should have transparently communicated an accreditation procedure based on specific criteria, the judge further elaborated.

The deputy spokesman for the AfD state association, Torben Braga, indicated that as of Saturday morning, around 150 media representatives had expressed their desire to register for the election party.

The capacity at the previously undisclosed location, however, permitted only a total of 200 participants, with 50 media representatives having already received approval.

Before the oral hearing, Braga had stated that the AfD might cancel the election party altogether if the court ruled in favour of the journalists.

The regional court scheduled the oral hearing because the AfD had opposed an identically worded emergency resolution from the court a week earlier.

The Thuringian Constitutional Court had, in the meantime, determined that the party should have been given a legal hearing before the emergency ruling. This has now taken place.

In a second case, the regional court decided that another claimant journalist must be allowed to attend the election party.

Previously, the constitutional court had criticised the regional court for giving the AfD a deadline to respond until September 2 - that is, after election day. According to the constitutional court, the decision had to be made before the election party - which has now been done.

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The Terminator Franchise Just Fixed A Big Time-Travel Plot Hole

Skynet’s been doing it wrong all along.

The basic set-up of Terminator, in theory, creates two paradoxes. When the T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent back in time to terminate Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) before she can give birth to future Resistance leader John Connor, the AI that controls him, Skynet clearly feels this is a solid plan. But, in sending the T-800 back, Skynet also causes the Resistance to send a human agent back, Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), who becomes John Connor’s father in the past. So Skynet messed up: Had they not sent the T-800 back in time, they wouldn’t have ever created their own, enemy, right?

In all great science fiction time travel stories, cause and effect don’t behave ordinarily, which is part of the fun. But, what the newest iteration of the Terminator franchise has just done has provided a new explanation not only for the set-up of the first film but the events of the second movie, too. Spoilers ahead.

Terminator: Zero’s new time travel paradigm

Time travel in 'Terminator: Zero'

In the new anime Netflix series, Terminator: Zero , a separate timeline from the primary timeline of the Terminator series is created and explored. However, in the sixth episode of the show, a character called The Prophet (Ann Dowd) explains that pretty much every single act of time travel inherently creates a new timeline.

“Up until you go back in time that past never happened,” she tells Eiko (Sonoya Mizuno). “You’re traveling to a past that never took place.” The Prophet further notes that every time Skynet sends a Terminator back in time to take out a Resistance leader, Skynet assumes that they can impact the same future from which they came.

But, she says “Skynet gets it wrong” because: “The point you’re traveling to and the point you’re coming from are different timelines... All they’ve really done is swap out one reality for another.”

So, in other words, Skynet has incorrectly assumed that their motivation for using time travel to destroy their enemies will hold, even if they create a timeline where their enemies don’t exist. But, this kind of thinking applies to humans, too.

How “Judgment Day” creates separate timelines

Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) fights the future in T2.

In Terminator and T2: Judgment Day, it's outright stated that Sarah Connor managed to avoid Judgment Day, the moment when the machines take over and Skynet begins exterminating humanity. But if Judgment Day was averted, then how would the Resistance exist at all, and how would Reese have been sent back in time? The answer to this apparent plot hole is neatly solved by the time travel explanation from The Prophet in Terminator: Zero. With this interpretation, once the T-800 was sent back in time, a new past was created, meaning that the T-800 left its original timeline and entered another. Reese coming back in time further changes things, which also splits the timeline. Ditto the “good” T-800 in T2 and so forth.

This is why two apparent outcomes can exist in Sarah Connor’s perception at the same time. She can be aware that in one timeline Judgment Day happened, and that Reese crossed over from that timeline to a different one. In other words, there are, essentially, new Terminator timelines getting created constantly, which is why contradictory events can exist in the franchise without us thinking of those events as plot holes. As the Prophet tells Aiko: “Prevent Judgment Day and you will have made a past for a completely different future.”

So, with all of the overlapping timelines in the Terminator franchise, is it possible to determine which one is the “original” reality? What the Prophet tells us in Terminator: Zero is that wondering about an original timeline versus an alerted one is, in every sense, the wrong question.

Terminator: Zero is streaming on Netflix.

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Sorry, there are no results matching your search., germany: new transfer pricing regulations for intra-group financial transactions.

New rules introduced define how to interpret arm’s length principle for inbound financial transactions

The upper house of the German Parliament (Bundesrat) on 22 March 2024 approved the compromise proposal for the "Act to Strengthen Growth Opportunities, Investment and Innovation as well as Tax Simplification and Fairness”. Read  TaxNewsFlash .

As part of this new legislation, new rules are introduced into German tax law that define “the German way” on how to interpret the arm’s length principle for inbound financial transactions and as such set the requirements for taxpayers to consider in both their transfer pricing analysis as well as their transfer pricing documentation.

In a nutshell some key outtakes:

• Deviations from the group’s credit rating need to be thoroughly explained and the credit rating analysis of the borrower needs to be linked to the group rating.
• A debt capacity analysis is now compulsory.
• A detailed factual and functional analysis needs to be prepared for cash pool leaders and financing companies earning a non-routine reward.

Read an  April 2024 report  prepared by the KPMG member firm in Germany that describes the new rules.

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