The advice provided in this article is not a replacement for official information provided by government authorities. Always double check the current travel restrictions provided by official government authorities before making travel plans.
We’re planning a trip back to the U.S. soon and since one of us is American and the other is German, we’ve been getting lots questions about this topic and how we’re even able to travel between the U.S. and Germany, given the current COVID situation. The question we’ve been getting the most is: What are the Germany travel restrictions for visitors from the U.S.?
We answered this question in a live session we did on Instagram, which you can either watch on Instagram or in the following video. So let’s get straight to the point.
Travel Restrictions from U.S. to Germany
No current travel restrictions
There are currently no restrictions on entering Germany from the U.S.. Tourists may enter as per usual as long as all current entry requirements are fulfilled.
Requirements for Entry
Due to the current COVID situation, however, travelers from the U.S. are required to fulfill at least one of the following three requirements:
- Negative COVID test
- Fully vaccinated
- Recovered from COVID within last 3 months
Must U.S. travelers entering Germany go into quarantine upon arrival?
No. A quarantine may be required if you are showing symptoms.
Recommendation: Test yourself again within a few days of arrival. COVID tests are 100% free at any testing station in Germany (non-residents included). Alternatively, you may buy a self testing kit for approx. €2-3 from any pharmacy or drug store.
Travel Restrictions from Germany to the U.S.
Travelers from Europe are Currently Not allowed Entry into the U.S.
The United States is currently not allowing entry to tourists entering the country from Europe unless the fall into one of the following categories.
Who is allowed Entry into the U.S. from Europe?
- U.S. citizens
- Spouses of U.S. citizens
- Minor children of U.S. citizens
- Work-related travel with an N.I.E. visa
Entry Requirements
Anybody who falls into one of the above categories must also fulfill one of the following requirements to be granted entry into the U.S.:
- Negative COVID test
- Fully vaccinated
- Recovered from COVID within last 3 months
Must travelers entering the U.S. from Germany/Europe quarantine upon arrival?
No. A quarantine may be required if you are showing symptoms.
Recommendation: Always get tested before departure and after arrival.
How to Enter the U.S. Despite Current Travel Restrictions
There is still a way to enter the U.S., even if you don’t currently qualify for entry. If you meet all of the virus-related entry requirements, but are not a U.S. citizen, spouse of one, a minor child of one or not traveling for work, then you must first travel to a country for which the U.S. does not have any restrictions and stay there for 14 days. For example, you can fly from Germany to Mexico, vacation in Mexico for 14 days and then enter the U.S. from Mexico without any problems. Of course, you have to meet all of your other entry requirements.
We really hope this article is helpful to you. Again, this is for informational purposes only and the advice provided in this article is not a replacement for official information provided by government authorities. Always double check the current travel restrictions with the official government authorities before making travel plans.
Official Sources for Information on Current Travel Restrictions
United States: https://travel.state.gov/
Germany: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/einreiseundaufenthalt/EinreiseUndAufenthalt
About the Authors
Ryne and Denise Cook: As an international couple (American/German), we’re no strangers to dealing with constantly changing travel conditions. We’re traveling between the U.S. and Germany during the pandemic, so we have information on everything you need to know about this topic.
