Germany’s Covid Rules

Updated June 11, 2021. 

The numbers just keep going down in Germany! The number of Covid-19 infections that is. Take a look at the vaccination rate, and you’ll see it’s going up and up! But to keep up this positive trajectory, it’s still important to follow the Coronavirus rules in Germany, even as they loosen across the Bundesland.

(See incident rates for each of Germany’s states at rki.de.)

Each German state has their own rules for Coronavirus prevention measures. Here are the lockdown rules for Berlin as of June 11, 2021.

Berlin’s Lockdown Rules

Contacts and social distancing. It’s still recommended to avoid unnecessary physical contact with others, as well as gathering in groups, and travel.

Outside, four household can meet in groups of up to 10 people. Inside, three household can meet with up to 6 people. Vaccinated adults and kids under 14 don’t count. Exceptions to this rule here: berlin.de.

Masks. FFP2 masks are required on all forms of public transportation; in taxis, long-distance buses and regional trains; in train stations and airports; in doctors’ offices and hospitals; in cultural establishments; and in stores, including supermarkets.

FFP2 or OP masks must be worn in schools, by a passenger in a car driven by someone outside your household, and in places of worship. Employees of stores and public transportation may wear OP masks instead of FFP2 masks. 

FFP2, OP, or cloth community masks must be worn at outdoor markets, while waiting in line outdoors, at open-air demonstrations, and on certain streets. The list of specific streets in Berlin with a Maskenpflicht can be found here at berlin.de. 

The mask rule applies to everyone ages 6 and up.

Work. A rule in Germany requests businesses to allow employees to work from home when possible. But if you’re going into the office, your company is required to offer you two free Covid quick-tests per week, and you should wear your mask when moving around the office.

School. Berlin schools are back in session! Students must show a negative Covid quick-test twice per week. FFP2 or OP masks must be worn in school. These rules are expected to last until the end of the school year in Berlin.

Important exams for older students (Abiturprüfungen) will take place with proper hygiene regulations. More details at berlin.de.

Kindergarten. Kitas have been open for all children since May 17.

Shopping. Negative Covid tests are no longer required to go shopping in Berlin. Though masks are of course still required. Children under 14 may wear an OP mask.

Sports and Leisure. Fitness studios, dance studios, and gyms have re-opened. Outdoor sports for children and adults are allowed again with no restrictions.

Outdoor swimming pools are open. Be sure to book an online ticket with a reserved time window.

Zoos and gardens are open but visitors must wear a mask. FFP2 masks are required in the enclosed spaces such as certain animal houses. Some zoos and gardens require you to book a time window. Check the website before your visit.

Culture. Events such as concerts, theater and dance performances are allowed outside with up to 500 people. Though if the group exceeds 250, attendees must show a negative Covid test or proof of full vaccination. Time slots can be booked on museum websites.

Eating out. In Berlin, outdoor dining is once again up and running, and you no longer need to show a negative Covid test. Take-away and delivery is still as popular as ever. Wear your mask when picking up and ordering.

Hair salons. With a negative test result and an FFP2 mask, you can have your hair done in Berlin.

Traveling to Germany During Covid-19

Travel to Germany. Entry requirements vary depending on the classification of the country you’re flying from (risk area, high incidence area, area of variant of concern, etc).

• Anyone entering Germany from a risk area or who was in a risk area at any time in the last 10 days is required to show proof of a negative Covid test taken up to 48 hours before arrival, proof of full vaccination, or proof of recovery from Covid-19. You must then go directly to your accommodation and quarantine for 10 days (14 days for travel from areas with concerning variants). A Covid test may be taken again after 5 days, and the quarantine may end if results come back negative.
• Travelers returning to Germany from a risk area must register here: www.einreiseanmeldung.de
• Learn more about traveling to Germany during the pandemic here.

Travel from Germany. Travel within and outside of Europe is generally allowed as long as a negative Covid test can be shown. Learn more about the situation in individual countries here. And be sure to check the requirements for the country you are traveling to before departure.

Travel within Germany. Hotels in Germany are open for tourism again! If traveling by train, don’t forget your mask and a seat reservation is recommended.

Moving to Germany. Find out everything you need to know about moving to Germany during the Covid-19 pandemic in our blog article.

Some regulations vary by Bundesland. Check the website of your individual Bundesland for information about local restrictions. Links can be found here: www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/coronavirus/corona-bundeslaender-1745198

For Berlin, the complete Ordinance on Measures Necessary to Stem the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) can be found here: https://www.berlin.de/corona/en/measures/directive/

Applying for or Renewing a Visa/Residence Permit in Berlin During the Pandemic

The Berlin Immigration Office (Landesamt für Einwanderung) is open by appointment only. FFP2 masks must be worn. Find out how to book an appointment here: www.berlin.de/einwanderung/en/services/appointments/

Real Facts About the Coronavirus

With so much information out there, it can be difficult to know the truth about Coronavirus and the current situation in Germany as well as the rest of the world. We recommend referencing the websites of the World Health Organization, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Robert Koch Institute to get the facts about Covid-19. 

The city of Berlin also has a good FAQ page on their website: www.berlin.de/corona/faq

If you are in Berlin and suffering from Covid-19 symptoms or suspect you might be infected with the disease call the hotline: 030 90 28 28 28

** The information in this article is based on our research from the sources cited above.  As a relocation agency,  Archer Relocation does not provide legal advice, but we strive to provide information that may be helpful to our clients living in Berlin and elsewhere in Germany.

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Archer Relocation has been providing relocation services to families, individuals and companies in Berlin since early 2015.  Managing Director, Emily Archer, founded the company desiring to use her first-hand experience as an expat to make the relocation process as smooth as possible for others moving to Berlin.  Read other useful information about moving to and living in Berlin, such as ‘How to Find a Berlin Apartment’, on our Berlin Blog.  

Sign up for our newsletter to keep up with our Berlin Blog posts and other Berlin expat news here.  

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.