The Federal Government of Germany announced that the current nationwide lockdown and its corresponding restrictions are extended until 14 February 2021.*
The following restrictions, which took effect last 11 January 2021, will remain in place until 14 February 2021:
- Hotspot travel ban: residents of areas deemed coronavirus hotspots will be restricted from traveling more than 15 kilometers from their area without a valid reason. Day trips are not allowed.
- Schools and daycare centers remain closed.
- Private gathering is limited to members of one’s household and with only a maximum of one other person not living in that household.
- Travelers arriving in Germany who came from risk areas are required to follow the “two-test strategy” – new arrivals from high risk areas must undergo a COVID test upon arrival in the country, or 48 hours prior to arrival, then undergo a 10-day quarantine. However, the quarantine can be ended by presenting a negative COVID test taken on the fifth day of arrival, at the earliest.
- Non-essential shops, service businesses and restaurants (except for takeout/delivery service) remain close.
Additional restriction announced on 19 January 2021:
Additionally, mandatory use of medical masks (e.g. operating masks, FFP2, N95 masks) in supermarkets and public transports is required. Reusable fabric masks or improvised nose and mouth coverings (e.g. use of scarves,, shawls, shirts) will no longer be allowed in these areas.
Both the federal and state governments are urgently appealing to all citizens to avoid all non-essential travel inside and outside of Germany.
Everyone is enjoined to observe these restrictions along with other on-going public health measures.
REMINDER TO ALL CLIENTS WITH CONFIRMED CONSULAR SERVICES APPOINTMENTS The Embassy urges all clients with confirmed appointments to immediately contact the Consular Section via appointment.phembassyberlin@gmail.com if they are affected by the travel restrictions so that their appointments could be cancelled and re-scheduled. Clients not affected by travel restrictions are likewise urged to contact the Consular Section through the same email address above as they may wish to consider deferring their appointments for safety considerations or to alert the Embassy if they are in very urgent need of consular services. |
Your kind understanding and cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
20 January 2021, Berlin