Due to the Netherlands’ high coronavirus infection rate, Germany has reclassified the country as high-risk, tightening entry requirements for many travellers from the Netherlands.
After the Netherlands turned dark red on the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control's coronavirus map last week, it was expected that countries across Europe would introduce stricter travel restrictions and entry requirements for travellers from the Netherlands.
The new restrictions mostly apply to anyone who is not yet fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or hasn’t recently recovered from the virus. As of July 27, travellers who can’t prove vaccination or recent recovery will be required to quarantine upon arrival in Germany.
The quarantine lasts at least five days, after which you can choose to get tested for coronavirus. If the test is negative, you can come out of isolation. If it’s positive, you are required to quarantine for the full 10 days.
All travellers will also be required to present proof of vaccination, recent recovery, or a recent negative coronavirus test via the CoronaCheck app upon entry to the country. This information must also be handed over to the German authorities via an online form.
These new entry requirements apply to everyone over the age of six, which could present issues for any families planning a trip to Germany over the coming weeks, as most children in the Netherlands remain unvaccinated.
There are a few exceptions to the new rules. For example, travellers who are simply passing through Germany on their way to another country will not be expected to quarantine, and anyone who lives near the border between the two countries and would like to visit family in Germany for a maximum of 24 hours can do so without self-isolating.