When will the Germany travel ban end?

The Germany Embassy has confirmed that the ban on non-essential travellers will lift at midnight on January 4 (11pm UK time). 

Who can still enter?

Until the ban ends, the only people who can travel from the UK to Germany are German nationals or German residents returning home, people attending a funeral of a close relative, travel for medical reasons, travel for essential work, and a few other exceptional cases. If you need to travel to Germany to visit a dying relative, call the Foreign Office on 020 7008 1500.

Are flights still operating to Germany?

Yes. Germany did not issue an outright ban on direct flights from the UK. The restrictions regard who can board these flights.

Can I still transit through Germany?

Yes. Britons and others are allowed to transit through German airports.

I am in Germany – what should I do?

You may stay in Germany until you are due to return back to the UK. Remember you now need to take a pre-departure test within 72 hours of travelling home, and a Day 2 PCR test on arrival into the UK.

I am due to travel to Germany – what should I do?

If you have booked your flights and accommodation separately, there is no guarantee that you will be able to receive a full refund. However, most companies will offer the option to rebook for a later date or take a voucher. Contact your providers right away.

If your flight is cancelled then you will be eligible for a full refund within a week.

I have booked a package holiday to Germany – what should I do?

You will be covered. If you have booked combined accommodation and flights with an ATOL-bonded company and your trip cannot go ahead, you will be eligible to receive a full refund within two weeks. This will cover most ski holidays.

Can I travel to a property I own in Germany?

No. Travelling to a second home is banned. Only official residents of Germany can enter at this time. 

If I am allowed in, what are the testing and quarantine rules? 

All travellers aged 12 or over (regardless of vaccination status) must present a negative test result: a PCR taken within 72 hours of entry to Germany or a lateral flow result issued within 24 hours.

Two weeks of quarantine is mandatory on arrival. The German government says: “Make your way directly to your home – or other place of accommodation at your destination – upon arrival and remain isolated there.

“After your arrival, further PCR testing may be ordered by the health authorities at the airport or at the place of isolation/quarantine.”

Has your trip to Germany been affected by the travel ban? Comment below to let us know your situation.