The German Government has lifted all travel restrictions for persons residing in India, effective September 19, 2021. Travel to Germany for all purposes is permitted again from India. However, proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID-19, or negative test result is still required for entry.
All Indian travelers 12 years and older who are entering the Federal Republic of Germany must either show that they are fully vaccinated or fully recovered or have tested negative prior to departure.
Travelers who received all the required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine cited on the website of the Paul Ehrlich Institute are considered fully vaccinated. A period of at least 14 days must have elapsed since receiving the last vaccine dose.
Persons vaccinated with Covaxin or any other vaccine which is not recognized by the Paul Ehrlich Institute have to carry a negative PCR test report which is not older than 72 hours on entry in Germany.
Any person entering Germany by plane, regardless of whether they have spent time in a risk or high incidence areas, must provide the airline with a negative test result, a vaccination certificate, or a recovery certificate.
Vaccinated travelers must additionally show no relevant symptoms. Travelers who can prove they were previously infected with COVID through a positive PCR test, taken at least 28 days but no more than six months prior, and who show no relevant symptoms are considered to be fully recovered.
Travelers who are neither fully vaccinated nor fully recovered must continue to present a negative COVID test prior to departure. Both PCR tests and rapid antigen tests are accepted.
If travelers are vaccinated in India with Covishield, please note that the vaccination certificate must contain the passport number or date of birth. Reference to the Aadhar number is not sufficient.
A list of approved rapid antigen tests that meet the requirements of the Robert Koch Institute for entry can be found here. The PCR test must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to entering Germany; the rapid antigen test, no more than 48 hours.
Travelers who have visited a high-risk area or area of a variant of concern in the last ten days must register at https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de/ before arriving in Germany and carry proof of registration with them upon entry.
“With the border opening to Indian visitors ahead of the travel period is vital for tourism and we anticipate Germany being recognized as a go-to travel destination this year,” said Romit Theophilus, Director for India, German National Tourist Office. “During the past few months, we have been working closely with our travel partners across the region to ensure Germany remains top of mind once borders reopen.”
“Germany has a wealth of activities for international travelers, from spa and wellness breaks, and nature trails through forests, to city-based culinary experiences and cultural explorations across multiple regions,” Theophilus added.
With over a third of Germany covered in woodlands and forests, travelers can enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking through the Black Forest in Baden-Baden, taking in the views of Neuschwanstein Castle (which inspired the famous Disney castle), or strolling through the Bavarian Forest National Park.
