Germany imposes tougher restrictions on US visitors

Germany is tightening restrictions on US visitors amid concerns about a surge in cases of the highly transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19 there. Travelers who have recently spent time in the US will now be required to quarantine if they cannot present proof of vaccination.

Germany has increased its vigilance against risks from overseas outbreaks by designating a number of countries to its high-risk list on Sunday, including the US, Israel, Turkey, Vietnam and Montenegro. Under Germany's entry rules, unvaccinated arrivals from high-risk areas are required to self-quarantine for 10 days upon arrival—though that can be reduced to five days if they present a negative COVID-19 test result.

Vaccinated arrivals, or those who have recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months, don't have to quarantine if they can present proof of vaccination or recovery status.

Travelers who received all the required doses of either the AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines are considered fully vaccinated in Germany. Before traveling to Germany, visitors from high-risk areas must register on the Digital Entry Portal; and upon arrival, travelers must present proof of vaccination in either paper (e.g. CDC card) or digital form.