Updated Regulations from the German Government / NRW Government (starting from Jan. 15, 2021):
TRAVEL (regulations from the NRW government):
Travelers who have visited a virus variant area or risk area in the last ten days before entering Germany must register at www.einreiseanmeldung.de before arriving in Germany and carry proof of registration with them upon entry. This obligation always applies to those entering the country who have previously stayed in virus variant areas. Certain exceptions apply for previous stays in other risk areas and high incidence areas. In particular, those who have only passed through a risk area and have not had a stopover there are exempt.
Entering/returning from a virus variant area:
Immediately after arrival, travelers are required to go into quarantine for 10 days (starting on the day of departure from one of these areas) and have to report to the Health Department if they show any symptoms. Furthermore they have to submit a negative test result on entry. After five days of quarantine they have to get tested again and if this result is negative, the quarantine can be terminated. Otherwise the quarantine obligation continues and the competent authorities may decide on the individual ordering of a further test on a case-by-case basis.
Entering/returning from other risk areas:
Travelers have to quarantine for 10 days. The quarantine can be avoided by getting tested for Covid-19 either 48 hours before or within 24 hours after entering Germany and getting a negative test result. A quick test, "Corona-Schnelltest", is sufficient. You can get tested at airports, test centers, pharmacies or doctors at your own expense.
CONTACTS
- contacts should be minimized to the absolute minimum
- it is allowed to meet with only one other person from a different household (This also applies for participation in livestreams in the same room!)
- private or public parties are unacceptable