As much as Germany is attractive as a tourist destination, it is one of the countries hit by the pandemic. Although it is a world model for its containment measures, its confirmed coronavirus cases reached 2,460,030 as of March 3, 2021, with 2,389,149 recoveries. The death toll was 70,881, based on the WHO website.
Germany imposes health restrictions to foreign visitors. You should be informed of the country’s health protocols before traveling to Germany
German translation services for entry registration
It is vital to have documents translated into German when you want to visit Germany. For practical reasons, keep in mind that the caseworkers will only understand Basic English because they are accustomed to using German when conducting business. However, translation of documents into German is an official requirement.
You do not have to submit certified translations unless the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) specifically requires you to do so. Certificates, such as a marriage certificate with an apostille, need certified translation.
Test and quarantine requirements on entry
Foreign visitors for many countries have to contend with the travel restrictions imposed by Germany due to the coronavirus pandemic. If you are from any of the risk areas, you are required to complete a digital entry registration form, undergo coronavirus testing, and do self-isolation. High-risk areas include Israel, the United States, Egypt, Portugal, Spain, and the Czech Republic.
- If you have traveled from a risk area and received approval to enter Germany, you should complete an online registration form at the einreiseanmeldung.de and bring a copy with you. A copy of the completed registration form will be sent to you in PDF format. This is the copy that you need to carry with you. A copy of the negative coronavirus test result should be submitted to the proper authorities within 48 hours after your arrival in Germany. You should have received the test (swabbing) within 48 hours before entering the country. The proof of the COVID-19 test result should be on paper or electronic document in German, French, or English.
- You need to self-isolate for at least ten days, according to regulations, regardless of the result of the test. You will need to get another COVID-19 test in Germany within five days after your arrival, and if the result is negative, your quarantine can be reduced to five days. You have to pay for the test yourself. Accepted tests include rapid antigen tests, transcription-mediated amplification (TMA), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- While Germany’s borders remain open, the country has been in hard lockdown since late December. When you are in Germany you are required to follow international advice to reduce the spread of the virus. You have to follow the recommended health protocols: frequent hand washing from 20 to 30 seconds, sneezing into the inside crook of the elbow (cubital fossa), tissues or handkerchiefs. Follow the proper disposal of tissues and hankies, and maintain a one-meter distance from another person. You should avoid shaking hands with other people.
- Further, you are required to wear a surgical or N95/KN95 medical mask or FFP2 respirator when you are riding a bus or train, or when you enter stores. Cloth masks are not allowed.
Restrictions you need to know before traveling to Germany
Germany is still under strict lockdown and entry into the country limited and on a case-to-case basis. Non-essential trips are still not allowed. You can find the list of exceptions to the travel ban from the German Interior Ministry website.
The country currently accepts essential travel, such as mandatory business trips. Hotels in Germany are forbidden to offer overnight stays if the client is a tourist.
- Over 20 countries are included in the list of high-risk areas. The travel restrictions vary per area, therefore you are advised to check with the embassy about the ongoing restrictions imposed on your local destination. Each of Germany’s 16 states has its own quarantine regulations. Thus, it is necessary to check the conditions that apply in their destination. Failure to follow the regulations about registration, testing, and self-quarantine has stiff fines. In all probability, your coronavirus test and your quarantine if you tested positive will be charged to you since you are a visitor and not a German citizen.
- If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, you should call a local health authority. If the symptoms are severe, call an ambulance or go to the hospital. You should know the number of your embassy in Germany so you can call in case you become severely ill.
- For entry regulations to the country, you should visit the websites of the German Ministry of Health, the German Federal Police and the German Foreign Ministry. Any person who has passed through or stayed in any of the high-risk areas needs to self-isolate for ten days upon entry into Germany.
- Germany has several authority sites where you can get information about travel bans, restrictions, and coronavirus-related information.
Calling a qualified medical interpreter while in Germany
For medical emergencies, the number to call is 112. They accept calls in English and German. If you have an existing medical condition prior to entering Germany, or you need medical interpretation for another reason, it would be prudent to look up a list of qualified medical interpreters from the areas where you are likely to stay.
Check out the online directories of interpreters and translators of the professional associations, or make a note of their contact information, so you can easily get in touch with a medical interpreter.
The Heidelberg University Hospital provides recommendations on medical interpreters to call if you need one and provides a link from its website. You can also get in touch with BDÜ (Bundesverband der Dolmetscher und Übersetzer e.V.) or the Federal Association of Interpreters and Translators in Germany.
We’re experts in German translations (and interpreting)
If you’re traveling to Germany and need your supporting documents translated, think of eTranslation Services. If you need standard German translations or subject-specific translations from any language into German, think of eTranslation Services. Our network of native-speaking translators and interpreters will be more than happy to handle your project. Request a quote via email through [email protected] or call us at (800) 882-6058.