The government in Berlin on Wednesday passed a decree of mandatory coronavirus testing for all who come to Germany from epidemiologically risky areas and a measure of self-isolation regardless of the test result.

“Traveling abroad is not appropriate for this pandemic, and those who still cannot give up travel will have to be tested upon arrival,” Health Minister Jens Spahn said after a cabinet meeting.

The mandatory testing measure will improve protection against the new strain of coronavirus, it was explained. “We need to prevent the spread of this strain in Germany at all costs,” Spahn said.

Passengers arriving from high-risk areas with a seven-day incidence of more than 50 will be able to be tested within 48 hours of arriving in Germany, and if arriving from areas with an incidence of more than 200 will have to present a negative test upon entry into Germany.

In parallel with the government's decision on mandatory coronavirus testing upon entry into Germany, federal regulations are still in force, according to which travellers from abroad are obliged to adhere to the rules of ten-day self-isolation. This period may be shortened by retesting after five days.

Persons who do not plan to stay in Germany for more than 72 hours are exempt from testing and self-isolation and have arrived with a specific goal, such as visiting relatives. As before, travellers from abroad are required to register their arrival in Germany digitally before the trip.

According to the latest, passengers will be automatically notified via SMS about the new rules upon arrival.