German authorities say the country will keep applying relaxed COVID-19 entry rules for all travellers until at least January 31, 2023. This is an extension of the current regulations, which were due to expire on September 30. At the end of January, these regulations may be either extended or rescinded.
The move means that all travellers, regardless of their country of origin, will continue to be allowed entry to Germany, even if they do not hold proof of vaccination, recovery, or a test certificate, Germany-Visa.org reports.
However, although Germany has decided to keep the relaxed rules in place, it added a new regulation on October 1. Everyone over the age of 14 must now wear an FFP2 face mask on long-distance trains.
Children between the age of six and 13 will also need to wear a face mask on long-distance trains, but they can wear a surgical mask.
Anyone visiting hospitals and nursing homes must also wear an FFP2 mask and present a negative rapid antigen test result.
The figures from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control show that 93,5% of the population in Germany have completed their primary vaccination as of September 22, and 74,4% have received their first booster shot.
