From 1 August, according to a decree by the Federal Cabinet, those entering Germany from the age of 12 will be obliged to present either proof of vaccination, a Covid-19 test result or proof of recovery from the Coronavirus. A government spokeswoman said that the introduction of infections from risk areas are meant to be kept as low as possible with those entering demonstrating a low risk of infection. Anyone who spent time a high-risk or virus variant area abroad will have to register and quarantine for 10 or 14 days, at their own expense, if not demonstrably vaccinated or recovered.
People under the age of 12 will be allowed to end the quarantine after five days. Exceptions apply to travelers passing through without a stopover, as well as commuters and academic travelers. The Ministry of Health and the Interior will define the risk areas together with the Foreign Office. The areas shall be announced by the Robert Koch Institute.
For the time being, rapid tests will remain free in Germany. Fines of up to 25,000 Euros for violations of the new rules are foreseeable. As Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn (CDU) announced, people who are fully vaccinated can save themselves tests and quarantine.