Introduction
Germany, being one of the most prosperous countries in Europe, attracts thousands of visitors from across the world every year. Whether it is for touri *** , business, or education, Germany has always been a popular destination for travelers. With the global pandemic situation, many countries have put various restrictions on international travel and visa. However, with the increasing vaccination rates and the decline in COVID-19 cases, many are wondering if the German visa policy has been relaxed.
Current German Visa Policy
As of August 2021, Germany has partially relaxed its visa policy. Travelers from the European Union (EU), Schengen-associated countries, and certain other countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore can enter Germany for non-essential travel, provided that they are fully vaccinated, had a previous COVID-19 infection, or possess a negative COVID-19 test result.
However, for travelers from high-risk countries, more restrictions apply. The list of high-risk countries is updated regularly, and travelers arriving from these countries need to follow strict quarantine and testing procedures.
Changes in the German Visa Policy
In May 2021, the German government announced that it would allow vaccinated travelers from non-EU countries to enter Germany for non-essential travel from 1st July onwards. However, due to concerns over the Delta variant, this plan was postponed.
In early August 2021, the German government further relaxed the visa policy. It lifted travel restrictions for people coming from the United Kingdom, the United States, and many other countries, allowing them to enter Germany for non-essential travel, provided they are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19.
Conclusion
Germany's visa policy remains partially relaxed, allowing fully vaccinated or recovered travelers from certain countries to enter for non-essential travel. However, the situation is still evolving as the global pandemic continues. It is essential to keep up-to-date with the latest travel and visa policies before planning a trip to Germany.
