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Good news for MFL trips—Germany plans end to COVID restrictions

— 24 Feb 2022 15:21:52 by Kate Moore


Brandenburg Gate

As France has announced plans to end their COVID-19 restrictions, you may be wondering how other European countries are moving forward and what that could mean for your MFL colleagues planning trips. Read on for the latest need-to-know information regarding school trips to Germany.

Are school trips to Germany allowed in 2022? 

School trips to Germany are allowed for fully vaccinated adults and teenagers.

This is our understanding of the rules to enter Germany from 21 February 2022. COVID-19 rules are subject to change and may be different by the time your trip departs.

German entry requirements

From 20 February 2022 the UK is no longer designated as a ‘high-risk area’.

Currently, children and adults aged from 12 years must be fully vaccinated to visit Germany.

To be considered fully vaccinated the final vaccine dose must have been administered at least 14 days prior to travel. Adults may also require booster shots to be considered fully vaccinated at time of departure.

Germany accepts the NHS digital COVID pass as proof of vaccination or recovery.

Vaccinated travellers are no longer required to complete a pre-departure digital registration form.

Visit the FCO website for all the requirements to enter Germany. 

COVID-19 rules for school groups staying in Germany 

If cases continue to fall, Germany is expected to remove legal restrictions, such as COVID passes and testing requirements to access indoor venues, on "Freedom Day" 20 March 2022. 

Until then, teachers and students will need to show their proof of vaccination to access hospitality venues, hotels and indoor cultural attractions. Read more about how children can demonstrate their COVID status.  

It is a legal requirement to wear a medical-grade mask in retail outlets and on public transport. FFP2 face masks are recommended as a minimum (cloth masks are not allowed). Note that travellers may not be able to board a plane to Germany without the correct type of mask.  

Each Federal state or jurisdiction, such as Berlin, may impose additional COVID-19 rules and so it is important to check the rules for your destination at the time of your trip. 

Rules for groups returning from school trips to Germany 

The Department for Transport has confirmed that children returning to England with a fully vaccinated teacher as part of a school trip will benefit from the same rules as the fully vaccinated adult, regardless of their vaccination status. 

All travellers must complete this passenger locator form in the 48 hours before arriving back from Germany. Through our industry body, the School Travel Forum, we are working with the Department for Transport to simplify the passenger locator form process for school groups. 

Can I travel to Germany on a school trip if I'm unvaccinated? 

The current rules mean that unvaccinated travellers aged 6 and over cannot enter Germany.