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In a move to prevent the introduction of SARS-CoV2-variants, the German Government has imposed a general ban on travel and entry from countries with widespread occurrence of such virus variants (referred to as areas of variants of concern).

With effect from 28th November 2021 South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho (among others) were listed as such areas of variants of concern.

Based on the Ordinance on protection against risks of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus posed by persons entering the country (Coronavirus-Einreiseverordnung – CoronaEinreiseV), transport companies, e.g. air carriers and railway companies, may not transport any persons from these countries to Germany. Entry for such travellers into Germany is not allowed under Art. 14 (1) / Art. 6 (1) lit e of the Schengen Borders Code.

There are only a few, strictly defined exceptions to the travel ban:

German citizens

Citizens of the EU-countries and Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein or Iceland who have their permanent residence in Germany. Third country nationals with permanent residence and lawful residence in Germany.

Members of the immediate family of the a.m. persons under 1-3 (spouses, registered civil partners, minor children and parents of minor children. Partners in an existing relationship with one of the a.m. persons under 1-3 sharing a joint household*. It is furthermore required that a compelling reason** for entering Germany exists and that both partners intend to enter Germany together.

Travellers who are only transferring from one flight to another without entering Germany (see below “Airport Transit”). Cargo transport staff and other staff needed for the transport of goods (including mail, freight and empty carriers, as well as returning aircraft, ships and crews).

Medical staff (physicians, nurses and caregivers including persons undergoing measures regarding the recognition of corresponding foreign professional qualifications ) and escort staff needed for air ambulance and organ transplant flights.

Persons traveling on urgent humanitarian reasons

Urgent humanitarian reasons include the following:

• Death of an immediate relative in Germany (spouse, registered civil partner, own child or parent);
• Birth of own child;
• Two close relatives in the absence of any other adult entitled to care and custody of a minor child;
• Persons in need of medical treatment if serious harm to their health would otherwise result (confirmed by medical certificate) and one escort;
• People travelling by order of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations (UN) or a UN organisation, or in connection with Euratom safeguards.

Members of a foreign diplomatic or consular mission whose appointment and arrival has been announced to the Federal Foreign Office, and members of their immediate family (spouses, civil partners, children under 18) or partners accompanying them people who have been accredited by the relevant organising committee for the preparation, participation in, implementation and follow-up of international sporting Events.

Fully vaccinated travellers in the Federal Republic of Germany´s national interest (e.g. skilled workers, students, researchers, scientists, people in professional training, skilled business travellers for the purpose of negotiating, concluding or supervising contracts).

*no 5: sharing the same household and proof of existing relationship: Please provide proof of a joint household in South Africa by appropriate documents: lease or proof of house/apartment ownership in both names, utility bills (electricity, cell phone provider etc.) or bank statements for at least three consecutive months for both partners showing the same address. To prove the existing relationship, please submit the filled out declaration , signed by both partners.

**no 5: Compelling reason for entering Germany The existence of a compelling reason for entry within the scope of a visa application is usually given in the case of births, weddings, deaths/funerals or special exceptional cases e.g. serious illness of a 1st or 2nd Degree relative who therefore requires assistance.

For guidance on whether your specific circumstances allow you to apply for a German visa and for more information on the additional documentation that you might be required to provide, please consult the following website: https://southafrica.diplo.de/sa-en/sa-consular/-/2473370.