This guide explains the coronavirus situation in Berlin. It is updated when there is new information.

Latest restrictions

These are the recent changes to coronavirus restrictions. The full list of restrictions is on Berlin.de. You can also follow rbb24, Tagesspiegel, or the press releases from the Berlin mayor.

Changes on April 1

  • Most restrictions are cancelled
    • Masks: You only need need a mask on public transport, in hospitals and nursing homes. You don't need a mask elsewhere, but businesses can ask you to wear a mask.
    • Tests: You only tests for schools, Kitas and nursing homes. You don't need tests elsewhere.
    • Restaurants, bars, clubs and stadiums: No more 2G, 2G+ or 3G. No masks. No capacity limit. You can just go.
  • No more free coronavirus tests, except for schools, Kitas and nursing homes.

Source: Twitter, rbb24, Tagesspiegel

Changes on March 19

  • Kitas work at normal capacity.

Source: Berlin.de

    Full list of restrictions

    Travelling to Berlin

    Coronavirus vaccines

      Vaccine certificates

      You must bring your vaccination certificate with you when you go out. You can also use the CovPass app.

      If you come from outside the EU, your vaccine certificate is valid in Germany, even if it doesn't have a QR code. You can convert your foreign vaccine certificate into a EU certificate at any pharmacy (Apotheke). You must bring your certificate, your passport, and sometimes a registration certificate. Many pharmacies don't convert vaccine certificates, so you must try different pharmacies1, 2, 3. Some Americans find it hard to convert their American vaccine certificates. The pharmacy at BER airport converts American vaccine certificates1.

      Booster vaccines

      After some time, your vaccine does not work as well. This calculator tells you if you vaccine still works well. If you got your second vaccine more than 5 months ago, you can get a booster vaccine (Auffrischungsimpfung)1.

      You can get a booster vaccine in those places1:

      Coronavirus tests

      You can get a free rapid antigen test, even if you don't live in Berlin. PCR tests are not free. Use the official map of test locations, or the list of test locations run by the city. These maps are outdated. Many test locations have closed in early April. Check the websites of the test locations before you go.

      Which tests are accepted?

      • If you travel to Germany, you can use a PCR or rapid antigen test1, 2. Antibodies tests are not accepted.
      • In other places, you can use a PCR or rapid antigen test.

      How much do tests cost?

      • Rapid antigen tests cost around 20€
      • PCR tests cost around 50€

      Types of coronavirus tests

      There are 3 types of coronavirus tests in Berlin1.

      • PCR test (PCR-Abstrichtest or Labortest)
        This is the standard test. The test is send to a laboratory, and the results come 1 or 2 days later. It's slower, but more reliable than a rapid antigen test. It's better at detecting coronavirus1. When you fly to another country, you sometimes need a PCR test.
      • Rapid Antigen Test (Schnelltest or rapid lateral flow test)
        This test gives results in a few minutes1. It is cheaper and faster, but it's not as reliable as PCR tests. It might not detect that you are infected, especially in the first week after you were infected1. You can use a rapid antigen test to get out of quarantine, or before visiting a business or event that requires a test.
      • Antibody test (Antikörper-Test)
        This only tells you if you had coronavirus before. Those tests are very rare.

      Where to ask questions

      If you have coronavirus symptoms, or questions about getting tested, call one of the coronavirus hotlines.