This guide explains the Coronavirus situation in Berlin. It is updated at least once a day, when there is new information.

Coronavirus restrictions in Berlin

15 kilometre travel restriction

After January 161, if there are over 200 infections per 100,000 residents, you can't travel more than 15 kilometres from Berlin1. You won't be able to fly at BER airport, unless it's an international flight or an emergency1, 2.

If the infections return below 200 per 100,000 for more than 7 days1, 2, the 15 km rule is cancelled.

If the 15 km rule is active, you can still leave1 the 15 km zone...

  • ...to do your job
  • ...to attend school1
  • ...to visit a doctor
  • ...to go to a court or administrative (Ausländerbehörde, Bürgeramt) appointment
  • ...to take care of your dependents
  • ...to get medical help
  • ...to take care of to your weekend home (Datsche)1

You can't leave the 15 km zone1...

  • ...to visit family and friends
  • ...to go shopping
  • ...to go to church or attend religious services
  • ...to do sports or exercise in the forest1
  • ...to go to the airport, unless it's an international flight or an emergency

If the infections go above 200 per 100,000, Catholic religious services will also be cancelled1. It's a decision from the Church, not a rule.

Remember: even without this rule, you can only leave your home if you have a good reason§2.3.

Related links:

New restrictions on January 10:

On January 5, new restrictions were announced. The new restrictions start on January 101, and end on January 31. Here are the new restrictions:

  • Movement restrictions
    You can only leave your home if you have a good reason§2.3. After January 16, if Berlin has more than 200 infections per 100,000 residents, you can't travel more than 15 kilometres from the city limits1.
  • Meeting limits
    Private meetings are limited to 2 people from 2 different households1. This does not apply to religious services1. There is an exception for single parents: they can bring their children under 12 years old with them§2.4.
  • Extra leave for parents
    Parents will get an extra 10 days leave to take care of their children1. Single parents will get an extra 20 days.
  • Schools and Kitas
    Schools will slowly reopen. Regular classes will resume in January. Kitas stay closed, except for emergency services. Berliner Zeitung has more information.
  • Driving schools
    Driving schools must close. They can't offer lessons.

New restrictions on December 16

Since December 16, there are new restrictions in Berlin1, 2, 3, 4, 5. These restrictions will last until January 31. These are the new restrictions:

  • Schools
    Schools must close. Online lessons can be offered.
  • Businesses
    Most stores must close until January 311:
    • Services like hair salons, cosmetic studios, nail salons, tattoo shops and massage parlours must also close1.
    • Hardware stores must also close, unlike last Spring1.
    • Christmas markets, flea markets and Glühwein kiosks must close1, 2.
    • Essential businesses can stay open1, 2:
      • Supermarkets, drink and tobacco stores
      • Pharmacies and drug stores
      • Opticians and audiologists
      • Book and stationery shops
      • Pet stores
      • Post and delivery services
      • Christmas tree kiosks
      • Bike repair shops and car mechanics
      • Wholesale distributors
    • "Click and collect" is still allowed1. You can order something online, and pick it up at the store.
    • The open Sunday (verkaufsoffener Sonntag) on December 20 is cancelled1.
  • Kitas
    Children should stay at home, instead of going to the Kita1.
  • Alcohol
    Drinking alcohol in public is forbidden1.
  • Religion
    Religious services are still allowed1.
  • Going out
    You can't leave your house without a reason1. You can still leave your house for certain reasons:
    • To buy groceries
    • To go to a doctor appointment
    • To to a government office appointment (for example at the Bürgeramt or Ausländerbehörde)
    • To visit a spouse or a life partner
    • To take care of children or pets, or to walk your dog
    • To take care of a garden
    • To get exercise. You can only do exercise alone, or with one other person1
    • To attend religious services

The full list of restrictions is on Berlin.de.

Full list of restrictions

These resources are not always up-to-date. The official resources are updated very slowly. The German version is updated first, and the English version a few days later.

Travel restrictions in Berlin and Germany

Non-essential travel is strongly discouraged. It's not a good time to visit Berlin. Tourism is forbidden1, §7. Restaurants and bars only offer take-out1, 2. Theatres, amusement parks and cinemas are closed1. Most stores are closed.

    Quarantine requirements in Berlin

    The quarantine rules are different for each borough (Bezirk), and the rules change every few days. You must look at the quarantine requirements for your borough. If you do not understand the rules, call the coronavirus hotline or contact your local Gesundheitsamt.

    Official page on Berlin.de ➞

    Schools and Kitas

    Schools will slowly reopen in January, and regular classes will start in February. Kitas are currently closed, except for emergency situations1.

    Information from Berliner Zeitung (in English) ➞

    Coronavirus tests in Berlin

    You can get tested for coronavirus in many locations. There are PCR tests that take a few days (0-150€), and rapid antigen tests that only take a few minutes (25-75€).

    Coronavirus testing information for Berlin ➞

    Coronavirus vaccine in Berlin

    A coronavirus vaccine is coming in early 2021. Around 360 000 Berliners will get the vaccine before April. People over 80 years old, nursing home personnel and healthcare workers will get the priority.

    Coronavirus vaccine information for Berlin ➞

    Corona hotlines for Berlin

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

    • Coronavirus hotline for all of Berlin
      Every day from 8:00 to 20:00
      030 / 9028 2828
      The hotline is open from 8:00 to 20:00. The phone number is +49 30 9028 2828. The phone menu is in German, but they speak English1. The line is very busy1, 2, 3, 4. You might need to call dozens of times. They can only give you information. They can't give you a test appointment.
    • Medical call service (ärztliche Bereitschaftsdienst)
      116 117      , or +49 116 117
      They can answer your questions, and help you get tested1. The line is very busy1. They also have a coronavirus test appointment service on their website. The phone menu is in German. Press "1" for Coronavirus information, then wait until the phone rings.
    • Emergency services
      If you have serious symptoms, and you need medical help, call the emergency number: 112.

    You can also call your local Gesundheitsamt:

      Contact tracing app in Germany

      Germany has a contact tracing app. It's called Corona-Warn-App. It shows you if you have been in contact with infected people. It's very easy to use.

      If you can't install the app, change your app store country to Germany (Android instructions, iOS instructions). On Android, you can also create a new Google account for Germany. The Google Play Store lets you use multiple Google accounts.

      Change history

      These are the recent changes to the regulation, and to this guide.

      • January 13:
        • Berlin: The Berlin senate added more information about the 15 km travel rule
        • This page: Added more details about the 15 kilometre travel rule
      • January 10:
        • Berlin: Berlin published the updated directive (Verordnung) with the new restrictions.
        • This page: Added links to new paragraphs in the directive.
      • January 7:
        • This page: Added section about schools and Kitas.
      • January 5:
        • Germany: The current lockdown is extended to January 31. Only 2 people from 2 different households can meet. In coronavirus hotspots, people can only travel 15 kilometres from their home.
        • This page: Removed "Coronavirus and the holidays" section.
      • December 26:
        • This article: added link to map of areas where fireworks are banned.
      • December 15:
        • Berlin: Businesses must close, but "click and collect" is still allowed.
      • December 14:
        • Berlin: The senate decided on details about the new "hard lockdown". They are now in this article.
      • December 13
        • Germany: On Wednesday, December 16, there will be new restrictions1, 2, 3, 4. Schools must close. Most stores must close. Services like hair salons, nail salons, tattoo shops and massage parlours must close1. Essential businesses like supermarkets, beverage stores, pharmacies, banks, bike shops, mechanics and gas stations will stay open1, 2. Children should stay at home, instead of going to the Kita1. Drinking alcohol in public is forbidden1. This "hard lockdown" will last until January 10.
        • This page: Listed the new "hard lockdown" restrictions.
      • December 11
      • December 7
        • This page: Added new test location: Hy Studio
      • December 5
        • This page: Added information about different types of tests
        • This page: Added new test locations
      • December 3
        • Germany: The current lockdown is extended until January 101
      • November 27
        • Berlin: The relaxed restrictions (for Christmas and the New Year's Eve) will not apply in Berlin1.
        • This page: Updated the "Coronavirus and the holidays" section.
      • November 26
        • Germany: The current restrictions ("partial lockdown") are extended until January1, 2, 3. After December 1, there will be stronger contact restrictions. You can meet maximum 5 people from 2 households (not counting children under 15 years old). You must also wear a mask near businesses, and in the parking lot. Stores can allow one customer per 20 square metres, instead of one customer per 10 square metres. In Berlin, the customer limits are a bit more complicated1.
        • Germany: During the holidays (between December 23 and January 1), the restrictions will be relaxed, but not in Berlin1. You can meet maximum 10 people, only close friends and family. Children under 15 years old are not counted. Fireworks are banned in public areas.
        • Germany: Financial help for freelancers and businesses will be extended1.
        • This page: Added a "Coronavirus and the holidays" section
      • November 24
        • Added a new, cheap testing location
        • Added KCRW's summary of coronavirus rules
      • November 16
        • Added clarifications to quarantine requirements, and leaving quarantine early.
      • November 11
        • Added clarifications to quarantine and testing requirements.
      • November 9
      • November 7
        • You should only get tested if you have acute coronavirus symptoms
      • November 4
        • Quarantine requirement reduced from 14 days to 10 days