Test offers
The following persons are still entitled to a free rapid test until 28 February 2023:
- Visitors, residents and patients in hospitals, care facilities and similar institutions.
- People who look after people in need of care in their home environment, such as caregiving relatives
- People with disabilities who receive a Personal Budget in accordance with the Social Code and their employees within the framework of the Personal Budget.
All other persons have to pay for the tests. The costs may vary depending on the testing center. A list of certified providers can be found at direkttesten.berlin. The webpage is constantly updated. From 1 March 2023, free tests will no longer be offered.
The following groups of people are entitled to a free PCR test:
- Individuals who have tested positive for coronavirus using a rapid test at a certified testing site
- Individuals who tested positive using a rapid self-test
- Persons who have been officially identified as contacts by the public health department, by their doctor or by hospitals, clinics, outpatient care services or similar institutions, whereby a rapid test can first be carried out for clarification purposes
The testing centers do not usually perform free PCR retesting. The only exception is if a person has tested positive after a rapid test at a testing center and now receives a free PCR test directly on site. Those persons who present a positive rapid test can receive free PCR retesting at numerous pharmacies. Persons with typical Covid-19 symptoms can be tested by a PCR test at a doctor’s practice.
Testing obligations
In most areas of public life, testing is no longer mandatory. In hospitals, testing is mandatory for visitors, patients and employees. In emergency situations, testing is suspended for all parties involved.
In care facilities, testing is mandatory for employees and visitors. The facilities provide the appropriate tests.
A testing requirement also applies for entry into prisons, detention facilities for deportees, psychiatric hospitals, and similar facilities.
As a rule, mandatory testing applies to everyone, including fully vaccinated and recovered persons. Visitors to hospitals and care facilities are entitled to a free rapid test at a certified testing center.
Reporting your test results
You can report a positive rapid test or PCR test result online to the relevant health authority. Only positive tests from certified testing centers can be reported, it is not necessary to report self-tests.