Immigration update: Germany | Germany imposes a travel ban
Travel restrictions—Germany imposes a travel ban, 22 March 2021
The government has provided an update regarding travels restrictions and issued a statement that a temporary limitation shall be imposed on carriage of travellers from countries designated as regions with widespread occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 virus variants of concern (referred to as “areas of variant of concern”). The restrictions are currently set to run until March 31.
Who will be affected?
The following states are currently considered as areas of variant of concern: • Austria – the province of Tyrol, excluded are the political district of Linz, the municipality of Jungholz and the Rißtal valley in the municipal area of Vomp and Eben am Achensee. • Botswana • Brazil • Czech Republic • Eswatini • France – the department Moselle • Lesotho • Malawi • Mozambique • Portugal • Slovakia • South Africa • Zambia
Changes since last amendment by the Government and RKI regarding the areas of variant concern: • Ireland is NO LONGER an area of variant of concern • United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is NO LONGER an area of variant of concern
Background
Due to the large outbreak of Covid–19 in Germany, new regulations were implemented, and new travel restrictions and safety measures are in place.
Impact
People planning to travel to Germany may expect further changes on the current restrictions. Please check the latest information about Traveling to Germany to obtain the most updated information about travel bans and/or further restrictions.
Implementation
Transport companies, e.g. air carriers and railway companies, may not transport any persons from affected countries to Germany. There are only a few, strictly defined exceptions to this travel ban, namely for:
+ People who are resident in Germany with a current right to reside in the country
+ People with connecting flights, who do not leave the transit zone of an international airport
+ Few other special cases, one being German Citizens who do not have a residency in Germany currently.
All those who qualify for the above-mentioned exceptions are equally required to complete an online registration form and must present a negative COVD-19 test result prior to entry. Further information is provided below.
Test requirements on entry:
Travelers aged six years or older who have been in a high incidence area or in a virus variant area in the past ten days prior to entry into Germany must carry proof that they have been tested for infection with SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus with them upon entry and present it to the competent authorities upon request and, if necessary, to the transport company prior to travelling. Travelers who have visited any other risk area (neither high incidence area nor virus variant area) during the ten days prior to entry into Germany must be in possession of a test result no later than 48 hours after entry and present it to the competent authorities upon request. The lists of high incidence areas, virus variant areas and other risk areas are published on the website of the Robert Koch Institute.
How to conduct yourself when in Germany?
Mouth and nose must be covered in public areas such as public transport, stores and busy outdoor places or where the minimum distance to others cannot be kept. Masks must fulfill the requirements of FFP2, KN95/N95 or surgical masks. The current nationwide lockdown measures have been extended until April 18th, 2021, with high possibility to extend further. A more “stricter” lockdown between April 1st – 5th will be implemented. A negative PCR test prior to arrival in Germany is required for all passengers starting today. Five steps plan to relax lockdown measures on a federal state level – on hold due to the number of infections are rising fast. Entry restriction and Quarantine information
Next Steps (or) Actions Required
Based on the evolution of COVID-19, the situation is continuously evolving.
Should you have any questions, please contact the following:
Claudia McDaniel
Immigration Team Lead
Santa Fe Relocation Germany
D: +49 6190 8993 800
E: claudia.mcdaniel@staging.santaferelo.com
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