Germany: Authorities extend COVID-19 entry ban from certain countries until March 3 /update 32

Germany extends travel ban from designated COVID-19 variant areas until March 3; domestic restrictions remain in effect.

Event

Officials have extended a ban on travel from Brazil, the UK, Ireland, Portugal, Lesotho, and several southern African countries until at least March 3 due to the presence of new COVID-19 variants; the measure had been due to expire Feb. 17. German citizens and residents, as well as freight transporters and diplomats, are exempt.

Authorities are maintaining other international entry restrictions as of Feb. 18 as part of measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. Temporary border restrictions are in effect with the Czech Republic and Tyrol, Austria. International arrivals from these locations - now designated as "high-risk" areas - must provide evidence of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken with the previous 48 hours on arrival. Numerous other locations, including the UK, Spain, Portugal, France, Ireland, Latvia, Slovakia, and Slovenia, as well as the Greek region of Western Greece, and the Finnish regions of Central Finland and Ostrobothnia, are also classed as high risk. All permitted arrivals who have visited designated variant or high-risk areas within the previous 10 days must provide a negative COVID-19 test no older than 48 hours upon arrival, or take a test as soon as they arrive in the country. These travelers must also self-isolate for 10-days; the self-isolation can be ended on day five with a second negative test.

Most travelers from outside of the EEA, with the exception of those from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea, and Thailand, remain prohibited from entry. Limited exceptions are made for EEA citizens and residents, diplomats, essential workers, students, freight and transport workers, individuals in transit, and for urgent reasons decided on a case-by-case basis. All such arrivals are subject to a mandatory self-isolation period; this measure does not apply to transport and freight workers.

Domestic Measures

Authorities have extended the nation's existing COVID-19-related restrictions until March 7. Although infection rates have slowed in recent days, federal and state authorities opted to extend most measures due to concerns over the spread of more infectious variants of the virus. The extension applies to the following directives:

Private gatherings are limited to two people unless they are members of the same household.
All nonessential shops and services are closed; hairdressers will be allowed to reopen from March 1.
Restaurants and bars remain closed except for delivery and carryout services.
Public recreation centers and entertainment facilities, including gyms, swimming pools, saunas, cinemas, and theaters, are closed.
Large events are suspended.
Employees are advised to work from home whenever possible.
Tourism-related hotel stays are suspended.
Nonessential travel is discouraged.
Social distancing guidelines of at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) are in effect.
Authorities require individuals to wear filter facemasks with a filtering facepiece protection class of at least 2 (FFP2) on public transport and in stores and public offices.
Residents of COVID-19 hotspots may not travel more than 15 km (9.3 miles) from their district of residence without a valid reason for travel

Authorities could ease, tighten, or otherwise amend restrictions with little-to-no notice based on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.