Germany: Authorities extend ban on passenger transport with areas experiencing COVID-19 variant activity until March 31 /update 36

Germany extends suspension of passenger transport with areas experiencing COVID-19 variant activity until at least March 31.

Event

Authorities in Germany have extended an existing ban on direct passenger transport with so-called "virus variant areas," i.e., locations deemed to be at increased risk of infection from a novel variant of COVID-19. The directive will remain in effect until at least March 31. As of March 17, Brazil, the UK, Ireland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Tyrol in Austria, Moselle in France, and several southern African countries are designated virus-variant areas. Entry from these areas is limited to German nationals and residents, as well as certain essential workers; all permitted arrivals must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within the previous 48 hours if requested by authorities. Individuals not traveling for essential work are required to self-isolate for 14 days. Border officials are conducting random checks on private vehicles entering the country from virus-variant areas that share a border with Germany.

Other international entry restrictions also remain in force. Most travel from outside the EEA, with the exception of that from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand, is prohibited. Exemptions are in place for EU nationals or residents and their family members, individuals carrying out essential work, or individuals traveling for urgent reasons. Permitted individuals arriving from a "risk area" must take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of arrival and self-isolate for at least 10 days; this quarantine can be ended early following a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken on or after the fifth day. Permitted individuals who have spent any time in a "high-incidence area" in the previous 10 days must meet the same self-isolation requirements in addition to presenting proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within the 48 hours prior to travel. For a full English-language list of locations designated by the German government as virus-variant, risk, and high-incidence areas, click here.

Domestic Restrictions
Germany has extended domestic measures imposed to limit the spread of COVID-19 until March 28, while announcing a plan to gradually ease restrictions on a regional or state level depending on the local infection rate. Measures vary slightly between regions; however, restrictions generally in place nationwide as of March 17 include:

Private gatherings are limited to five people from a maximum of two households.
Many nonessential businesses and services are closed; those that are permitted to open must adhere to strict hygiene and social distancing measures.
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.

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.