Immigration update: Germany | Inbound travel ban now includes India
Travel restrictions—Germany travel ban now includes India
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 May 12th, 2021.
Who will be affected?
The following states are currently considered as areas of variant of concern: Botswana, Brazil, Eswatini, France – the department Moselle; India, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
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 – PCR test prior to arrival in Germany is required for all passengers. Quarantine (10-14 days) according to state regulations, please see link for details: Entry restriction and Quarantine information
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 residents 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.
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 fulfil the requirements of FFP2, KN95/N95 or surgical masks. The German Government passed the bill regarding the so called National “Emergency break” measures until June 30th, 2021. These measures are subject to the 7-day incidences rate and include the following: lockdown, travel ban, curfew, closure of non-essential shops with restrictions, limitations on social contact.
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@santaferelo.com
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