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Federal Minister of the Interior Horst Seehofer orders far-reaching travel restrictions for international air and sea traffic
press release 17 March 2020
For the time being, third-country nationals are allowed to enter the country only if they have an urgent reason to travel.
Federal Minister Seehofer ordered extensive restrictions on entry at Germany’s external Schengen borders in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus. These restrictions apply to international aviation and maritime traffic originating outside the European Union. The restrictions are based on Article 14 in conjunction with Article 6 of the Schengen Borders Code and apply immediately, initially for 30 days.
They do not apply to German citizens.
Citizens of EU member states and their families, as well as citizens of the United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland and their families are allowed to travel through Germany to reach their home country.
The same applies to third-country nationals with a longer-term right of residence (residence title or longer-term visa) in an EU member state or one of the countries mentioned above.
Third-country nationals who do not meet these conditions will be refused entry at the border unless they have an urgent reason for entry.
Travellers are asked to provide suitable proof of an urgent reason to cross the border.
The EU member states have ordered entry restrictions in line with uniform criteria within the Schengen area at the recommendation of the European Commission and following today’s decision by the heads of state and government.
