Germany relaxes restrictions for travelers from UK and other countries
Europe
By
Reuters
| Jul 06, 2021
Passengers walk through a terminal at Frankfurt Airport, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Frankfurt, Germany. [Reuters]
Germany's public health institute said on Monday the United Kingdom, India, Nepal, Portugal and Russia were no longer "areas of variant concern", reducing travel restrictions for people arriving from those countries.
All five countries had been downgraded to "high incidence areas", the Robert Koch Institute said, meaning their citizens can now travel to Germany and quarantine on arrival for 10 days.
The quarantine period can be shortened to five days if they test negative for COVID-19, and people who are fully vaccinated can avoid quarantine altogether.
Prior to the change in classification, travelers from the four countries were banned from entering Germany unless they were residents, in which case they had to quarantine for 14 days on arrival.
READ MORE
KMPDU demands security after mob raids Naivasha hospital, steals body
Flower industry loses Sh200m as transport strike hits JKIA cargo
For Africa to move forward, Africans must be allowed to cross borders
Global housing crisis deepens despite policy gains - UN warns
Budget debate has moved beyond taxes to accountability and growth
Kenya to host green hydrogen symposium as country positions for the global stage
TSC boss Mitei honoured at regions' Superwoman awards
African stars in Europe: Antoine Semenyo wins it for City
Kenyans shine at International Creator Day 2026
Kenya is over-politicised while systems are routinely ignored
The decisions, effective from Wednesday, come after Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday Britons who have had two COVID-19 vaccinations would soon be able to travel to Germany without going into quarantine on arrival.
Earlier on Monday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out plans to end social and economic COVID-19 restrictions in England in two weeks' time, a test of whether a rapid vaccine rollout offers enough protection from the highly contagious Delta variant.