Germany – Government Introduces a Travel Ban on Persons Travelling from India

DE – Travel Ban on Persons Travelling from India

Germany’s government has implemented a transportation ban, in effect starting 26 April 2021, for all travellers coming from India to Germany until 28 April 2021. This has been deemed necessary as a measure to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. India has been classified as an “area of variant of concern” by the German authorities.

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Flash Alert 2021-122

India has been classified as an “area of variant of concern” by the German authorities and a transportation ban has been put in place, effective immediately.

Germany’s government has implemented a transportation ban, in effect starting 26 April 2021, for all travellers coming from India to Germany until 28 April 2021.1  This has been deemed necessary as a measure to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.  India has seen alarmingly high case numbers in recent weeks.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Companies with global presence and individuals operating across borders need to be increasingly aware of the relevant risks associated with travel and new work arrangements given the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The travel restrictions implemented for travellers into Germany from India currently in force limit such cross-border travel significantly.  The travel restrictions will affect employers and their globally mobile employees – especially business travellers – who are doing Germany-India cross-border business in terms of disruption, inconvenience, new procedures and requirements, and changes to travel plans.

Individuals travelling to Germany from India and employers sending employees from India into and out of Germany should stay current with the latest travel restrictions and should consider consulting with their travel agents and/or immigration counsel when planning their travel.

Travel Ban in Effect When Coming from India

With the travel ban in effect, only German nationals and Indian nationals with a German residence permit as well as a registered address in Germany, are allowed to enter the country coming from India.  If allowed entry, other measures such as getting a negative COVID-19 test result as well as quarantine apply.

The transportation ban for travellers from “virus variant” areas to Germany is currently in effect until 28 April 2021.  (However, it is highly likely that this regulation will be extended.)

KPMG NOTE

Delays with German Diplomatic Missions in India Expected

With the travel ban in place, it can be expected that further delays might occur regarding appointment scheduling with the German diplomatic missions in India.

FOOTNOTE

1  For notifications of the travel ban, see the Embassy of India in Germany webpage.

For information on the travel ban from Germany’s federal government, see the "Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise" webpage for India (in German) “Indien: Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise (COVID-19-bedingte Reisewarnung)“ at: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/indiensicherheit/205998#content_0.  Also see (in English): https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Transport/Archiv_Risikogebiete/Risikogebiete_aktuell_en.pdf?__blob=publicationFile.

Please note that KPMG LLP (U.S.) does not provide any labour law or immigration services.  However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.  

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Germany.

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