Germany – Travel Ban Extended for India, Brazil, South Africa
DE – Travel Ban Extended: India, Brazil, So. Africa
Germany’s government has extended the current transportation ban for all travellers coming from countries which are classified as a “virus variant area" by the German government until 12 May 2021. Besides Brazil and South Africa, India has been classified lately as an “area of variant of concern” by the German authorities and a travel ban has been put in place.
Germany’s government has extended until 12 May 2021 the current transportation ban for all travellers coming from countries which are classified as a “virus variant area" by the German government.1 This has been deemed necessary as a measure to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. (For prior coverage, see GMS Flash Alert 2021-122, 27 April 2021.)
Besides Brazil and South Africa, India has been classified lately as an “area of variant of concern” by the German authorities and a travel ban has been put in place.
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 consider new work arrangements, given the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The travel restrictions implemented for travellers into Germany from Brazil, South Africa, India, and other countries 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 business in Germany in terms of disruption, inconvenience, new procedures and requirements, and changes to travel plans.
Individuals travelling to Germany from virus variant areas and employers from those countries sending employees 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 “Virus Variant Areas"
With the travel ban in effect, only German nationals and foreign nationals with a German residence permit as well as a registered address in Germany, are allowed to enter the country coming from virus variant areas. 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 12 May 2021. However, it is expected that this regulation will be extended.
KPMG NOTE
Delays with German Diplomatic Missions in “Virus Variant Areas"
With the travel ban in place, it can be expected that further delays might occur regarding appointment scheduling with the German diplomatic missions in the virus variant areas.
FOOTNOTE
1 For notifications of the travel ban, see the webpage of the Embassy of India in Germany at: https://www.indianembassyberlin.gov.in/pdf/IMPORTANT_NOTICE_FOR_TRAVELLERS_FROM_INDIA_TO_GERMANY_2021_apr25_1.pdf and https://india.diplo.de/in-en.
Also see (in English) from the Robert Koch Institute: https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Transport/Archiv_Risikogebiete/Risikogebiete_aktuell_en.pdf?__blob=publicationFile. (Note that this is a 3rd party (non-governmental, non-KPMG) website. Providing this link does not represent an endorsement of this website by KPMG.)
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.
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The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Germany.
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