Germany has extended temporary border control to include air and sea traffic within Europe, in order to further contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Border control at internal borders have been imposed immediately and includes flights from Italy, Spain, Austria, France, Luxembourg, Denmark and Switzerland. The same applies to sea traffic from Denmark.
For travellers who have no urgent reason to travel, immediate restrictions apply to these travel routes. Travellers who have an urgent reason to travel, and cross-border commuters, are required to provide proof of the necessity to cross the border.
German authorities are urging citizens not to travel unless it is absolutely essential to help fight the spread of coronavirus.
The Ministry of the Interior has confirmed that from 20th March 2020, it will be possible to cross the land borders with Austria, France, Luxembourg, Denmark and Switzerland only at designated border crossing points.
To avoid inconvenience, all those who have urgent reason to travel are advised to inform themselves whether it is possible for them to cross the border.
Under exceptional circumstances, for example in case of major traffic backups, the Federal Police may open other border crossing points.
On 17th March 2020 German Interior Minister Horst 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.
Click here to see the list of designated border crossing points