Ireland, U.K. removed from ‘virus variant’ list

The German government has removed Ireland and the United Kingdom from Germany’s list of COVID-19 “virus variant” areas, lifting travel bans had been in place since January. Officials reclassified both Ireland and the United Kingdom as “risk areas.”

Key Points:

• Residents of Ireland can travel to Germany without providing a specific reason, provided they follow travel rules on testing and quarantine. Residents of the U.K. must generally travel to Germany under the rules applicable to third countries, though different rules may apply for EU nationals who live in the U.K.
• Travelers from Ireland, the United Kingdom and other risk areas must:
  • Register at www.einreiseanmeldung.de before arriving in Germany and carry proof of registration when entering the country.
  • Present results (1) upon arrival of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within the 48 hours prior to their travel to Germany or (2) within the first 48 hours after arriving in Germany.
  • Self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. The isolation period can be cut short after five days upon presenting a negative COVID-19 test.
  • The final decision on entry to Germany is made at the discretion of the Federal Police; however, airlines may also check to ensure that travel requirements are met. Travelers are advised to check with their airline before travel.
• Brazil, the Czech Republic, South Africa and 10 other countries and regions remain on Germany’s “virus variant” list. Travel remains suspended to anyone who has been in these countries in the past 10 days, except for a few narrow exceptions, e.g., for German nationals and their immediate family or those with a registered domicile in Germany.

Analysis & Comments: The removal of Ireland and the United Kingdom from the “virus variant” list will ease travel for some, but a number of restrictions and health protocols remain in place.

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