The Federal Foreign Office advises against unnecessary travel
Lisa Vogel studied departmental journalism with a focus on medicine and biosciences at Ansbach University and deepened her journalistic knowledge in the master's degree in multimedia information and communication. This was followed by a traineeship in the editorial team. Since September 2020 she has been writing as a freelance journalist for
More posts by Lisa Vogel All content is checked by medical journalists.The Federal Foreign Office currently advises against unnecessary trips abroad. The restrictions in international traffic and quarantine measures could cause problems on the return journey.
"The risk that you will no longer be able to make your return journey due to increasing restrictions is currently high in many destinations," writes the Federal Foreign Office on its website.
Changes to the entry and quarantine regulations are sometimes made without prior notice and with immediate effect. Numerous travelers are currently affected in several countries. You will be prevented from traveling on or back.
The increased entry controls and health checks also affect cruise ships in particular. There have already been several refusals to call at ports. Delays, route changes and, in certain cases, quarantine measures by local authorities are still to be expected.
Where entry controls take place
Air and ship travelers from China, Japan, South Korea, Iran and Italy and, if necessary, train and bus travelers from there also have to expect controls when (re) entering Germany and fill out an exit card. This should enable contact persons to be identified if a fellow traveler should turn out to be infected.
If there are any indications of an illness with COVID-19 in cross-border traffic to Germany, the federal police will immediately consult the locally responsible health authorities. They carry out the medical assessment in each individual case and decide on any treatment.
Important information for travelers
- Check critically whether the planned trip abroad is really necessary at the moment.
- If the trip is not necessary: Postpone the trip.
- If the trip is necessary: Inquire about current entry and possible quarantine regulations at the representative of the travel destination before you start your journey. Also check entry bans for certain previous stays (e.g. in the risk areas)
- Before booking a larger trip, seek personal advice from a travel agent and a doctor. Medical advice is particularly important in the case of previous illnesses or elderly people.
- If you come into quarantine abroad: Do not expect a return by your tour operator or the federal government if you have been ordered. Follow the directions of the local health authorities.
- Please note the current information on the websites of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) and the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Government.
- Pay attention to notices and always follow the instructions of local authorities.
