On Tuesday, the German government announced that it is planning to allow citizens of Germany to travel to nearly 31 European countries next month if the coronavirus situation continues to be under control. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas already mentioned last week that the country was hoping to declare ease on travel restrictions that are effective through June 15. The latest move comes as a part of Germany’s COVID-19 lockdown relaxation.
The destinations that are part of the travel allowance includes Germany’s 26 partner countries in the European Union, including the UK as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the four states of the border-free Schengen area, which are not members of the EU. The proposal to lift the ban has presented in a paper titled “Criteria for the Enabling of intra-European Tourism.” On Wednesday, the German cabinet will discuss the paper and declare the final decision. The German Travel Association has already welcomed the plans of easing the travel warnings.
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Germany issued a global travel warning back during March, which was later extended till June 15. The current plans for easing travel restrictions arrive right before the summer holiday season that can boost cross-border tourism between the European countries. However, individual travel advice will be issued in place of travel restrictions with the aim of highlighting the risks associated with each individual country.
The travel warning relaxation proposal states that the revitalization of tourism is highly essential for both travelers and the German travel industry. It also mentioned that easing travel restrictions if the situation is stable can also contribute to the economic stability of the respective target countries. Norbert Fiebig, President, German Travel Association added that the move will provide the travel industry a perspective about the future of travel as well as many citizens who are looking forward to international holidays after the crisis is over.
