Federal Minister of the Interior Horst Seehofer has decided to continue checks at Germany’s borders with Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Denmark, Italy and Spain from 5 May 2020 until 15 May 2020. This move is intended to break the chains of infection and continue successfully containing the coronavirus.

Federal Minister Seehofer notified the European Commission and the interior ministers of the EU member states accordingly.

The order to continue these temporary border checks was issued on the basis of Article 28 of the Schengen Borders Code. It is necessary because the spread of the coronavirus is highly volatile and numerous dynamic factors have to be taken into account. The decision was made in view of developments in the situation as well as ongoing restrictions of public life and social contacts in Germany and in our neighbouring countries.

Many other Schengen member states and associated countries (e.g. Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France and Belgium) have also introduced and extended temporary border checks due to the coronavirus.

The cross-border flow of goods continues to be permitted. Cross-border commuters also continue to be allowed to enter and leave the country. Cross-border travel for compelling reasons will be allowed on a case-by-case basis. Such reasons include medical treatment, death of immediate family members, and joining spouses or civil partners.

At the current time, when entering Germany it is crucial to distinguish between the rules on quarantine, which the federal state of destination is responsible for enforcing, and the rules on entry, which the Federal Police are responsible for enforcing as part of their border policing duties. If you have questions regarding specific rules on quarantine, please contact the federal state of your destination.