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Germany to lift worldwide travel warning from October

The Local Germany
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Germany to lift worldwide travel warning from October
Photo: DPA

The warning against tourist travel for more than 160 countries throughout the world will be in place until the end of September.

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From October 1st, the ban on non-essential travel to countries outside the EU will be lifted and replaced with detailed travel advice for each country.

That's according to a cabinet decision, DPA learned from government circles on Wednesday.

However, a spokeswoman for the Foreign Office said that in practice this would change little as far as the possibility of travel was concerned. 

It will likely be the case that a travel warning can still be issued for countries that are considered risk areas, the Foreign Office said.

Last month the German government had extended the warning against tourist travel until September 14th.

When were travel restrictions introduced?

On March 17th, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas issued a warning against tourist travel worldwide in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

In June, however, Germany lifted the ban for all EU countries, the border control-free Schengen area as well as the UK, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City. Later, parts of Turkey joined the list.

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However, warnings are issued for these countries or particular regions if the coronavirus situation changes.

READ ALSO: Who is allowed to travel to Germany from outside the EU?

Germany is also currently allowing incoming travellers from several non-EU countries with low-infection rates, including New Zealand and Australia.

What's a travel warning?

A travel warning is not a ban, but is put in place in a bid to deter people from non-essential travel.

The travel warning is issued regardless of the Robert Koch Institute's classification of countries as risk areas. Anyone returning to Germany from a risk area must be tested for the coronavirus or go into quarantine.

Germany has fared better than many of its European neighbours during the pandemic but infection rates have been rising recently.

READ ALSO: 'Insane adventure': What it's like travelling to Germany from abroad in coronavirus times

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