Germany closes borders to UK travellers as restrictions tighten

Germany has banned the majority of travellers from the UK to curb the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

At 11:PM on Sunday, the UK was added to the list of “areas of variants of concern” due to the high level of omicron infections.

Only German citizens and Brits who reside in Germany can enter the country - but must have a negative test and quarantine for two weeks, even if they are fully vaccinated.

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The ban includes travellers from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and British Overseas Territories.

According to The Independent the law says: “Airline passengers who are simply changing flights at an airport in the Federal Republic of Germany need not comply with the provisions of the Ordinance on Coronavirus Entry Regulations.”

German health minister Karl Lauterbach said he expected the Omicron variant to unleash a "massive fifth wave" of the pandemic.

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He also explained that Germany must prepare for a challenge "that we have never seen in this form before" and the "more we can push back... the better".

“I am very concerned about the developments in Great Britain. The Omicron virus variant is spreading rapidly there,” said Bavarian Health Minister Klaus Holetschek, as published by Tagesschau. “We must therefore act consistently and quickly.”

Denmark, France, Norway and Lebanon have also been added to Germany's list therefore travel from those countries will also be restricted.

[Via: The Independent]

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter