In order to curb the spread of the corona virus, Germany no longer lets anyone from outside the EU enter the country. The first passengers are also rejected at Frankfurt Airport.
Frankfurt / Main (dpa) - Due to the corona crisis, non-EU citizens can no longer enter Frankfurt Airport.
"The Federal Police received instructions from the Federal Minister of the Interior tonight to immediately refuse entry to all non-EU citizens to further reduce the risk of infection in Europe," said the spokesman for the Federal Police at the airport, Reza Ahmari.
In the evening, this only concerned a flight from Turkey. "We are currently evaluating how many flights will be affected tomorrow," he said.
Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer (CSU) has ordered a de facto entry ban for non-EU citizens. It should initially apply for 30 days. As the Interior Ministry said, the ban applies to all flights and ship journeys that have their origin outside the European Union.
What exactly happens to the rejected passengers in Frankfurt? "In principle, you are not allowed to enter Germany," said Ahmari. "We have a transit area here at the airport. Of course, the police measures are then carried out first, and then we'll see when the return flight is possible." According to the federal police, the airlines that transport the passengers are obliged to bring them back.
On Tuesday, the heads of state and government of the 27 EU countries agreed on additional entry restrictions for the Schengen area. Chancellor Angela Merkel said in the evening that, with very few exceptions, all countries would now put it into effect. "Germany will implement this immediately."
According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, there are exceptions for third-country nationals with long-term residence rights in an EU country. Anyone who has an urgent reason for entry - for example a funeral or a court appointment - must have the relevant evidence with them.
Citizens of EU countries and their dependents are permitted to travel through Germany. This also applies to citizens from Great Britain, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
