Traveling by car: border controls are relaxed again

2020-05-13T10:33:06.556Z

Corona virus restrictions are gradually being relaxed. Border controls are also to be abolished soon.

Restrictions during the coronavirus crisis are gradually being relaxed.
People can also move more freely by car.
The federal government has also decided to carefully ease border controls.

Update from May 13th: Border controls will be relaxed from May 16th

Federal Minister of the Interior Horst Seehofer presented the plan to relax border controls on motorists *. These should be completely abolished by June 15th . The prerequisite for this is that the "infection process continues to run so cheaply", says Seehofer (via Welt).

There is agreement with France , Austria and Switzerland that the controls will continue to be carried out until June 15th. However, these should only take place on a random basis. Until then, however, people other than commuters should be allowed to drive across the border. Border controls to Luxembourg will be abolished as early as May 15 , and Denmark will also follow in the next few days.

First report of May 11th: Will border controls continue to be carried out?

The days when we were only allowed to leave the house for good reason are over, at least for the moment. Depending on how the situation around the corona virus develops, stricter regulations and exit restrictions could come into force again.

There is currently more and more relaxation - also for drivers *. Among other things, shorter jaunts are again possible. Gradually people are even beginning to think about a vacation again, as tourist businesses are allowed to start working again *. A trip by car, for example, seems to be possible again due to the easing. Can I also travel to neighboring countries?

Traveling by car: border controls will continue to be maintained

The short answer is: no . Journeys within Europe are still severely restricted and the number of open border crossings is reduced. Entry and exit are only permitted for valid reasons . According to ADAC, tourist trips abroad are still practically impossible . The current border controls will be maintained at least until May 15th . The federal police at the borders are responsible for this. Those who cannot give a valid reason are rejected and have to turn back. There was an exception on Mother's Day * - a visit to the mother was considered a valid reason for entering Germany.

In addition, drivers must also observe the regulations of neighboring countries *. Among other things, Austria extended border controls until May 31. When entering Poland or the Czech Republic , only people with special permits are allowed into the country. However, commuters must have a negative coronavirus test every 14 days.

Also Read : Pollen and Pollen on the Car: How to Get Rid of Them .

This applies to returnees from abroad

German citizens and people with a residence permit in Germany may return from abroad at any time . However, immigrants must remain in quarantine at home for two weeks and report to the health department. This regulation also applies until May 15.

This does not apply to people who have not been abroad for longer than 24 hours , for example commuters. However, the exceptions only apply if no Covid 19 symptoms are detectable.

Border crossings are currently only possible for commuters, business travelers and goods traffic under certain conditions. Tourist trips are still prohibited.

Also interesting : New StVO regulations a "driver's license trap": German automobile club is sharply criticized .