Published on Tuesday, January 26, 2021

Germany considers international flight ban as UK looks set to tighten border controls

Germany could ban all international flights to try to keep out new variants of the Covid-19 virus, such as those detected in the UK.


Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said officials were working on proposals to significantly tighten border restrictions.


Meanwhile, UK Home Secretary is expected to announce on Wednesday plans for arrivals to quarantine in designated hotels.


Seehofer told German tabloid newspaper Bild: "The danger posed by numerous virus mutations forces us to consider drastic measures.


"That includes significantly stricter border checks, especially at borders with high-risk areas, but also reducing air travel to Germany to almost zero, as Israel is currently doing."


New Zealand has also banned most international arrivals and nationals must quarantine in designated hotels before being allowed home.


UK nationals are already banned from travelling to Germany unless they are returning to their place of residence, they serve in an important role or if they have an urgent need.

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