BERLIN — Germany will no longer advise against most non-essential travel within Europe from June 15, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said today.
The country will lift its global travel warning for EU and Schengen zone members as well as the U.K. and instead issue country-by-country guidance. However, travel warnings will remain in place for European countries under lockdown or with entry restrictions in place after that date.
This means that Germany will continue to advise against non-essential travel to Norway and Spain until they lift restrictions on travel, Maas said. Berlin will also recommend its citizens do not travel to the U.K. as long as the country’s 14-day quarantine for arrivals remains in place.
“I know that this decision awakens great hopes and expectations,” said Maas, according to German media, warning: “Travel warnings are not travel bans, and travel advisories are not invitations to travel.” He also ruled out a second repatriation effort for Germans abroad.
The Austrian government is also set to discuss border openings to neighboring countries today, including whether travel restrictions imposed on the border with Italy should be lifted on June 15.
Meanwhile, Italy opened its borders today, but Austria has banned transit travelers from stopping for fuel, coffee or toilet breaks on the way from Germany to Italy.
“Everyone who comes to the Austrian border must promise to pass through Austria without stopping,” a member of the Tyrolean regional government said, adding that fines could be as high as €1,450.