Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
(Picture: Getty Images)The German government could introduce new quarantine restrictions on British travellers, with a decision to be made later Friday.
A government spokesperson said it is looking into whether Britain should be classified as a “virus variant area”, reported Reuters.
Under German Covid rules, this would require travellers to quarantine for two weeks even if vaccinated.
It comes as German health minister Karl Lauterbach said the Omicron variant could spark a “massive fifth wave” of the pandemic.
At a press conference in Hanover, Lauterbach said, “We must prepare for a challenge that we have not yet had in this form.”
This week France announced it would effectively ban travel to and from the UK without “compelling reason” which does not include tourism.
The move, which comes into force Saturday, has sparked a rush to enter the country.
Tickets on train services and flights have been selling out.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex said the tough restrictions will be enforced from 11pm UK time on Friday, including the requirement for “compelling reasons” to travel to or from the UK.
His office said this was due to “the extremely rapid spread of the Omicron variant in the United Kingdom”.
Those who are permitted to enter the country will need to provide proof of a negative Covid PCR test taken less than 24 hours in advance and must isolate for at least two days pending the result.
It has been described as a “hammer blow” for travel.
French citizens, their spouses and children are still allowed to travel to France for visits.
