Esports-Bundes Deutschland (ESBD) has revealed that esports athletes are able to enter Germany despite current COVID-19 travel bans that are in place.
On October 6th, the German Federal Ministry confirmed a range of exemptions that will enable esports athletes to enter and stay in the country.
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The ruling from the ministry clarified esports athletes eligible to apply for the Gerrman esports visa, athletes taking part in a tournament, and a supervising person for esports athletes under the age of 18 would be able to enter Germany.
Current rulings state entrance into Germany is allowed for countries in the European Union alongside additional countries such as the United Kingdom and Switzerland.
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As of October 14th, individuals looking to enter Germany from countries not on the list such as the United States, Russia, China, or Turkey must provide “substantial reasons” in order to be granted entrance.
Hans Jagnow, President of the ESBD, spoke on the ruling: “As the ESBD, we have worked to ensure that the important exceptions to the corona restrictions for professional sports also apply to esports. We welcome the clarification by the Federal Ministry of the Interior. This will enable Germany to cautiously operate again with international teams on site. Teams and organizers now have the necessary certainty to start planning for the coming months.”
Esports Insider says: The ruling is certainly a positive one for esports athletes needing to travel. With players now allowed to enter Germany, tournament organisers may consider a return to in-person events in the not too distant future.
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