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BERLIN. The European Football Championship attracts many high-ranking guests from abroad to Germany. But the German protocol and the police will not be able to take care of them.

Many top politicians from other countries will be attending the UEFA EURO 24 football matches to support their country's teams. However, they will not be able to rely on the host country Germany.

Protocol not applicable

The embassies have been informed by the Federal Foreign Office that they cannot expect to receive the top politicians according to protocol. Only very few state guests who have been officially invited by Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz or Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will be ‘picked up’ accordingly and can expect the usual protocol procedure.

All other foreign guests will not be met at the airport. They will not be escorted through the city. They will not be supported with personal protection from the German side.

‍Police overwhelmed

This announcement had caused astonishment among numerous ambassadors and consuls. The reason was that the police were overwhelmed.

By the way, the official invitees include representatives from the USA — although this is a European championship.

Visa applications preferred

Since foreign guests cannot be received by protocol, they must apply for a visa just like any traveler. Unless they are exempt from it as EU citizens. The visa requirement concerns Turkey in particular. The German side promised that the German consulates would endeavour to treat such visa applications preferentially. But there is no guarantee of that.

Border controls reinforced

According to information from the German authorities, there will be increased controls at the border crossings of neighboring countries with Germany during EURO 2024. Smaller border crossings are also affected. For this reason, but also due to congestion in rail and air traffic, there may be delays in arrival. Ambassadors should take this into account when they supervise representatives of their country.

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