Almost under the radar of the (queer) public, a fight for the rights of binational couples has been smouldering for months. They are often denied to see each other again due to Corona virus travel restrictions.

Affected couples and supporters have joint their forces via the website www.loveisnottourism.org since the Corona restrictions took effect, thus making it impossible for bi-national couples to meet again. There it says:

“The closure of international borders in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic was – and still is – sensible and even necessary. It is obvious that we must halt tourism to protect us and others.

But love is not tourism. This is not just about a summer holiday, it is about mental health and the future of people and couples all around the world.

We as international lovers and families, urge governments of all states to amend their travel restrictions. Allow the un-bureaucratic and safe reunion of partners in long-distance relationships as well as family members.

We are willing to submit to appropriate safety regulations: self-paid test upon arrival and quarantine until a negative result is received or a 14-day strict quarantine, as long as unmarried couples and families can visit their most important people, as is possible in Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands and other countries mentioned below.”

While people with a marriage certificate are now allowed to travel to their loved ones more easily, it is still impossible for many couples – including same-sex couples – to travel to their loved ones. Holger from Hamburg for example wrote:

“I myself am separated from my partner in Ghana, I can’t travel there myself. We wanted to marry this year, but we can’t even visit each other because of Corona, which for two people from such countries is already connected with a considerable effort anyway”.

On the website you will find possibilities to become active in your country – for example in demonstrations.

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