What to Consider When Traveling To Germany from High Risk Areas
It has become increasingly popular to travel from high-risk areas to Germany. Before you jump onto the next flight, here are some things to consider from the standpoint of safety and health when traveling to this beautiful and culturally-rich country.
Background Information: Germany is a vast and beautiful country with a rich history and culture waiting to be explored. Every traveler who visits this destination wants to be assured of a safe and enjoyable journey. However, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, many travelers are now questioning if travel to Germany from high-risk locations is safe and worth the risk.
Data on the Virus surge: While cases of the virus have been on a steadily increasing trend in Germany, it is still possible to visit the country safely, as long as you take extra precautions. According to data from Johns Hopkins University, there are currently over 5 million known cases of COVID-19 in Germany, with over 115,000 cases reported in the last 7 days. Therefore, it is important to take all necessary safety and health measures before and during the journey.
Expert Perspectives: Experts recommend that travelers should take into account the following:
- Understand the health protocols in place; air, train, bus companies have different rules on masks and other safety protocols
- Stay informed about current Covid-19 regulations in your country of origin and destination
- When choosing accommodation, consider an option that is a ways away from crowded places
- Book a private rental for peace of mind and to eliminate potential public contact
- Avoid gatherings and crowded places, as well as night clubs, pubs and bars
- Follow all local regulations and health advisories as closely as possible
Adding Own Insights and Analysis: Given the situation, it is best to plan your trip in a way that minimizes potential contact with other parties. Doing a bit of research beforehand can make the trip safer and more pleasant. Consider the less busy times of the year when traveling to Germany, such as between December and February, when there are fewer tourists in the country, and the air and train companies generally have more lenient protocols in place.
Educating and Engaging the Reader: Safety is paramount when it comes to traveling, and Germany is no exception. Although Germany is open to tourists, it is best to stay informed of any changes in the health regulations. Furthermore, having a plan and a budget in hand can also be helpful when it comes to planning a trip.
Identifying Additional Needed Supplies
It is important to have all the necessary supplies with you when traveling to Germany, especially during Covid-19. Make sure to carry a few extra masks, personal hygiene essentials, sanitizer, and any other necessary supplies that might be needed during the trip. It is also recommended to bring a thermometer, in case of any eventualities.
Stocking Up On Essential Supplies: It is essential to make sure that all the necessary supplies and items needed for the trip are stocked and packed. This includes masks, gloves, sanitizers, and travel-sized toiletries. Having all these items with you upon arriving in Germany can reduce the risk of getting sick and potentially spreading the virus.
Bringing Medications: Travelers from high risk areas should also carry all relevant medication, such as fever reducers or antibiotics, in the event of a health emergency. It is advisable to speak to a medical professional before leaving for the trip, just to make sure that you are equipped with the right essentials.
Journal Health and Symptoms: It is also advisable to document any health changes or symptoms in a journal or diary. This will help identify any potential Covid-related issues and if any medical help is needed, it will be easier to pass on the relevant information to a doctor.
Verifying Vaccinations: Health experts also recommend double checking to make sure that all necessary vaccinations are up-to-date. This varies from country to country, so make sure to check with your country of origin’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the latest advice.
Research Local Transportation Protocols
In order to reduce the risk of infection, it is also important to understand and adhere to local transportation safety protocols when visiting Germany. This means doing the necessary research before booking a flight, train, or bus ticket.
Familiarizing Yourself with Safety Protocols: All airlines have different safety protocols in place and it is important to be aware of what is expected of travelers. Make sure to read all relevant terms and conditions before booking a flight, and be aware of all current restrictions and regulations.
Checking Travel Eligibility and Insurance: Travelers should also check if they are allowed to travel before buying tickets, as some countries might not allow travelers from high-risk areas. It is also important to understand what medical coverage is available should any eventuality occur.
Altnerative to Public Transportation: As an alternative, some travelers have opted for renting private cars or getting around on bicycles in order to minimize public contact. There are many car rental companies to choose from and some even offer additional safety measures such as sanitizing the car before and after each rental.
Documenting Your Trip
Documenting your trip and memories can make it even more special. Here are a few suggestions on ways to document your travels.
Take Pictures: Taking photos is the best way to remember your trip and capture all the special moments. A camera with a zoom lens is ideal for capturing faraway landmarks and also for taking close-up shots of nature.
Write Stories: Write stories, experiences, and memories of your journey in a travel journal. This way, you can look back on your journey and remember all the amazing sights you encountered.
Gifts and Souvenirs: Buy gifts and souvenirs from local stores and markets. This way, you can find unique items that will remind you of your adventure every time you look at them.
Additional Safety Precautions
It is important to take additional safety precautions when traveling to Germany from a high risk area during the Covid-19 pandemic. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Reducing Contact with Others: Minimize contact with other travelers by avoiding large crowds and crowded places like markets and shopping centers. Try to practice social distancing when possible, and wear a mask in public places.
Limiting Your Journeys: Consider taking short trips within Germany, instead of making longer journeys that might increase the risk of contact with other people and increase the risk of catching the virus.
Carrying Small Notes: Carry personal information with you, such as your name, phone number, and hotel address—all written on a piece of paper. This way, if you get lost, you can quickly hand them over to authorities without any contact.
Staying Informed: Last but not least, it is important to stay informed and updated about the current situation in Germany. Keep an eye on local news, health agencies air and train companies, in order to be up-to-date on the current regulations.
Applying for Visas and Passports
Visa regulations for travelers from high-risk areas are always changing, so it is important to check the latest requirements before planning a trip. Here are few tips on applying for visas and passports:
Checking Your Eligibility: It is important to check local visa regulations and ensure that you have the right documentation for entry into Germany. Some countries may require additional documentation, so make sure to check the requirements in advance.
Creating a Detailed Application: It is important to plan and fill out the visa application in detail ahead of time. Ensure to provide all the necessary information, such as proof of funds, a valid passport, and travel itinerary.
Submitting Additional Documentation: Depending on your country of origin and the purpose of the visit, it might be necessary to provide additional documents such as proof of return and lodging, among other things. Be sure to check this before submitting your application.
Taking the Test: In some cases, travelers may be required to take a Covid-19 test and provide proof of a negative result before being allowed entry. Make sure to check with local health authorities on any such requirements before traveling.
Conclusion
Traveling to Germany during the Covid-19 pandemic from a high-risk area can be a safe and rewarding experience, as long as the necessary precautionary measures are taken. Before embarking on the journey, travelers should be aware of the latest health protocols both in the country of origin and destination. They should also be aware of additional safety measures that can be taken in order to minimize contact with others and reduce any potential risks. Finally, it is important to familiarize oneself with the requirements for applying for visas and passports, as well as to double check any health and safety requirements issued by relevant authorities.
