Travel to Germany Unvaccinated
Traveling to Germany present a unique opportunity to experience rich cultural and natural beauty, it’s diverse landscape and its gastronomic delights. With increasing demand for travel to the country, the question of whether vaccination is needed prior to travel has risen invariably. Vaccination requirements vary across different countries and travelers are encouraged to keep up-to-date with recommendations well ahead of their trips.
U.S. citizens are not required to be vaccinated in order to travel to Germany, though the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends travelers to be vaccinated against the common kinds of illnesses that are present in the country. There are no specific restrictions that will prevent unvaccinated individuals from entering the country, though some preventative measures are strongly recommended.
German health officials respectfully advocate for travelers to be vaccinated prior to visiting the country. The German Ministry of Health and Social Affairs revealed that “vaccination of German residents against certain vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus and polio, as well as against the flu virus and pneumococcal infections is recommended”.
However, Vaccination against the flu virus is optional and travelers may receive a vaccination upon their arrival in Germany. According to Dr. Rainer Wiedemann, a vaccination expert at the Robert Koch Institut in Berlin, Germany, “there is no official country restriction on travelers who decide not to receive vaccinations before entering Germany, but we highly recommend that individuals receive the necessary protection prior to their arrival into the country.”
It is noteworthy to mention that travelers may be willing to incur certain risks associated with not being vaccinated. Travelers who arrive into Germany unvaccinated may be subject to close monitoring while in the country and therefore, be required to take additional preventative measures to minimize their exposure to potential infectious diseases. All travelers should consult their health care provider prior to embarking on the trip and ask about any other specific immunizations and/or vaccinations the traveler may need during their stay in the country.
Safety while unvaccinated
While unvaccinated travelers may be in some danger, there are steps they can take to remain safe during their duration in Germany. For example, they should seek out medical care should they show signs and symptoms of illness and follow the instructions of health care personnel who may direct them to additional places for treatment. German health care officials advise travelers to bring documents that explain their medical condition and any medications the traveler may be taking.
In addition, they strongly recommend travelers to wash their hands often, practice proper food and beverage safety, and avoid contact with animals including domestic pets like cats and dogs. This helps prevent travelers from getting sick from coming in contact with contaminated surfaces, food, and other humans. Furthermore, it is important for travelers to understand the risks associated with their activities by asking questions from local healthcare professionals.
Travelers should also be aware of their own limitations, and take their health history into account when travelling. As a precaution, those with pre-existing medical conditions, as well as pregnant women should allow for more time for their visit, as they could be more susceptible to infection. In these cases, consulting a health care professional in order to receive vaccinations and preventive treatment before the visit may be the best choice.
Prevention
Prevention is always better than a cure, especially for travelers. And while unvaccinated travelers can take precautionary steps, the best option is to receive the necessary vaccines prior to traveling. Generally, it is better to complete the necessary vaccinations prior to arriving in the country rather than after arriving, as many vaccines can take weeks or even months to achieve full efficacy.
Some vaccinations may also be required for entry into certain parts of Germany, depending on the individual’s health record. As an example, those travelling to the eastern region of Germany may require a Yellow Fever vaccination, which can only be administered prior to the trip.
Another important factor to consider is the cost of medical care while in Germany. If a traveler needs medical attention, it is often cheaper to be treated in Germany with international insurance than attempting to receive treatment without insurance in the U.S. It is common for those travelling without necessary vaccinations to purchase additional insurance coverage — traveler’s insurance — for medical and other illness-related needs while in Germany.
Alternatives to Vaccinations
In the event that a traveler cannot obtain the necessary vaccinations, there are alternative methods of travel that can be used to avoid infection or other illnesses. For example, travelers can opt to only visit well-developed places in the country that have robust safety protocols in place. These places are more likely to have strict sanitary measures and better treatments for certain illnesses due to the fact that they have better resources and access to technology.
In addition, travelers can opt to fly to Germany instead of traveling by land in order to minimize contact with potentially contaminated areas. Though, this may not always be possible due to economic and time constraints. Regardless of the mode of transportation chosen, travelers should research destinations and be sure to take all safety precautions necessary during the duration of their travel.
Accommodation
When looking for accommodation, travelers should be sure to select a place with high levels of sanitation and safety protocols. It is also important to note that certain health issues will require travelers to stay in a place that has easy access to medical attention. This is especially true for travelers staying in rural areas, where medical care is not always readily available. It is better to be safe than sorry, so travelers should always plan ahead and research all available options.
At the same time, travelers should also be mindful of their budgets and choose accommodation that best suits their needs. For example, if travelers are looking for a place to stay during their visit with family or friends, it may be cheaper to stay in a hotel or university guesthouse. Alternatively, if the traveler is on their own or travelling with a group, there are many bed and breakfasts, hostels, holiday apartments and Airbnb’s that offer affordable rates.
Conclusion
Travel to Germany unvaccinated can and should be done as long as travelers take precautionary steps to ensure their safety and health. First of all, travelers should check to see what recommended vaccinations are applicable to their trip. If they are unable to receive these vaccinations, they should make sure to take the necessary steps to minimize their exposure to viruses and illnesses and pick appropriate accommodation. Travelers should be mindful of their budget and opt for a place to stay with access to medical attention should they need it. Finally, travelers should be aware of their limitations and seek advice from healthcare professionals if they require further information.
