Thanks to the decreasing number of infections and loosening at home and abroad, the next vacation is no longer just a beautiful dream, but is within reach again. Nevertheless: There is still a lot to know and to consider in order to avoid problems on the way from the start as far as possible.
At least the following questions should be asked before departure:
What are the rules for entry and overnight stays at my holiday destination?
For Germany holds the tourism guide The federal government provides detailed and up-to-date information on the requirements in the individual federal states.
When the trip to foreign countries should lead, it’s worth taking a look at the current risk list of the RKI – It states which regions and countries are currently considered to be at risk, high incidence or virus variant areas. On July 1, the federal government lifted the general travel warning for corona risk areas with a seven-day incidence below 200. This has above all consequences in terms of travel law: A package tour can usually be canceled if a travel warning is issued – and this was not foreseeable at the time of booking. And some overseas health insurances will not pay if there is a travel warning.
Informed about the current corona rules and entry / quarantine regulations in individual countries the Foreign Office in its travel and security information. The European Union also sets the rules in Europe on the Re-open EU portal. The infection situation worldwide can be among other things at Johns Hopkins University recall.
How much financial risk do I want to take on?
Cancellation terms have been even more relevant since the pandemic than before. In any case, it is worth taking a look at the small print of booking offers and travel contracts. Relevant points include: Do I have to pay if I or a fellow traveler cannot travel due to a positive test? And if so, how much? Will I get my money back if a ban on accommodation makes my trip impossible for a short time? And what happens if the travel destination is declared a risk area? Package travelers are better protected than individual travelers, over The European Commission will inform you of the rights and claims relating to package tours and related travel services. Even with canceled flights European law applies.
Does our travel community live up to the rules?
The fact that a holiday home can be booked again after a long lockdown does not mean that you can automatically fill all the bedrooms with a large circle of friends. Contact restrictions continue to apply in many places and are also increasingly different for unvaccinated and vaccinated people. It is therefore important to clarify the number of people or households allowed at the holiday resort before planning a major holiday again. About the contact restrictions the federal emergency brake for regions with a high number of new infections informs the federal government. She also poses a list of links with the – possibly deviating – provisions in the federal states is available.
What is actually my current status?
Those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered have more freedom in many places, both at home and abroad. When exactly someone is considered “vaccinated” differs considerably depending on the vaccine used and the travel destination. Sometimes the first dose is enough; other countries require both injections. The mandatory waiting times between the vaccination appointment and the earliest possible departure also differ. The best thing to do is to get information directly from the country of travel; links to the respective entry requirements are usually there in the travel and safety information from the Federal Foreign Office to find. The same applies to those who have recovered: Those who have survived a corona infection are often exempt from testing obligations – but also have to deal with a large number of different regulations. Information about the type of proof required is particularly important here, as there is currently no standardized recovery card.
Which corona tests are accepted?
Many countries require a negative test result for entry. You should find out in advance whether a PCR test is required or whether a rapid antigen test is sufficient. Self-tests in which you push the cotton swab up your nose yourself will not be accepted. The test must be up-to-date, the time spans vary between 24 and 72 hours depending on the country. The time at which the sample was taken is always decisive and not when the result was communicated. Sufficient lead time must therefore be planned for a PCR test. And: not all test centers are open on weekends. The RKI summarizes which tests are permitted when returning to Germany.
What applies to my child
(Small) children cannot be vaccinated at the moment, but are mostly exempt from mask and test obligations or contact restrictions: in principle, parents know that. But up to what year of life exactly do the relief apply? This can vary greatly depending on the holiday destination.
Do I have everything I need in my luggage?
Packing your suitcase is something very personal. In times of pandemics, however, there are a few things in addition to passports and chargers that should definitely be included. This includes: sufficient masks, disinfectants for on the go, if necessary the vaccination certificate or a digital vaccination certificate on the mobile phone.
How do I get there and on site?
If you want to use ferries, trains or local public transport, you should find out about transport conditions and hygiene rules on the websites of the providers or holiday destinations – not least for your own protection.
Are the vacation activities even possible?
Many are currently particularly looking forward to long-missed activities such as visits to museums, concerts or zoo, going out to dinner, an evening drink in a bar. This may well be possible at the destination, but is not guaranteed – or maybe only works with a negative test and / or Pre-registration. If possible, read the conditions directly on the websites of sights or bars.
What can I expect when I return to Germany?
Depending on the risk status of the holiday country and depending on the means of transport, a test or even a quarantine may be required when returning to Germany. What has to be proven in which case, explains the Federal Ministry of Health here. From August there will be uniform rules for all travelers who come back to Germany from abroad. According to SZ information, it is being discussed that every person arriving must then be vaccinated, recovered or tested – regardless of the number of infections at the holiday destination. So far this only applies to air travelers.