I’ll go into more detailed itinerary for our Thanksgiving 2021 travels to Germany, Austria and France in the next blog post, but here are some quick tips to ensure travel is Covid-compliant and as smooth as possible in this area.
Check the US Embassy frequently for entry and exit Covid requirements. A Google search will bring up the Embassy for the specific country you wish to visit. Germany’s for example is: https://de.usembassy.gov. France is: https://fr.usembassy.gov. You will find the most up-to-date Covid-19 information from the Embassy in country.
If you are bringing the kids, pay special attention to 12 and above and 11 and under requirements. For our Nov 2021 vacation to Germany, France and Austria, our under 12 daughters didn’t need negative Covid tests or vaccinations to enter the countries. 8 yrs and under didn’t have to wear masks throughout Europe, but at Disneyland Paris, masks were required for 6 yrs old and up.
Also review the Travel-Ready Center (for United Airlines) once flights are booked. Each airline has their own name for the Travel-Ready Center. The airline will also show travel requirements and will typically request specific documents (test results, vaccination card, passport) to be uploaded ahead of travel to and from.
Order US-approved re-entry test kits from the airline to be delivered to your home/office before you leave the United States. There are a variety of options listed on American’s website. United only lists eMed, 6-pack for $150.00, 15-minute results. You can purchase a 2-pack from Qured through American Airlines, with a discount code, 2-hour results. All of these tests are video calls with a proctor monitoring the test taker. AND, you need to bring your iPad or a laptop with you to ensure connectivity to the proctor. An iPhone will not work!!!!!! Take the test 24 hours or less before your flight back to the United States.
Why order the kits to bring with you? Takes this one potential stressor out of the return process! We found, once we were in country, that Germany offers free rapid tests, but you have to find a pharmacy that offers them. France has free rapid tests for citizens, but Americans pay about $30 per test. And there is always the question as to whether or not the test taken in country will meet requirements for re-entry to the US. By ordering the approved tests ahead of time, you’re guaranteed to have the right test.
Order a couple extra kits just in case you receive an invalid result. We had this happen and didn’t have an extra re-entry test…and that’s why I know the French Covid test is $30! Luckily we found a pharmacy near our hotel in Paris that had US-approved re-entry tests. Everyone in our family had to submit a negative Covid test to enter the United States, despite age and vaccination status.
Print out test results to take with you if negative Covid test is required!!!! And order a plastic cover for your vaccination card or upload it to the country’s website if available. Adults/kids 12 and older will show vaccination card, negative Covid-test or proof of recovery before entering any restaurants or museums in Europe.
My husband was able to show his July 2021 hospital discharge form on his phone as proof of recovery from Covid within 6 months. In Europe, doctors provide an approved letter and it is used to generate the EU Digital Covid Certificate that can be used across all EU member states. The EU Digital Certificate is also issued for vaccinated individuals and those with a recent negative Covid test. We didn’t go through the steps to get the certificate and didn’t need it!
Being vaccinated is NOT a pre-condition for travel amongst EU countries. Other options are offered for those who have recovered within 6 months from Covid or those willing to be tested.
We Don’t Sit Still 