Heading back to Germany (and Netherlands)...

get the luca app on your phone. will get you most easily into the biergartens and taverns. everywhere is checking for "3G" (geimpft, genesen, getestet) so expect to have to show proof everywhere you go with the app.

otherwise, it's wonderful over here. slightly thinner crowds make it super relaxed. plus there's the comfort of knowing those around you are in all likelihood not going to be and/or make ppl sick.

I've never said in my 30+ years of coming/living here that it has felt more relaxed and open than the US, but that is IMO undoubtedly the case now.

enjoy!

 

We're going in October, assuming Belgium doesn't change it's mind again

Antwerp (Oct 13-18) Düsseldorf (Oct 18-21, Uerige Sticke), Bamberg (Oct 21-26) and Berlin (Oct 26-Nov 1).

 

I went to the Schlenkerla in August and they weren’t checking if people had been vaccinated or tested.

 

yeah, it all changed right around the time I arrived. they may even be switching to 2G (geimpft genesen) soon. so... no more negative test allowance

 

Hey David, please let us know how everything goes during your travels. I am beginning plans for a summer 2022 Netherlands/Belgium trip & would really like to hear the good/bad/ugly of your adventure.

All the best & enjoy a European fall vaca!

 

Dave in Bavaria:

 

I’m in Frankfurt right now and every place has asked about being vaccinated but not actually checked for it (maybe 5 out of 30 have). They are very strict about masking though.

And I’ll certainly agree with @herrburgess that this is a different Germany than I’ve seen before. There are definitely less people here now (definitely less Americans), and those who are out and about seem happier and more friendly, probably because they’re glad to get out from under lockdown.

I’ll be in France for the next few days and then back to Köln / Düsseldorf / Dessau / Goslar / Berlin and I’ll give updates on vax checking if I find anything different. But I should also note that almost every place I’ve been to has also had a QR code printed out either on their menu or just on the table to quickly link you to the Luca app.

 

we did a couple tests over there. before we flew to Italy and before we returned to the US. both done in MUC Airport. both free. same re: results. abiut 15 min. super easy.

 

Those of you traveling to the EU from the States SHOULD be able to get a "Green Pass" or Covid Vaccination Passport from the country you are visiting. I've heard that if you get the "White Card" from the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/register-for-v-safe.html) this can make the process much easier.

I live in Spain and can only speak for here, but the basic rule of thumb is that once you're considered vaccinated by any EU state, you can then request the EU-wide "Green Pass" which will work in any EU country. This is really only necessary if you plan on traveling between countries.

Anyway, good luck everyone and happy trails!

 

yeah, we didn't have any luck with the Green Pass, either.

 

I just spoke with someone who was just in Paris, and she said that if you go into a pharmacy with your Vaccine card, they can give you the French equivalent. She also said that while pharmacies are supposed to do this, many resist the hassle. The pharmacist theoretically though can enter the portal and put your info into the system. You could then download the French app https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tousanticovid/id1511279125 and get your pass.

In any case, it's worth the try.

Perhaps this is the website you mentioned using already, but try here too: https://www.demarches-simplifiees.fr/commencer/passe-sanitaire-etrangers?locale=en

Good luck!

 

I can attest that in Frankfurt, the 3G [geimpft/genesen/getestet = vaccinated/recovered/tested] rule is pretty much in effect everywhere you want to drink/eat. (The same goes for concerts/cinema/etc.) My mother visited for 3 weeks from the USA, and I told her to take a photo of her CDC card and flash that at places. She had no problems at all, though we (my wife or I) had to log in to the restaurants with the Luca app while visited those places. She left 2 weeks ago and the rules are still in place. You still need to wear masks at all times in public transport and while shopping indoors.

All testing is free still at the moment for everyone, with testing centers in almost every neighborhood. That may change in the future for those not fully vaccinated, the thinking being "why should the government pay for those who flagrantly choose not to get vaccinated." Medical reasons would be exempt.

Now... what's interesting is that in some places they simply asked if we could all immediately verify our vaccination status if the city's health department made spot checks, which they said was often enough to worry them. We didn't actually have to show them, but since I have my QR code for my vaccinations on 2 different apps, the Luca & the Corona Warn App, it's a breeze to whip out.

I was in Holland 3 weeks ago for a craft beer fest and asked naïvely if we needed to wear a mask, and was promptly laughed at with the questions, "you must have just come from Germany?" Apparently, Corona doesn't exist in Holland any more.

 

Tony, did Snoop Dogg wipe out the inventory!?!