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Traveling back from Germany to the United States directly

I’m plan to travel to Germany in June or else a later month directly from the United States to Germany and back.
I’m already familiar about travel in normal times to Germany but I need to know please when I travel from Germany directly back to United States as a US citizen and with a valid passport with more than a year left on it actually it’s practically new because I renewed it, Do I need to still have a one day before my flight back negative Covid test taken in Germany or have they change the requirements or are they changing the requirements in late May like I’ve heard the rumor.
also do I still need to take a booster shot after I’ve taken two shots two weeks before I go to Germany?
Thanks in advance for the information and I wish all of you travelers a good enjoyable trip

Posted by
8094 posts

"Do I need to still have a one day before my flight back negative Covid test taken in Germany or have they change the requirements or are they changing the requirements in late May like I’ve heard the rumor."

The rules change constantly. You'll need to check the U.S. Government's testing requirements when it's time to return home.

Posted by
6228 posts

As David said, the rules are changing constantly. But as if right now, you need a Covid test taken within one day of your flight back to the US.

And yes, at this time, you need 3 total shots (including a booster) to enter German and you have to get the booster at least 14 days before your trip.

Posted by
292 posts

You can enter Germany with a negative PCR test - no vaccination
required. See this official link.

The link you posted states the opposite.

In principle, entry is possible from:

(1) EU member states
(2) states associated with Schengen: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein
(3) other countries from which entry is possible in light of the epidemiological situation assessment by the EU.

Entry from any other country for any purposse (including visits
and tourism) is only possible for fully vaccinated people.
...
For people not yet vaccinated entry from other countries is only possible in exceptional cases and is conditional on there being an urgent need.

The list of "other countries" can be found here, but does not include either the US or Canada. Tourism is not an urgent need, so tourists from other countries cannot enter without vaccination.

About whether two or three doses are needed, that is more confusing and I would recommend carefully confirming this information: The German Mission to the US website, however, links to this document to describe what constitutes full vaccination. A close reading suggests that two doses are considered fully immunised until October 1, 2022, at which point three doses will be required.

Posted by
6228 posts

Emily, I’m aware of the negative PCR test. But she was asking specifically about booster shots so that’s why I said that.

Posted by
15 posts

Thanks for your Information Yes Mardee I was asking specifically if I needed a booster shot in addition to the two shots I already have taken with Pfizer. I think I will get the booster anyway whether I need it or not. But I guess it’s always good to people give additional information since other travelers we have different needs or questions.

I heard from someone that you can get your paper vaccine document digitalized somehow On a website but I forgot which one. What the United States issued when I had my two vaccines; of course not at the same time, the paper document looks Not as official as it would look there’s no official stamps I had to ask the person giving the vaccine to sign it since one of the countries still required to be signed they don’t normally do that.

Posted by
747 posts

OP.
You probably need a booster shot because why not? You already have the first two. Would be easier for you all around. Once you get the first shot, why anyone would not continue is beyond me. Especially if you want to travel, and to Europe.

Posted by
15 posts

Treemouse2. There are some reasons to wait for our next booster shot/vaccine. If we had a bad mild reaction or just reaction that made me just tired for half the day we might want to wait a little bit longer since I was working at home that week And actually I already decided to take it before my trip I was just wanting the latest information before deciding to book my trip.
And I read that any comment about the vaccine is supposed to be related to travel so as to related to travel it’s good that I take the booster not so close to my trip so any reaction can be gotten over before I make the long flights. Yes I know one has to have the vaccine and for me specifically the booster shot over two weeks before the trip, now I haven’t been reading the specific information so maybe I don’t have the facts exactly but I am going to do that over two weeks before my trip. Also since I’m at home all the time I’m not putting myself or others in danger and just do not enjoy getting jabs then why not wait a little bit longer. There are all kinds of reasons to wait that are good reasons before traveling.

also if anybody has information about the website to go to to find out the latest information about whatever’s needed to get back to United States besides your passport that would be appreciated and my passport has more than nine years left on it since I just had it renewed. So I wish everybody and Rick Steves Readers and travelers good health and travels.🌍🚂🚴🏻‍♀️🚵🏻‍♀️🚆

Posted by
6228 posts

I heard from someone that you can get your paper vaccine document digitalized somehow On a website but I forgot which one. What the United States issued when I had my two vaccines; of course not at the same time, the paper document looks Not as official as it would look there’s no official stamps I had to ask the person giving the vaccine to sign it since one of the countries still required to be signed they don’t normally do that.

I wouldn't worry about it - no one is asking to see it (except the airline when you first leave). I haven't pulled it out at all and I've been there a week. My 2 cards were a mess - 2 shots + 1 booster were crowded on one, and the 2nd booster was put on a different card. But again no one cares...