Germany Travel Advisories Issued

The US Department of State issued an enhanced Travel Advisory when visiting the country of Germany. 

This Level 2 ‘Practice Enhanced Caution’ Travel Advisory issued on June 19, 2019, is related to the German government’s increased security at public buildings, major events, transport hubs, and large public gatherings. 

The US State Department says visitors to Germany should be vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities. 

This is important news since over 13 million visitors traveled to Germany in 2018. These visitors mainly came from Britain, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands, but also from the USA. 

Additionally, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) says ‘border controls have been reintroduced at some crossing points between Germany and Austria, Denmark and Sweden.’ 

This FCO Advisory says there is no requirement to carry your passport with you, but if you’re asked to show your passport and you don’t have it with you, the police may escort you to wherever your passport is being kept so that you can show it to them. 

If you decide to visit Germany this summer, the US Department of State suggests the following preventive actions:

• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt, nor display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations, such as this Traveler’s Checklist.
• The US Embassy in Berlin is located at Clayallee 170, 14191 Berlin, the Federal Republic of Germany.

Additionally, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its list of suggested vaccinations on June 18, 2019.

These vaccines include Routine Vaccines and the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. 

Furthermore, both Canada and the US CDC issued Level 1 Alerts related to the ongoing measles outbreak in Europe.

Over the past year, Germany has reported 707 measles cases, which indicates a need for visitors to be protected with the MMR vaccine.

In response to Germany’s measles outbreak, the country's health minister said he is considering legislation that would issue fines of up to €2,500 ($2,800) for under-vaccinated residents.

According to an interview transcript published by the Health Ministry, Health Minister Jens Spahn said, "I want to eradicate measles."

"Anyone going to a kindergarten or school should be vaccinated against measles," he said, adding that parents would need to show proof of vaccination or could face fines and exclusion from daycare.

Pre-departure vaccination services, related travel medications, and counseling appointments can be scheduled at a US pharmacy by visiting Vax-Before-Travel.