COVID rules and requirements are evolving across Germany and Europe at large. So if you’re wondering what is considered fully vaccinated and what is considered as boosted, we’ve got you covered! The post below will sum up the current rules in Germany, as well as some of the most popular destinations in Europe.
What does it mean to be fully vaccinated it Germany?
To be considered as fully vaccinated and eligible under the 2G requirements, you would be required to receive the following:
– Two doses of vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca, for example. This also applies to those vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson.
All vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are accepted.
Your initial round of vaccinations is valid for 9 months (270 days). You would also be considered fully vaccinated if you have one dose of vaccination and one recovery certificate, which is valid for 6 months (180 days).
You would therefore be eligible under the 2G requirements for that time period.
What does it mean to be boosted in Germany?
You can get boosted as early as 3 months after your initial round of vaccinations, and no later than 9 months.
To be considered boosted and eligible under the 2G+ requirements, you would need one of the following:
– Three doses of vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca, for example. This also applies to those vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson.
– Two doses of vaccines & a recovery certificate, which is valid for 6 months (180 days).
Booster jabs are valid from the day after your shot in most German states and currently have an unlimited validity period.
If you are unable to get boosted yet, you can take a rapid antigen test (valid for 24 hours) to be eligible under the 2G+ requirements.
What are the rules in Europe?
The European Union is working towards harmonizing COVID rules and requirements. The plan is to allow fully vaccinated (less than 3 months since the completion of the first round of vaccinations or with a booster jab) and recovered people to travel within the EU without having to undergo any testing.
The first round of vaccination is considered valid for 9 months (270 days). Booster jabs currently have an unlimited validity period.
However, each country is allowed to adopt their own set of rules. Some countries may choose to require a test (PCR or antigen), have a different validity period for the initial round of vaccination, or ask travelers to fill out an entry form.
What are the current rules in some European countries?
France
France currently requires one of the following in order to enter the country:
– Proof of vaccination (CDC vaccination card or EU Digital Pass) valid at the following condition: 7 days after the second jab (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca) & 28 days after the first jab (Johnson & Johnson) is administrated and for a period of 7 months. A booster shot would be needed after the 7-month period to be considered fully vaccinated again.
– Proof of recovery from COVID-19, within the last 180 days
– For unvaccinated passengers, a negative result to a COVID-19 test: Rapid Antigen tests within 24 hours before departure.
Children under 12 years old and 2 months are exempted from the requirements.
All travelers over 12 years and 2 months who do not have a complete vaccination schedule or a certificate of recovery must complete a sworn statement stating that they have no symptoms.
Italy
Italy currently requires one of the following in order to enter the country:
– Proof of vaccination (CDC vaccination card or EU Digital Pass) valid at the following condition: 14 days after the second jab is administrated and for a period of 9 months. A booster shot would be needed after the 9-month period to be considered fully vaccinated again.
– Proof of recovery from COVID-19, within the last 180 days
– For unvaccinated travelers, a negative COVID test needs to presented at the following condition: negative PCR test (48 hours) or antigen test (24 hours).
Children under 6 years old are exempted from the testing.
All travelers must fill in an entry form to enter Italy.
Spain
Spain currently requires one of the following in order to enter the country:
– Proof of vaccination (CDC vaccination card or EU Digital Pass) valid at the following condition: 14 days after the second jab is administrated and for a period of 9 months. A booster shot would be needed after the 9-month period to be considered fully vaccinated again.
– Proof of recovery from COVID-19, within the last 180 days
– For unvaccinated travelers, a negative COVID test needs to presented at the following condition: negative PCR test (72 hours) or antigen test (48 hours).
Children under 12 years old are exempted from the testing, but would need to complete the entry form mentioned below.
Travelers arriving by air or by sea must fill out an entry form to enter Spain.
Switzerland
Switzerland currently requires one of the following in order to enter the country:
– Proof of vaccination (CDC vaccination card or EU Digital Pass) valid at the following condition: 14 days after the second jab is administrated and for a period of 9 months. A booster shot would be needed after the 9-month period to be considered fully vaccinated again.
– Proof of recovery from COVID-19, within the last 180 days
– For unvaccinated travelers, a negative COVID test needs to presented at the following condition: negative PCR test (72 hours) or antigen test (24 hours).
Children under 16 years old are exempted from the testing.
All travelers must complete the entry form at least 48 hours before departure.
Ireland
Ireland currently requires one of the following in order to enter the country:
– Proof of vaccination (CDC vaccination card or EU Digital Pass) valid at the following condition: 14 days after the second jab is administrated and for a period of 9 months. A booster shot would be needed after the 9-month period to be considered fully vaccinated again.
– Proof of recovery from COVID-19, within the last 180 days
– For unvaccinated travelers, a negative COVID test needs to presented at the following condition: negative PCR test (72 hours).
Children under 16 years old are exempted from the testing.
All travelers must also complete the entry form to enter Ireland.
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