Travelers can now get vaccinated at Dracula's famous castle in Romania
Romania's Bran Castle, a popular tourist attraction made legendary by its loose association with fictional vampire Dracula, is offering free vaccines to visitors through the first weekend in June.
Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia, had a penchant for impaling his enemies on stakes (and allegedly drinking their blood), earning him the nickname Vlad the Impaler and making him the basis for Bram Stoker's Dracula character.

Although Vlad III did not own or live at Bran Castle, Stoker's use of its likeness as a model for Castle Dracula has given the property a somewhat ghastly reputation -- one that doesn't exactly scream "good health."
However, as part of this new vaccine initiative -- and in the spirit of impaling -- participants can choose to voluntarily have their arms pricked with a dose of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine while they check out the historic Transylvanian landmark.
But, if the thought of being "bitten" at Dracula's castle sounds fun, don't get your hopes up just yet. Unfortunately, like many other countries right now, Romania is not allowing U.S. citizens to enter unless they are traveling for essential business or family reasons.
Related: Europe reopening: A country-by-country guide

The U.S. State Department has also issued a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" warning for Romania to encourage Americans not to visit the country right now, even if they are permitted to enter. The agency's website cites "a very high level of COVID-19 in the country."

As of May 12, Reuters estimates that only about 16% of Romania's population has been fully immunized, but the number of cases has fallen, with just 44 reported virus cases per 100,000 people over the past week.
The castle's website and Facebook page do not immediately make clear whether vaccines will only be available to residents of Romania, but appointments are not required, and each person who receives a jab will also be given a verification certificate.
Recipients of the shot aren't required to purchase admission to the castle, but, fittingly, those who choose to do so will receive free access to the Medieval Torture Instruments exhibit.
Inoculations will be given at the location every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through June 6, 2021.
Visitors, whether vaccinated or not, are required to adhere to standard COVID-19 prevention protocols, such as mask-wearing and social distancing.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app


