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Travelers can now get vaccinated at Dracula's famous castle in Romania

May 12, 2021
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3 min read
Illuminated castle on hill, Bran, Transylvania, Romania
Travelers can now get vaccinated at Dracula's famous castle in Romania
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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.

(Screenshot courtesy Castelful Bran via Facebook)

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

Visitors to Romania's Bran Castle, of 'Dracula' fame, can now be vaccinated on site. (Photo by David Greedy/Getty Images)

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."

Doctor writing COVID-19 vaccination record card after vaccination on patient.
Participants in the Bran Castle vaccine program will receive an official verification certificate. (Photo by ArtistGNDphotography/Getty Images)

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.

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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.

Featured image by Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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