Germany drops COVID-19 travel requirements
Germany is the latest country to drop its COVID-19 travel requirements for visitors.
Just in time for the summer travel season, the German government lifted its "3G" rule. This rule had required tourists to show either proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test in order to enter the country, according to the German National Tourist Office.
Related: On board Lufthansa's inaugural flight from St. Louis to Germany in business class
This means that travelers, including those from the U.S., can now enter Germany without carrying any kind of proof of their coronavirus status, making it much easier to visit this summer.
Germany also dropped its mask mandates earlier this year. The country's only federal coronavirus-related rule that still remains is a requirement to wear masks on public transportation (meaning you'll need to wear one on planes, trains, subways and buses).
Germany joins a number of other countries that have dropped their pandemic-related entry requirements. On June 1, both Cyprus and Italy, which had held some of the toughest anti-COVID-19 measures in Europe during the pandemic, lifted all travel restrictions.
The United Kingdom opened its borders to all travelers, regardless of vaccination status, on March 18, and Greece followed suit on May 2.
Other countries across Europe — including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Sweden and Switzerland — have done the same.
Additionally, as of May 21, all Americans, regardless of vaccination status, can visit Spain because the country lifted its vaccination requirement (although unvaccinated tourists must show a negative COVID-19 result on a predeparture test).
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Unlimited up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Housing payments may include transaction fees, depending on the payment method
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 3 months + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.