Update: Germany requiring vaccination for American visitors and at certain indoor spaces
Editor's Note
New vaccination requirements have been implemented in Germany to require proof of vaccination in certain indoor spaces as of Aug. 23.
Dubbed the "3G rule," select institutions and recreational facilities are now enforcing proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test for patrons wishing to enter, per the German government. Affected areas include fitness studios, hotels, cafes and restaurants.
"Anyone who is not fully vaccinated or has not recovered from the illness will have to present a rapid antigen test that is no more than 24 hours old or a PCR test that is no more than 48 hours old in order to take part in any indoor events," the mandate reads. "Testing will therefore become mandatory when visiting hospitals, nursing and care homes and for access to indoor cafés and restaurants, for instance, as well as for attending celebrations and events, or using personal care services such as hairdressers’ or cosmetics studios. The same rule will apply to indoor sports and to overnight accommodation at hotels and guest houses."
This presents a potential issue for visiting Americans since non-EU citizens cannot apply for the EU's Digital COVID Certificate and there is no digital version of the vaccination card issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at this time.
We have reached out for clarification regarding whether the CDC vaccination card will be accepted as proof to fulfill this requirement.
On Aug. 15, Germany announced Americans must be fully vaccinated to enter the country or face a 10-day mandatory quarantine for visitors from “high-risk” countries who cannot prove they’ve been fully vaccinated or have previously recovered from COVID-19.
Visitors can test out of quarantine if they get a test on day five that comes back negative.
The United States, Turkey and Israel were reclassified as “high risk” on Friday as part of Germany’s weekly reconsideration of travel restrictions.
As TPG has reported, Germany opened back up to American tourists in June despite the United States still having a ban on visitors from Germany.
Related: I was one of the first American tourists allowed back into Germany
The European Union decided to welcome back American tourists on June 16, and Germany began allowing visitors a few days later after some confusion on June 20.
Related: France adds US to ‘green’ list: I’m in the country now — here’s what it’s like and what to expect
The new rules may have some visitors scrambling to change their plans since most unvaccinated travelers will not want to quarantine.
All unvaccinated travelers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test result taken within 72 or 48 hours of arrival, respectively.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Germany, the testing requirement is waived for those who are fully vaccinated (14 days after the second shot of a two-dose vaccine or the first shot of a one-dose vaccine) with an approved vaccine, as well as those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months, unless they are entering from a virus-variant area of concern.
The latest updates for travel can be found here. Updates on risk areas are provided by the Robert Koch Institute.
Additional reporting by Caroline Tanner.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $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.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- 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.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.