3G on the Christmas market, 2G when shopping and soon 1G + when traveling? Unvaccinated people find it increasingly difficult to participate in public life.
Because the entry requirements for popular holiday destinations change at regular intervals, many countries and companies are making vaccinations mandatory. There is great concern about the new variant of the Omicron virus.
The cruise giant TUI Cruises will therefore soon be standardizing its travel regulations. From February 23, 2022, only vaccinated holidaymakers will be transported on the company’s entire ship fleet, industry services unanimously report. The regulation also applies within the EU. For example for cruises to the Canary Islands. The company confirms: “This means that we are as well prepared as possible for future requirements for our shipping areas”.
Vaccinated travelers must present a negative corona test “upon embarkation”. Children are also allowed to travel without a vaccination, the prerequisite is a double test in advance.
TUI Cruises is not an isolated case. The AIDA also relies entirely on the compulsory vaccination. “All AIDA trips in the winter season 2021/22 are only possible for fully vaccinated guests with a valid certificate,” says the official website.
Is 1G coming soon to air travel?
Airline airlines are introducing mandatory vaccination for staff
That could actually happen. So far, this only applies to staff.
Swiss Air has already implemented a corona vaccination for its flight personnel. Just like the US airlines American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Jet Blue.
The employees had until December to have themselves vaccinated, and the notices for those who refused to be vaccinated should be sent out in January. If an employee cannot be vaccinated for health reasons, exceptions should apply. The cabin crew union “Kapers” had emphasized that affected personnel in many cases did not oppose the termination can proceed. Vaccinations are generally recorded in the employment contract.
Lufthansa is also aiming for a corresponding compulsory vaccination for employees, the Lufthansa board member Detlef Kayser had in the “Picture on sunday” announced.
First countries require vaccination for entry
Within the EU, unvaccinated and non-convalescents are currently not excluded from vacation trips. In many cases, however, you have to present a PCR test or in quarantine if you are traveling from high-risk areas. In other EU countries it looks a little different.
If you want to travel to Kosovo from January 3, 2022, you need proof of a full vaccination against Covid-19. The first vaccination is also accepted. However, it must not be more than four weeks ago and the vaccination certificate must be supplemented with a negative PCR test. Those who have recovered need at least one vaccination and proof of recovery, which must not be older than six months.
Costa Rica is also planning a 1G regulation. From January 8, 2022, vacationers may only take part in restaurants, hotels, shops and group trips if they are fully vaccinated.
In Kenya, the 1G rule will apply from December 21st.
Group trips (still) rely on 2G – 1G could soon follow
Last summer, 2G played a crucial role. In group trips in particular, those who had not recovered and those who had not been vaccinated were excluded. As travel experts explained at the time, 2G will primarily prevail in group, sport, adventure and round trips. The new Omikron virus variant could, however, also lead to a 1G strategy within Europe in these travel segments.
But the concept is also lucrative for all-inclusive hotels. On the one hand, the entire travel program including guided tours, leisure activities and catering can be carried out without restrictions.