The German state of Baden-Württemberg has allowed people who have been vaccinated against the corona virus to enter the country without quarantine and testing since April 19, 2021. But how do you prove vaccination? Which documents are recognized?

The quarantine-free entry for vaccinated persons does not apply from all countries. A spokesman for the state of Baden-Württemberg explains: "The exception according to § 2 Paragraph 2 No. 6 Corona Regulation Entry Quarantine of the State of Baden-Württemberg for people who have been vaccinated for at least 14 days using vaccination documentation applies only for entries from “normal” risk areas and high-incidence areas. However, it does not apply to entry from virus variant areas. "

Specifically, this means that people who have previously been in a so-called virus variant area must continue to be in quarantine and should therefore inform themselves particularly carefully about the entry requirements of the state of Baden-Württemberg, which apply at the time of planned entry.

Yellow WHO vaccination certificate must be presented

When asked how vaccinated people can prove their immunization, a spokesman for the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Health replied: “Internationally recognized vaccination confirmations are only in the WHO vaccination card. The validity and mutual recognition of the WHO card in international travel are regulated by the "International Health Regulations 2005, Articles 35 & 36". If required, proof of the completed vaccination must be provided by means of vaccination documentation within the meaning of Section 22 of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG). It is permissible to present a vaccination card or a vaccination certificate. The vaccination documentation must meet the requirements of Section 22 (2) IfSG. Accordingly, vaccination documentation for each vaccination must contain the following information: date of the vaccination, name and batch number of the vaccine (usually in the form of a batch label attached), name of the disease against which the vaccination was carried out, name and address of the person responsible for carrying it out (usually Practice stamp of the doctor) as well as confirmation in writing or in electronic form of the person responsible for the implementation (usually personal signature of the doctor). The control and recognition of the vaccination certificate is the responsibility of the competent authorities in each individual case. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Integration cannot provide general information on this. "

People residing in Austria can print out the extract from the electronic vaccination card using their mobile phone signature. The PDF document does not currently meet the formal requirements outlined by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Health. Furthermore, the ELGA printout does not contain a stamp, signature or digital signature. Therefore, the document is "not suitable for travel" at the current time.

Entry registration must still be completed

When asked whether further documents, such as an antibody test carried out after the vaccinations, must be presented when entering Baden-Württemberg in addition to the vaccination certificate, the spokesman for the ministry replied: "No, there are no additional requirements for vaccination certificates." the spokesman for the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Health replied: “Basically yes, because the requirement for an entry registration is based on the federal coronavirus entry regulations. This does not (yet) provide for any exceptions for vaccinated people. Please note that the federal government is currently considering making it easier for people who have been vaccinated. To what extent this includes the mandatory test upon entry, we cannot say. "