Oktoberfest 2019

The Oktoberfest takes place every year between the end of September and the beginning of October in Munich, Germany.  However, Oktoberfest is also celebrated in many countries around the world. In Germany, the event goes on for three consecutive weekends and a total of two weeks celebrations. This year it takes place between 21 September and 6 October 2019.

If you will travel on behalf of UT Dallas, to a location celebrating Oktoberfest, consider the following recommendations from the U.S. Department of State, the CDC and International Risk and Safety.

Research your destination

• Review country information for information on safety and security risks, passport, visa and vaccination requirements, local laws, money matters, and health, safety and security.  If not a U.S. citizen check directly with the Germany consulate in the U.S. for visa information.
• Review health information for health and medical risks.
• Review ISOS medical, travel, and road risk ratings.
• For UTD travel, you can request a trip review to obtain tailored safety and security advise for your trip.

Health

• Talk to your doctor about vaccines and medicines recommended for your destination.
• For UTD travel, review your insurance coverage through UT Dallas

Get ready to go

• Follow the Traveler Guidelines to meet UT Dallas international travel requirements.
• If you have updated your travel itinerary, or have not registered it with International SOS, please register your travel itinerary in ISOS now.
• Expect significant travel congestion. Many people are traveling during this time.
• Make photocopies of your travel documents. Leave one copy with a trusted friend or relative at home and carry the other separately from your original documents. To help prevent theft, do not carry your passport in your back pocket, and keep it separate from your money.
• Create an Emergency Communications plan.
• Pack Smart. Pack light, make sure you are not carrying banned items or substances, and have vital documents within reach.
• Pack a travel health kit.

During your trip

• If you feel sick or need travel assistance, for UTD Travel contact ISOS 24/7.
• Follow the CDC advise for Travel to Mass Gatherings.
• There is an ongoing threat of terrorism. Be vigilant and keep informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. Follow instructions issued by the local authorities and exercise a heightened degree of vigilance in public places.
• Prior to participants entering festival grounds or events, bag checks may be performed. Secure all large bags and non-essential items at your accommodations.
• There is a high incidence of petty crime in many European countries. Tourists are often seen as easy targets and can be most vulnerable in or around major tourist areas and sites. Don’t leave your bag or belongings unattended while in public places or on public transport. Keep your passport and other personal belongings secure. As a precaution against drink spiking, never leave your drink unattended.

After your trip

• Learn about some of the common health issues travelers might experience after returning home.
• If you feel sick, visit your doctor and let them know about your trip.

Sources

• GOVT.NZ: Oktoberfest 2019
• U.S. Department of State: Country Information Pages
• CDC: Destinations – Traveler’s Health
• U.S. Department of State: Traveler’s Checklist
• CDC: Getting Sick after Travel

The risk information in this report is retrieved from the listed sources. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the publication date of this post, and go to the direct sources listed above for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.