German Travel Requirements: Unlocking Entry To Germany

To travel to Germany, you must meet the country's entry requirements. Germany is part of the Schengen area, which means that US, UK, and Australian citizens can enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date, and it is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months. You may also need to show proof of sufficient funds and a return or onward ticket. Currently, there are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for entry to Germany.

Passport requirements

To travel to Germany, you must have a valid passport. Germany follows the rules of the Schengen Area, which states that your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the country. This means that your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least three months after the day you plan to leave Germany. It is important to note that some airlines may deny boarding if your passport is not valid for at least six months, especially if you are transiting through other Schengen countries.

Your passport must also meet the following criteria:

• It must be no older than 10 years on the day you plan to leave Germany.
• It must have at least two blank pages for the necessary visa and entry stamps.
• It must not be damaged in any way (torn, burnt, wet pages, or large marks).
• The data on the passport must be clear and legible.

If you are applying for a German visa, you will need to submit a copy of your passport's data page, usually in A4 size and either in colour or black and white. You will also need to submit any older passports with expired validity or no blank pages, as well as any passports that have visa stickers or stamps on them.

Visa requirements

The requirements for entry to Germany depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. Here is a breakdown of the visa requirements for Germany:

For British Citizens:

Germany follows the Schengen area rules, which allow British citizens to travel to Germany and other countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you are visiting family or friends, attending business meetings or cultural/sports events, or engaging in short-term studies or training. Your passport must be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area and must have an issue date less than ten years before your arrival. Make sure to get your passport stamped on entry and exit. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must meet the German government's entry requirements and apply for the appropriate visa or permit.

For U.S. Citizens:

U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits to Germany if their stay is less than 90 days. However, their passport must be valid for at least three months beyond their planned date of departure from the Schengen area. Additionally, airlines may require passports to be valid for at least six months to avoid denial of boarding, especially when transiting through other Schengen countries. U.S. citizens should also be prepared to provide proof of sufficient funds and a return plane ticket upon entry.

For Australian Citizens:

Australian citizens can usually enter Germany without a visa for stays of less than three months as tourists. However, they should contact the nearest German embassy or consulate if travelling for any other purpose. Australian citizens are advised to always carry their passports when crossing borders, even within the Schengen area. Additionally, some countries require passports to be valid for at least six months after the planned departure date, so Australian citizens should check their passport's expiry date and consider getting a new passport if necessary.

For Other Nationalities:

The visa requirements for Germany vary depending on your nationality. It is recommended to check with the German embassy or consulate in your country to determine the specific entry requirements that apply to you.

Health and safety

Vaccinations and Medicines:

Before your trip to Germany, it is recommended that you consult your doctor at least eight weeks in advance to ensure you are up to date with all routine vaccinations. This includes vaccines such as Chickenpox (Varicella), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, and Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR). In addition, all eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

For travellers to Germany, the CDC recommends considering the Hepatitis A vaccination, especially if you plan to visit smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where there is a higher risk of contracting the disease through food or water. This vaccination is recommended for those under 60 years of age and may be considered for those 60 and older.

While rabies infections from dogs are not common in Germany, rabies pre-exposure vaccination should be considered if your activities may increase the risk of exposure to potentially rabid animals.

Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) is also a risk in forested areas of Germany, particularly in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. The TBE vaccine is recommended for those who will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their outdoor activities and itinerary.

Food and Water Safety:

Food and water standards can vary within a country, and Germany is no exception. To stay safe, choose safe food and drinks, and be cautious when consuming water during hiking or camping trips. Avoid untreated water, as it may carry germs that can make you sick.

Bug Bites and Outdoor Activities:

Bug bites can spread diseases, so it is important to take precautions when spending time outdoors or in wooded areas. Cover your skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats. Use insect repellent, and consider permethrin-treated clothing and gear if you plan to spend a lot of time outside. Remember to check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activities and remove them promptly.

If you plan to swim, only do so in designated swimming areas, and avoid swallowing untreated water. For boating activities, follow safety laws and always wear a life jacket.

Personal Security and Safety:

Germany has a well-developed public transportation system, but petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft can occur, especially in crowded areas like trains and stations. Always be vigilant and pay close attention to your belongings.

When walking, use sidewalks and marked crosswalks, and be aware of the traffic around you. Remember that people on foot may not always have the right of way in Germany.

If you plan to drive, be aware of local traffic laws and regulations. Germany has some unique road rules, such as giving bicycles priority over vehicles turning into side streets. Always carry the necessary documentation, including your driver's licence, insurance, and vehicle documents.

Medical Care and Insurance:

Germany has high-quality medical care and facilities. However, doctors and hospitals may expect immediate payment in cash, especially if you are not a resident. It is essential to have appropriate travel insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation.

Before your trip, review the latest health notices and recommendations for Germany and ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and medications. Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals, and bring copies of your prescriptions and eye glasses/contact lenses prescriptions.

Other Considerations:

• Be aware of cultural and social customs, and respect local laws and regulations.
• Stay informed about potential security threats, such as terrorism, and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for updates on weather conditions and potential civil unrest or demonstrations.
• Be cautious when consuming alcohol, and stick with people you trust to avoid drink spiking, which can lead to sexual assault.
• Keep your passport secure and always carry a photo ID.

Customs regulations

Prohibited and Restricted Items:

• Firearms and Military Artefacts: Germany has strict regulations regarding the temporary importation or exportation of firearms. Military artefacts, particularly those from World War II, may also be restricted.
• Medicines and Pharmaceuticals: Certain medicinal products and narcotics are subject to restrictions or bans. If you require prescription medication, ensure it is in its original packaging and carry your doctor's prescription with you. Check with the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices to ensure your medication is legal in Germany.
• Food and Agricultural Products: You cannot bring meat, milk, or products containing these items into Germany or other EU countries. There are exceptions for items like powdered baby milk, baby food, and special foods required for medical reasons. Food and feedstuffs from non-EU states must meet EU legislation and individual member state criteria to be permitted.
• Cash and Other Payment Types: You must declare any amount of cash or other payment types exceeding 10,000 euros when entering Germany. This includes cash, cheques, credit cards, and other means of payment.
• Publications and Media: Germany prohibits the import of publications, media, images, data storage devices, and other similar items that are likely to harm minors or contain unconstitutional content.
• Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Bringing counterfeit or pirated goods into Germany is prohibited. This includes items such as imitation products, unauthorised copies of media, and illegally acquired works of art.
• Weapons and Ammunition: The import of weapons and ammunition from a non-EU state into Germany is subject to specific authorisation requirements.
• Animals and Plants: When importing animals and plants, species protection, animal welfare, and phytosanitary aspects must be considered to protect the local flora and fauna. There is also a prohibition on importing certain breeds of dogs classified as dangerous.
• Instruments of Torture: The import of goods intended for inflicting capital punishment or torture is prohibited or restricted.
• Fireworks: The import of unauthorised fireworks is prohibited under the Explosives Act.

Additional Considerations:

• Valuable Objects: For valuable items such as jewellery, expensive cameras, and similar objects, you may need to follow a special declaration procedure.
• Tax and Duty Exemptions: Personal possessions, including sports equipment, are generally exempt from duties. However, certain conditions and allowances must be met for gifts and other items to be exempt from taxes or excise duties.

It is important to stay informed about Germany's customs regulations and ensure that you comply with all requirements. For specific information, contact the German Embassy or Consulate before your travel.

Transport

If you are considering transporting goods to Germany, it is important to be aware of the country's customs regulations. Germany has strict customs regulations concerning the temporary importation or exportation of firearms, military artifacts, and medications/pharmaceuticals. It is also illegal to bring into or take out of Germany any literature, music, or paraphernalia that glorifies fascism, the Nazi past, or the "Third Reich."

In terms of public transportation within Germany, the country has an extensive and safe public transportation network consisting of buses, streetcars/trams, trains, and subways. Most German cities and towns have efficient systems of public transport, which are usually run by a transport association that integrates all forms of transport into a single network.

The five most common modes of public transport in Germany are:

• S-Bahn: the fastest form of public transportation, it is an urban-suburban rail system that serves a wider metropolitan region, linking the suburbs and commuter regions with the city centre and main rail station.
• U-Bahn: the German version of the metro or subway, although many U-Bahn lines run above ground.
• Trams: known as "streetcars" in the USA, they travel on rails alongside regular roads and have multiple stops within city centre areas.
• Buses: these are the mainstay of many German towns and cities, linking further-afield places and operating into the night.
• Regional trains: usually operated by Deutsche Bahn, these are either RB (Regionalbahn) with multiple stops, or RE (Regionalexpress) which are faster and have fewer stops.

When using public transportation in Germany, it is important to be aware of the travel zones (Waben) as the price of your ticket will depend on the number of zones you travel through. Most systems are integrated, so you can change between different modes of transport while staying within the correct zone(s) with the same ticket.

Frequently asked questions