Germany |
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| Still current at: 28 February 2013
Updated: 05 February 2013 |
| No restrictions in this travel advice | Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country | Avoid all but essential travel to whole country | Avoid all travel to part(s) of country | Avoid all travel to whole country |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with editorial amendments. The overall level of the advice has not changed; there are no travel restrictions in place in this travel advice for Germany.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Entry requirements
- Health
- General
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There is a general threat from terrorism. See
Terrorism.
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Around 2,000,000 British nationals visit Germany every year. Most visits are trouble-free. See
Consular asistance statistics.
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If you need to contact the emergency services call 112.
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Carry your passport with you at all times. German police have the right to ask to see identification.
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British nationals have been arrested for possessing counterfeit
currency. Avoid changing money anywhere other than banks or legitimate
bureaux de change.
- Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in public places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
Crime
Crime levels are broadly similar to the UK. Take sensible precautions to avoid mugging, bag snatching and pick pocketing. Be particularly vigilant at airports, railway stations and Christmas markets. Do not leave valuables unattended. If your passport has been stolen, you must go to the nearest police station and get a police report.
Road travel
If you wish to drive in Germany you must carry a valid driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents with you in the vehicle at all times. If the vehicle does not belong to the driver, written permission from the registered owner may also be requested. The minimum age for driving a car in Germany is 18. It is illegal to take part in motor vehicle races or rallies on German roads.
In 2011 there were 4,002 road deaths in Germany (source: DfT). This equates to 4.9 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 3.1 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2011.
It is illegal to cross German pedestrian crossings when the red pedestrian light is on. Offenders risk a fine and payment of all costs in the event of an accident.
There is an environmental zone (umweltzone) in some inner city centres. Only vehicles meeting specific exhaust emission standards are allowed to enter the zone. See the websites of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safetyt and the Federal Environmental Agency for further information.
See the AA and RAC guides on driving in Germany.
Passport validity
For stays of up to three months your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you do not need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
UK Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Germany. See - General Lost or Stolen Passports.
Visas
BritisBritish Citizens do not need a visa to enter Germany. If you hold a different type of British nationality, check entry requirements with the German Embassy.
Stays of longer than three months
If you intend to work or study in Germany you must register with the German authorities (Einwohnermeldeamt) within 3 months of arrival. There is no longer a requirement for EU citizens to apply for a residence permit.
Working in Germany
If you intend to work in Germany, you should get detailed information on employment regulations from the German Embassy.
Contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide, is available from NHS Choices.
If you are visiting Germany you should obtain a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as German nationals. The EHIC will not cover medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment, so you should make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. If you are referred to a medical facility for treatment you should contact your insurance/medical assistance company immediately.
Money
The currency of Germany is the Euro.
Since 15 June 2007 new legislation on the controls of cash entering or leaving the EU apply in all Member States. Any person entering or leaving the EU will have to declare the cash that they are carrying if this amounts to 10,000 Euros or more; this includes cheques, travellers' cheques, money orders, etc. This will not apply to anyone travelling via the EU to a non-EU country, as long as the original journey started outside of the EU, nor to those travelling within the EU.
Consular assistance statistics
Around 2,000,000 British nationals visit Germany every year (Source: Statistisches Bundesamt Deutschland ). Most visits are trouble-free. Five hundred and fifty eight British nationals needed consular assistance in Germany in the period 1 April 2011 - 31 March 2012 for the following types of incident: 366 deaths, 32 hospitalisations; and 118 arrests, for various offences.
