Germany
Summary
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Germany’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
Since Saturday, 11 June 2022, all COVID-19-related restrictions for entry into Germany have been lifted. The latest German government guidance is on the dedicated Interior Ministry website. If you’re planning travel to Germany, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
There are rules about taking food and drink into the EU. See Taking food and drink into the EU for further information.
Around 2 million British nationals visit Germany every year. Most visits are trouble-free.
If you’re living in, or moving to, Germany, visit our Living in Germany guide in addition to this travel advice.
There’s no requirement to carry your passport with you, but if you’re asked to show your passport and you don’t have it with you, the police may escort you to wherever your passport is being kept so that you can show it to them. See Local laws and customs
Terrorists are highly likely to try to carry out attacks in Germany. The German government has announced that increased security has been put in place as a precaution at public buildings, major events, transport hubs and large public gatherings. You should be vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities. See Terrorism
British nationals have been arrested for possessing counterfeit currency. Avoid changing money anywhere other than banks or legitimate currency exchange offices. See Money
If you need to contact the emergency services call 112.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Update history
2024-12-21 11:29
Updated helpline information following attack in Magdeburg on 20 December (‘ Warnings and insurance’ page)
2024-10-25 12:01
New information about mpox in Germany (‘Health’ page)
2024-09-30 15:33
Addition of information about border controls at Germany’s land borders (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2024-09-05 13:16
Information on the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), planned to be introduced from November 2024 (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-08-24 21:15
Additional information added about security (‘Safety and security’ page)
2024-08-24 19:34
Addition of information following reports of a knife attack in Solingen on 23 August 2024 (‘Warnings and insurance’ page)
2024-06-12 13:12
Removal of information about flooding (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-06-03 12:25
Information on floods in some parts of Germany (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-05-30 12:33
This travel advice was reviewed for style and accuracy.
2024-05-15 15:42
Information that tickets for EURO 2024 will be digital (‘Euro 2024’ page).
2024-03-26 14:55
Information on travelling to Germany for Euro 2024 (‘Euro 2024’ page).
2023-11-30 13:35
Information on the Euro 2024 football tournament (‘Euro 2024’ page).
2023-11-06 11:39
Removal of information about an incident at Hamburg airport.
2023-11-04 22:59
Update on an ongoing incident at Hamburg Airport. (Safety and Security page).
2023-06-30 16:00
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-06-22 10:23
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-05-05 15:29
New information on passport validity for UK residents in Germany (‘Entry Requirements’ page).
2023-04-27 15:30
New information on altitude sickness (‘Health’ page).
2023-04-17 11:05
Removal of advice related to mandatory mask wearing in health and social care buildings (‘Coronavirus’ page).
2023-04-09 20:04
Latest update: removal of advice related to a large warehouse fire in the German city of Hamburg on Sunday 9 April.
2023-04-09 13:01
A large warehouse fire in Hamburg on Sunday, 9 April; you should follow advice of the local authorities; and check your operator’s advice before travelling (Summary)
2023-03-29 10:39
Removal of information about a 24 hour strike on 27 March 2023 (‘Summary page’).
2023-03-27 11:38
Updated information on a 24 hour strike affecting airports, ports, railways, buses, and underground services (‘Summary page’).
2023-03-09 23:16
New information on a shooting incident in the Alsterdorf area of Hamburg (‘Summary’ page)
2023-02-23 12:34
Removal of information about testing positive for COVID-19 in Germany and requirement of travellers arriving in Germany who have been in China in previous ten days to provide proof of negative COVID-19 test (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
2023-02-07 13:38
Updated information on the wearing of medical grade masks, and what to do if testing positive for COVID-19 in Germany (‘Coronavirus’ page).
2023-01-11 13:54
New information on requirements for travelling to Germany from China (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-06-13 16:22
Updated information on the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions for entry to Germany and procedures if you test positive for COVID-19 in Germany (‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages)
2022-05-25 16:32
Clarification of what qualifies as being fully-vaccinated for entry to Germany. (See ‘If you’re fully vaccinated’ in the ‘Entry requirements’ section)
2022-05-12 15:12
Clarification about current passport validity (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-05-11 17:08
Update to information on COVID-19 restrictions in public places (‘Coronavirus’ page). Clarification of requirements for all travellers entering Germany and addition of information on validity of COVID-19 vaccination (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-03-03 16:04
Updated information on entry requirements to Germany (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-02-18 22:31
From 20 February 2022 the UK is no longer designated as a high-risk area by Germany, so travellers from the UK are not required to quarantine on arrival (‘Entry requirements’ page)