travel to germany from belgium

New requirements for Americans traveling to Europe postponed until 2025

Visitors who now travel visa-free will need to get approval prior to departure.

Americans eyed upcoming travel to European destinations slightly differently due to news of a requirement that was set to start in 2024 for U.S. passport holders. But now, EU officials have postponed the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ( ETIAS ) launch until spring of 2025.

SchengenVisaInfo.com, a website dedicated to the world's largest visa-free zone where 27 European countries abolished their internal borders known as the Schengen Area, first reported that an EU official confirmed ETIAS won't go live until May 2025, "due to continued delays with the introduction of the related Entry-Exit System (EES), which needs to be operational before ETIAS can be implemented."

An official for the European Union did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.

What to know about ETIAS for US travelers

If you previously traveled to Europe without a visa, you will now need to apply for authorization through the ETIAS , before visiting.

Today, American travelers have visa-free access to 184 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index . And while the U.S. passport is currently ranked eighth-most powerful passport to own, that could be set to shift when the European Union adds its new documentation requirements for U.S. visitors.

The application form, which will be available on the official ETIAS website as well as a mobile application, has a fee of 7 euros or $7.79 U.S. dollars. All communication is done by email.

Once you are approved for travel, the authorization entitles visitors to stay in European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period and travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS during their entire stay.

MORE: New warning issued for rebooking air travel after delays, cancellations

According to ETIAS, most applications should be processed within minutes, but in case an application takes longer, decisions will be sent within four days or up to 14 days if the applicant is asked to provide additional documentation.

The European Union encourages travelers to apply for an ETIAS authorization "well in advance of your planned journey."

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Confirmation of application submission will be sent on email with a unique number that is needed for future reference.

Upon receiving ETIAS travel authorization, travelers are to ensure that their name, passport number and other information is correct because any mistake will prevent them from crossing the border.

If an application is refused, the email will include the reasons for the decision along with information about how to appeal.

ETIAS travel authorization is valid for three years, according to the EU, or until the travel document you used in your application expires, whichever comes first.

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The ETIAS authorization is linked to a person's travel document -- such as a U.S. passport -- and both documents will be needed to board a flight, bus or ship to enter any of the European countries that require ETIAS.

Similar to international border requirements with a passport, the ETIAS authorization doesn't guarantee automatic right of entry. "Border guards will verify that you meet the entry conditions" and anyone who does not meet the conditions "will be refused entry," according to the EU.

Click here to learn more about the process from the European Union.

An earlier version of this story was originally published on July 21, 2023.

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Main navigation

Fast, cheap travel between germany and belgium.

From EUR 23.90 to Brussels and Liège. From EUR 32.50 on longer routes in Belgium, e.g. Bruges or Ghent.

• Seven daily ICE connections to Brussels
• Overnight e.g. from Berlin to Brussels with the ÖBB Nightjet
• Children up to 14 years of age travel free of charge in many cases with an accompanying person who is at least 15 years of age
• 25% discount on the German part of the rout e with BahnCard 25/50/100  (excluding City-Ticket)
• Tickets are available up to six months in advance

Frequently asked questions about the saver fare Europe Belgium

What is the ticket called in german.

Sparpreis Europa

• To all international (super) saver fares Further information: To all international (super) saver fares

How much does the ticket cost?

Tickets for a single journey start from EUR 23.90 in second class and EUR 34.90 in first class. Prices are subject to availability.

Do I get a discount on the saver fare Europe with the BahnCard?

25% discount on the German part of the route with a BahnCard 25/50/100. The BahnCard 100 discount does not apply to the saver fare Europe France.

Can children travel free of charge?

• Children up to 5 years of age always travel free of charge and do not need to be indicated when booking.
• Children aged 6-14 travel free of charge when accompanied by a person aged 15 or over. However, they must be indicated in the booking. The ticket holder can bring up to four children per ticket.
• Exception: When using a City-Ticket, children aged 6-14 pay the children's fare for a single journey in the respective transport association.

Can I buy the ticket for my child who will be travelling alone?

• Children up to the age of 5 always travel free of charge.
• Children aged 6-14 pay half the adult fare.

How far in advance can I buy the ticket?

You can book tickets up to six months before you travel until shortly before a train is due to depart. Please observe the timetable changeovers in June and December.

Does the price include a City-Ticket?

The City-Ticket is only available for the 130 participating towns and cities in Germany. City-Tickets are not issued for towns and cities in other European countries.   Therefore, always indicate the specific departure or destination stop in Germany when booking a saver fare Europe or super saver fare Europe ticket. The City-Ticket for flexible travel to and from the long-distance service is included in the total ticket price if the following conditions are met: 

• The departure or destination stop is in one of the 130 City-Ticket towns and cities 
• Your booking includes a journey to or from the long-distance service within the City-Ticket area using local transport 

If you indicate in your booking enquiry that you only need long-distance trains (ICE, IC, EC, e.g. from Cologne Main Station to Amsterdam) and do not require a transfer within the City-Ticket area using local transport, the ticket will be issued without a City-Ticket.

Which trains can I travel on?

You may only travel on long-distance trains (ICE, IC/EC) and on the days indicated on the ticket. If starting or completing your journey on regional or local trains (RE, RB, IRE, S-Bahn), you are not restricted to specific services or times.

Can I rebook or cancel my ticket?

• Cancellation is possible for a fee of EUR 10 up to one day before the first day of validity. The refund is issued as a voucher.
• Cancellation is no longer possible from the first day of validity.

Instant cancellation

You can cancel your digital ticket free of charge within a period of 12 hours (720 minutes) after purchase regardless of the specific offer's terms and conditions. Payment will be refunded in full.

Does the ticket give me access to the DB Lounge?

No. A saver fare Europe ticket does not grant the holder access to a DB Lounge .

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Coronavirus (covid-19).

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can i receive a digital covid certificate/qr code.

No information is currently available about how those with a foreign vaccine card (e.g. from the US) can receive a digital COVID certificate which is recognized in Europe. Talks are currently underway regarding recognition of international vaccinations (i.e. received outside the EU ). As soon as such information becomes available, we will communicate on this site.

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Can You Drive a Rental Car Across a Border in Europe?

Last Updated on February 20, 2024 by Michael

Hoping to tour Europe in a rental car? Before you map out your route, it’s best to check your rental car company’s rental terms. European rentals often have restrictions on where you can go with a vehicle. Depending on which rental company you choose, it may be verboten to drive a rental car across a border in Europe.

Also, there are often more restrictions for luxury car brands. If you want more flexibility about where you can go, strongly consider sticking to mid-range or budget vehicles.

Note that you probably need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe, so be sure to apply for one if you don’t already have one.

Ask AutoSlash for a Quote on a Cheap Car Rental

While researching rental cars in Europe, you may find many options with unlimited mileage. But while there may be no ceiling on the number of miles, there will likely be limits on where you can drive the vehicle. So a renter picking up in one country but driving to one or more other countries wants to ask a series of questions:

• Are any countries entirely off limits?
• What restrictions are there regarding vehicle types?
• Are there any border crossing fees?
• Can you take a vehicle on a ferry?

Note that these rules are always available to renters before booking, and a renter has to accept those rules as part of the confirmation process. It’s up to you to make sure you understand these rules before you head off in the car. Before you confirm your reservation, take a few minutes to read the rental policy and rules.

Rules About Crossing European Borders in a Rental Car

Some rental car companies spell out where you can drive a rental. Other companies, such as Hertz, specify where you cannot take their vehicles.

You may drive the vehicle in the following countries: Austria, Andorra, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Spain, France, Finland, Liechtenstein, Great Britain, Hungary, Croatia, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Monaco, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, San Marino, Sweden, Slovakia, Slovenia.

Vehicles up to the executive class can enter Italy and San Marino.

You can bring out-of-country rentals into Andorra, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Gibraltar, Great Britain, Ireland, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and Spain.

You may bring out-of-country rentals into Croatia, Italy, The Vatican, San Marino, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Hungary. Exclusions include rentals of the following car makes: Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Land Rover and Jaguar.

You cannot drive vehicles into Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

All Mercedes and BMW models, Convertibles and SUVs, as well as all Hertz Prestige Collection and Fun Collection vehicles cannot be driven into or dropped off in Italy.

Sixt divides Europe into three zones:

• 1: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain and Vatican
• 2: Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia
• 3: All countries which are not in zone 1 or 2.

Jaguar, Maserati, Land Rover and Porsche cars as well as all luxury cars may enter only in Zone 1 countries. Sixt only allows Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen cars up to group L*** to enter Zone 1 countries as well as Poland and the Czech Republic. All other vehicle brands may enter only in the zones 1 and 2. You can only drive trucks, vans, people carriers and minibuses in zones 1 and 2. You can not drive a vehicle into any country in zone 3.

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Sixt largely limits special cars (X***), luxury cars (L***), and Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Volkswagen vehicles to Zone 1 countries. Sixt includes Italy in Zone 1 but most credit card damage waivers do not cover Italy . (Avis, Enterprise and Hertz consider Italy a no-go country.)

Beware of Rental Car Border Crossing Fees

Some rental companies charge a fee for each border crossed. While a traveler can freely cross from one country to another in the Schengen Area , there might be an additional fee for doing so in a rental car. For instance, Hertz at Berlin Tegel charges 47.60 euros for the right to cross over from Germany to another allowed country, while Enterprise charges a fee of 5 euros per day, up to a maximum of 50 euros, for trips originating in Germany but traveling to other permitted countries.

Beware of Rental Car Ferry Rules

The easiest way to get to many European countries is by ferry, but that can trigger high fees for rental car drivers. While rental companies allow a renter to take the vehicle on a ferry, a breakdown (for any reason) on an island is going to result in a hefty cost to repatriate the vehicle. For example, Avis and Hertz each address ferries in their rules.

Avis You can travel on ferries, provided that you can drive the specific vehicle in the specific country. However if you have a breakdown or the vehicle is not roadworthy or ready for use due to any other reason, you will have to pay for the costs of repatriation of the vehicle.

Hertz You can travel on all ferries as long as there is no restriction for the vehicle and destination country. If you purchase CDW, TP or SuperCover, it will cover any damage to the vehicle, either in transit or in the destination country.

Get into an accident? You are responsible for repatriating a vehicle to the original pick-up country or island, unless there is a specific provision stating otherwise.

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Destinations | EUROPE

Road trip from belgium to germany.

10 May 2022 | Destinations , Europe , Germany

One of the amazing ways to spend the summer holidays is to go road-tripping! And how about a road trip from Belgium to Germany with stops along the way. And spend a day or two in Germany before returning back home. In this post, I will also share the best things to do in Essen, one of the prettiest German towns. 

Road trip from Belgium to Germany: Things to do in Essen

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was invited on a press trip, but all the experiences and opinions are my own. 

Travel time and distance from Belgium to Germany: Essen to Essen

The travel time from Essen in Belgium to Essen in Germany is about 2 hours and 15 minutes if you drive nonstop. The road distance is 209.3 km via A58, A67, and A40. 

You can easily make a day’s worth of road trip as you stop along the way, and savor all the pretty moments!

To travel between the two countries, you will also drive through the Netherlands, and can explore it as well. 

Note that all these three countries are part of the Schengen zone, so you can travel visa-free between them. Car rental can be booked in Belgium for this road trip. 

These are the 2 possible routes I recommend,

Option 1 Germany Belgium road trip: 

Essen, Belgium > Roosendaal, Netherlands >  Arnhem Centraal, Netherlands > Oberhausen, Germany

In the first option, you will start from Essen and then head to Roosendaal and Arnhem Centraal in the Netherlands. Your stop in Germany will be Oberhausen before reaching Essen.

This is what you can explore in the following areas,

• Roosendaal: Need retail therapy? Head over to Designer Outlet Roosendaal . Home to over 85 stores, you will find everything from clothing to shoes and with over 30-75% discount. You can also hang out and sit down for brunch or lunch after shopping!
• Museum Tongerlohuys: Museum Tongerlohuys is a specialty museum located in Roosendaal. You can spend 30 minutes to an hour there checking out the various exhibits. 
• Arnhem : Arnhem deserves a longer visit if you are into history, as it is home to one of the most infamous battles of World War II. 
• Other attractions in Arnhem include the Burgers’ Zoo and the Open air museum . Plus you can also stop to shop here.
• Oberhausen: Oberhausen in Germany makes for a perfect stop before arriving in Essen for the night. This formed Germany’s coal-mining region in the past and was a bombing target in 1945. 

Option 2 Germany Belgium road trips: 

With more stops along the way, here is an additional route to follow from Essen Belgium to Germany. 

Essen, Belgium > Breda, Netherlands > Tilburg, Netherlands > Eindhoven, Netherlands > Duisburg, Germany > Oberhausen, Germany > Essen, Germany

• Breda : Located in the Netherlands, Breda is known for its charming and historic town centre. It is home to beautiful old buildings that also include churches and markets. Plan to stop at the Breda Castle, which is also located at the centre.
• Tilburg : Stop at this University town, for shopping or a bite to eat. You will love the ambience of their city centre, so definitely worth visiting!
• Eindhoven: The birthplace of Philips, this is the 5th largest city in the Netherlands, Eindhoven is filled with stunning architectural buildings. But there are pockets of greenery within the city, where you can stretch your legs as you embark on this road trip. 
• Duisburg : With this stop, you enter Germany, and do visit this charming city of Duisburg. Duisburg is home to nature and architectural delights. Its close proximity to Düsseldorf makes it great for exploring both. Duisburg is located at the junction of the Rhine and Ruhr Rivers, and it has the world’s largest inland port. 
• Oberhausen : This is your final stop on this route before arriving in Essen in Germany!

Things to do in Essen, Germany in 2 days

Essen is a city in the Ruhr area of North Rhine-Westphalia, West Germany. It is located on the Ruhr river and is the largest city in the Ruhr region. 

The city has a long history as an important cultural and religious center. Many of the city’s attractions are located in and around the Old Town area.

Along with historical and cultural sites, Essen is also home to a number of large companies, including ThyssenKrupp, Siemens AG, and Gelsenkirchener Bergwerks-AG. 

The city also has a number of tourist attractions, including the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, the Folkwang Museum, and the Cathedral of Essen. Other notable sights include the red-brick castle Schloss Borbeck, the Margarethenhöhe estate with its Jugendstil architecture, and the teepee-shaped gasometer.

The city has a vibrant nightlife, with numerous clubs, bars, and restaurants. Essen is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Ruhrfestspiele festival of arts, the Jazzopen jazz festival, and the Rock Im Revier rock music festival.

Here is how you can spend a weekend in Essen, after an epic road trip!

Day 1 of Germany road trip itinerary: Arrive in Essen, and explore

Once you arrive in Essen, check in to Art Hotel located in Körschen Hindenburgstrasse 6,  45127 Essen. The hotel is situated close to the city center and very affordable.

Depending on your arrival time, you can either check in and relax or go sightseeing. 

City tour of Essen

Embark on a sightseeing tour through the city area. The main station is a good starting point, and you can always park your vehicle and use other means of transportation in the city.

High Cathedral of Essen

Head to the Essen City Center, home to everything that is culturally stimulating. Begin at the High Cathedral of Essen. 

Essen Cathedral has a rich history of over 1150 years. It dates back to 850 when a small convent was founded here and was the site of much religious work for women that was performed in the early and high Middle Ages.

The main highlights include its late Baroque interiors, and you must check out the Essen Cathedral Treasury. Access to the Cathedral has an entrance fee. It starts at 8 euros for families. Highlights of a visit include the late Baroque interior and its Treasury.

Old (Alte) Synagogue of Essen

Up next is the Old Synagogue. The Old Synagogue of Essen is considered to be one of the largest, and best-preserved sites to appreciate Jewish culture in pre-war Germany. It was built in the year 1913, and today you can check out the historical exhibits, and stories.

This freestanding structure is designed in Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, and Byzantine Revival architectural styles. 

Access to Essen’s Alte Synagoge is free. However, you can make donations on site, if you like. This helps to maintain the site, and keep it open for visitors to see.

Colosseum Theatre

You must have heard about or seen the Colosseum in Rome , Italy. This one is similar in the sense that it is a theatre – a musical theatre. The building is also an impressive sight to behold. You can watch a show, along with food and drinks!

Next is a drive along the Gruga Park to the oldest part of Essen – Werden. It is located in the southern part of the city of Essen. Werden is home to an old basilica and charming small cafes.

Founded in 796, the Basilica of St. Ludgerus, the former residence of the Werden abbots, is today the seat of the Folkwang University and the Lucius Church. 

Villa Hügel

Head to Lake Baldeney to visit the Villa Hügel, which was the former home of the Krupp family. The Villa Hügel is a 19th-century mansion, which was built by the industrialist Alfred Krupp in 1870-1873 as his main residence.

It was the home of the Krupp family for seven decades, until after World War II. Since 1953, on the initiative of the last company owner, Alfried Krupp, major internationally important art and cultural history exhibitions have been held here regularly to this day. 

The Villa Hügel became one of the most important cultural centers in the country. Outside the exhibition times, the historical living quarters, the extensive park and the historical Krupp exhibition can be visited.

Spend a few hours at the complex admiring the building and exhibits on display. The entry fee starts at 5 euros (for adults).

Before leaving for the city center, you can also visit the Baldeneysee lake area , and maybe go biking. There is also a magnificent reservoir, located in the south of the city. 

Gruga Park – Botanischer Garten Grugapark

Have more time? Visit the beautiful botanical garden – Gruga Park, which dates back to the year 1929. Grugapark is a central park and was opened as the first Große Ruhrländische in the city. 

There is an entrance fee of 10 euros per person, to explore the park.

For the evening (more options)

To finish off an exciting day of sightseeing, you can either go to Rüttenscheder Straße or enjoy dinner and drinks at the Tiger Rooftop Terrace Restaurant. Both spots are located near the hotel.

Day 2 of Germany road trip itinerary: Visit stunning historical and cultural sites in Essen 

Kickstart your day 2 of the Essen itinerary, with more cultural appreciation starting with the World Heritage Zollverein. 

Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex

In Germany there are many famous sights , Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex is probably one of the coolest landmarks in the country  you can visit.

It has been  awarded the designation of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. If you love machines and industrial history, this is the place to be!

On-site, you can see exhibits of not only industrial art but also culture and creativity. 

The stunning building was the largest coal mine in the world at one time, and also the largest coking plant in Europe. Along with its size, and interiors Zollverein is considered to be one of the most beautiful coal mines in the world.

Guided Tour: Coal and Mine (Colliery)

The landmark of the old and new Ruhr area: World Heritage Zollverein. The 35-hectare site is now divided into three areas and includes shaft XII (area A), shaft 1/2/8 (area B), and the coking plant (area t).

Until its decommissioning in 1986, the central Zollverein XII mine was not only the most modern, but also the “most beautiful colliery in the world”. 

Together with the Zollverein coking plant and the foundation pit 1/2/8, it is now one of the world heritage sites of mankind. This is where 12,000 tons of coal used to be mined and processed.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the industrial past on the monument paths of the Zollverein colliery and coking plant. The recommended Denkmalpfad or Heritage Trail, is a must-do at the coal mine site, as it offers all visitors an immersive experience into the time when the Zollverein plants were still active.

Numerous guided tours present the Zollverein in all its facets.

Red Dot Design Museum

Also located at the complex is the unique Red Dot Design Museum. Here you will discover the world’s largest and probably most unusual exhibition of contemporary design. There are around 1,000 products from all over the world that are presented in an area of more than 4,000 square meters – all of them awarded the Red Dot prize.

The names of the designers and companies read like a who’s who of design. You will find a similar museum in Singapore too, but this one has the breathtaking architecture of the boiler house of the Zollverein colliery and of course the stunning exhibits waiting for you to explore. 

The entry fee starts at 7 euros. 

Margarethenhöhe in Essen

Fancy a nice afternoon walk? Head to the English garden, set up by the Krupp family. The journey leads to Margarethen höhe, a settlement donated by Margarethe Krupp in 1906 and built in the style of an English garden city. 

The idyllic district was donated by Margarethe Krupp in 1906 on the occasion of the wedding of her daughter Bertha. 

Essen in the early 20th century was made up of the workers and employees of the Krupp steel company. According to the plans of the architect Georg Metzendorf, comfortably furnished apartments were built in two-story houses for workers and employees.

Museum Folkwang

Finish sightseeing for the day at a renowned art museum in Germany, the Museum

Folkwang in Essen. This museum takes you through a challenging journey through art history. 

At the art museum, you will find both German and French painter’s exhibits from the early 19th century, to modernist paintings after 1945. There are displays of arts and crafts objects, including photographs. 

Entrance to the permanent collection of Museum Folkwang is free of charge.

So there you have it – an epic Belgium to Germany road trip with an extended stay in Essen! 

Essen is a city rich in history and culture, and I highly recommend visiting. Here you will find world-renowned museums, art galleries, and architecture located throughout the city. 

Plus there is greenery, a lake view and more. So whether you’re interested in industrial history or contemporary design, there’s something for everyone in Essen Germany.

Or are you looking for other things to do in Germany? Discover here the best itinerary for two days in Berlin . Or what about a seven-day road trip visiting the most wonderful German cities and castles.

Pin: Belgium to Germany road trip travel tips: Essen to Essen Germany

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Germany set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact Germany’s embassy or consulate in the UK .

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Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

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Passport validity requirements

If you plan to visit an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Contact the German Embassy in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

If you hold a valid residence permit, passport validity requirements are less strict. In this case, your passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your stay (check the ‘expiry date’). Before applying to extend a German residence permit , you will need to renew an expired passport and present your new passport to the local Foreigners Authority (Ausländerbehörde).

Passport stamping

At German border control, you may need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• show you have enough money for your stay

Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Germany as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit.

You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence include boarding passes and tickets.

If you live in Germany, read our Living in Germany guide for passport stamping information.

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

If you are travelling to Germany and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer (for example, to work, study or for business), you must meet the German government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the German Embassy in the UK .

If you are travelling to Germany for work , read the guidance on visas and permits. The German Embassy has detailed information on employment regulations.

If you stay in Germany with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Proof of residence

If you live in Germany, read our Living in Germany guide for information on carrying proof of residence while travelling.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check what vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need in TravelHealthPro’s Germany guide .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Germany . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into the EU

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food needed for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

Taking money into Germany

British nationals have been arrested for having counterfeit currency. Only change money in banks or legitimate currency exchange offices.

You must declare any amount above 10,000 euros in cash or other payment types. You can find more information on the German Federal Foreign Office website.

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Border crossing

Crossing the border between the netherlands, north rhine-westphalia and belgium.

Here you will find a handy tool that makes it easy to find out whether you are allowed to cross the border, whether you have to report and whether you have to go into quarantine.

Measures for entering and leaving Belgium

We have compiled information for you on the rules and measures in connection with the Corona pandemic. You can keep up to date on the latest developments via our News .

If you want to enter Belgium and stay there for more than 48 hours or if you live in Belgium and stay in another country for more than 48 hours, you have to fill in the Public Health Passenger Location Form (online or on paper form).

Further information

Here you will find daily updated information and contact details:

• The website of the Euregio Meuse-Rhine: https://euregio-mr.info/de/ offers a clear information document that clearly shows what is permitted and what must be observed for all travel directions. It contains the contact details of all German health authorities in the border area of the Euregio Meuse-Rhine where you would have to report.
• All current rules and measures in Belgium can be found here>> and on the Crisis Centre Belgium website.
• The rules for entering and leaving the Netherlands can be found here>> . Telephone contact is possible via: +31 20 205 1351 and +32 78 15 17 71.
• The rules for entering and leaving Germany can be found on the Federal Ministry of the Interior website and the Federal Police website. Telephone contact is possible via: +0800 6 888000 The state of North Rhine-Westphalia offers here>> information and contact via telephone: +49 211 91191001.
• Information on all EU countries can be found here>> as well as information on risk areas .

Please remember that the decision whether you are allowed to cross the border or not lies with the border guards!

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Between the US and a hard place, Germany's Scholz 're-engages' with China

• Medium Text

• German chancellor visits China after 'de-risking' push
• West and China clash over trade, Chinese overcapacity
• Germany to press China on business climate
• Two-thirds of German companies feel uneven playing field: survey
• Chinese support for Russia is hurting reputation, Germany says

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Laurie Chen is a China Correspondent at Reuters' Beijing bureau, covering politics and general news. Before joining Reuters, she reported on China for six years at Agence France-Presse and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. She speaks fluent Mandarin.

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Xi tells Germany's Scholz co-operation not a 'risk' amid EU trade tension

Co-operation between China and Germany was not a "risk" but a guarantee for stable ties and an opportunity for the future, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday, amid complaints by the EU about Chinese goods flooding the bloc's markets.

When is Eid al-Fitr 2024 and how is it celebrated?

The three-day festival celebrates the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan by Muslims across the world.

As a new moon was not sighted on Monday evening after Maghrib prayers, Muslims in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries will fast one more day, completing 30 days of Ramadan. The first day of Eid will then be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10.

The first day of Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon marking the start of the month of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.

Keep reading

A ramadan no palestinian will ever forget, the cost of a ramadan iftar meal around the world, ramadan 2024: where do your dates come from, in washington, dc: celebrating ramadan, protesting israel’s siege of gaza.

Lunar months last between 29 and 30 days so Muslims usually have to wait until the night before Eid to verify its date.

Other countries follow independent sightings.

When the sighting has been verified, Eid is declared on television, radio stations and at mosques.

How do Muslims celebrate Eid?

Traditionally, Eid is celebrated for three days as an official holiday in Muslim-majority countries. However, the number of holiday days varies by country.

Muslims begin Eid day celebrations by partaking in a prayer service that takes place shortly after dawn, followed by a short sermon.

On their way to the prayer, which is traditionally held in an open area, Muslims recite takbeerat, praising God by saying “Allahu Akbar”, meaning “God is great”.

It is customary to eat something sweet before the prayer, such as date -filled biscuits known as maamoul in the Middle East. This particular festival is known as the “sweet” Eid – and the distribution of sweets is common across the Muslim world.

Muslims usually spend the day visiting relatives and neighbours and accepting sweets as they move around from house to house.

Each country has traditional desserts and sweets that are prepared before Eid or on the morning of the first day.

Children, dressed in new clothes, are offered gifts and money to celebrate the joyous occasion.

Girls and women in many countries decorate their hands with henna. The celebration for Eid begins the night before as women gather in neighbourhoods and large family gatherings for the application of henna.

In some countries, families visit graveyards to offer their respects to departed family members right after the morning prayers.

It is common for Muslim-majority countries to decorate their cities with lights and hold festivities to commemorate the end of the fasting month.

Eid amid the onslaught in Gaza

For some 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza this Eid, this will be the first Muslim religious holiday after more than 33,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks. With little food aid, and very limited water, Gaza’s Eid al-Fitr will be mired in destruction amid the continuing attacks.

What are common Eid greetings?

The most popular greeting is “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid) or “Eid sa’id” (Happy Eid). Eid greetings also vary depending on the country and language.

The video below shows how people say Eid Mubarak in different languages around the world.