travel to germany covid from uk

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Germany Travel Restrictions

Traveller's COVID-19 vaccination status

Travelling from the United Kingdom to Germany

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces.

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Can I travel to Germany from the United Kingdom?

Most visitors from the United Kingdom, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Germany.

Can I travel to Germany if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Germany without restrictions.

Can I travel to Germany without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United Kingdom can enter Germany without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Germany?

Visitors from the United Kingdom are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Germany.

Can I travel to Germany without quarantine?

Travellers from the United Kingdom are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Germany?

Mask usage in Germany is not required in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Germany?

Restaurants in Germany are open. Bars in Germany are .

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Can I go to Germany? Rules for travelling from the UK

By Sarah James and Becky Lucas

In England , international travel for leisure has been permitted since Monday 17 May 2021. Germany was previously on the UK 's green list – but what are the rules for travelling there now? 

What are the entry requirements for Germany?

Fully vaccinated travellers – those who received their final dose at least 14 days before travelling – may enter Germany from the UK for any purpose. Anyone aged 12 or over must possess either proof of vaccination (find out the acceptable forms on the German government website ), proof of recovery from Covid for at least 28 days and no more than 90 days, or a negative Covid test prior to arrival. 

Those who are not considered fully vaccinated can only enter Germany if they are a resident or citizen, a spouse or other family member of a resident, serve in an important role or have ‘an urgent need to travel’, and they must have proof of a negative Covid test taken before entry (within 48 hours before departure for Germany if it's a PCR test, or 48 hours before the time of arrival if it's a rapid antigen test). Unvaccinated children up to the age of 11 are allowed to enter Germany from the UK, as long as they travel with at least one fully vaccinated parent. Children aged 12 to 17 can only enter if they are fully vaccinated, a resident (or the child of a resident), or have an urgent need to travel.

If you are fully vaccinated and have spent any of the previous 10 days in a country designated high-risk by the German government, you must complete pre-departure digital registration . If you have done so and are not fully vaccinated, you must quarantine for 10 days – with test and release available after five days. For more details, go to the UK government website . 

Can I travel to the UK from Germany?

As of 18 March 2022, there are no Covid travel rules in the UK, which means that anyone returning to the country does not need to test, quarantine or fill in a passenger locator form , regardless of their vaccination status. The government is also no longer managing any quarantine hotels in the UK, as of the end of March.

What are you looking for?

Information on entering germany, covid-19-related restrictions for entry into germany lifted with effect as of saturday, 11 june 2022.

Since Saturday, 11 June 2022, all COVID-19-related restrictions on entry into Germany have provisionally been lifted. Since that date, travel from the United Kingdom to Germany is permitted for all purposes (including tourism and visits). For entry into Germany proof of vaccination, recovery or testing is no longer required.

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Can I travel to Germany? Travel restrictions and UK entry requirements – and what the new amber list rules are

Germany is a popular destination for uk travellers, but they had banned all non-essential travel amid concerns about the delta variant.

As the school summer holidays approach many are still hoping to be able to go on holiday.

Germany is a popular destination for UK travellers , but it had previously banned all non-essential travel amid concerns about the Delta variant.

Its rules have now changed, although there are still restrictions on arrivals into the UK – here’s everything you need to know.

Can I travel to Germany?

Germany has relaxed its restrictions on the UK, with the changes coming into effect on Wednesday 7 July – although the UK Government continues to advise against all but essential travel.

The country’s national disease control centre announced late Monday that it will no longer class the UK as a “virus variant area”.

These rules, put in place on 23 May as the  Delta variant first took hold  in the UK, had placed strict controls on entry and required arrivals to spend 14 days in quarantine.

Under the changes put in place, UK travellers who are fully vaccinated would not be required to quarantine upon arrival to Germany.

Which green list countries could go on amber list? How Mallorca and Ibiza could change in next travel update

Non-vaccinated people are still required to quarantine for 10 days, however, with an option to get out early with a negative test on the fifth day.

The UK is now a “high incidence area”, with a negative Covid-19 test result, proof of a full Covid-19 vaccination or proof of recovery from an infection required to travel without quarantine.

This proof must be held prior to entering the country, and must be presented to the airline before departure where applicable.

The changes came three days after German chancellor Angela Merkel pledged a review at a face-to-face summit with Boris Johnson. 

She had said: “As you know we are reviewing continuously our travel restrictions and we think that, in the foreseeable future, those who have received double jabs will then… be able travel again without having to go into quarantine.”

What are the rules for coming back?

Germany is currently  an amber list destination , meaning that people entering England from the country must currently self-isolate for 10 days. 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has relaxed its travel advice and no longer advises against all but essential travel to Germany.

People who travel to an amber list country must take Covid tests before departure, on day two and on day eight after their arrival in the UK, and can take a third optional test on day five to be released early.

However, Grant Shapps has confirmed  long-awaited  changes to England’s travel restrictions which remove quarantine restrictions  for fully-vaccinated  travellers  and children .

The  Transport Secretary confirmed that  the new rules would come into effect from 19 July  as part of the wider  “freedom day” easing of lockdown .

When is the green list update? Date of next travel announcement, and amber list countries which could change

It means holidaymakers from the UK who have received two jabs from the NHS (or are under 18) will no longer be required to self-isolate for 10 days on their return to England from destinations on the amber list.

Arrivals will still be required to take a Covid-19 test three days before returning, as well as taking a test on or before the second day of their return, as per the previous restrictions – but will be exempted from the day eight test.

How the traffic-light system works now

The lists are decided based on the following criteria:

• The percentage of a country’s population that have been vaccinated
• The rate of infection
• The prevalence of variants of concern
• The country’s access to reliable scientific data and genomic sequencing

Here are the rules for each list of the traffic light system:

• Green:  Arrivals will need to take a pre-departure test as well as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on or before day two of their arrival back into the UK – but will not need to quarantine on return (unless they receive a positive result) or take any additional tests
• Amber:  Arrivals will need to quarantine for a period of 10 days and take a pre-departure test, as well as a PCR test on day two and day eight. There will be the option to take an additional test on day five to end self-isolation early
• Red:  Arrivals will be subject to restrictions currently in place for “red-list” countries which include a 10-day stay in a managed quarantine hotel, pre-departure testing and mandatory PCR testing on day two and eight

Quarantine-free amber list travel with two Covid vaccines unlikely before school holidays, Grant Shapps says

The Government has told people not to travel to countries not on the green list, other than for essential reasons.

PCR tests  must be booked through  one of the Government’s approved providers .

The Government has been looking at ways to reduce the price of testing, with  PCR tests generally costing around £120-160 , while some travel providers have heavily subsidised the costs.

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Covid live: Germany tightens restrictions on travel from UK — as it happened

UK reports more than 90,000 new cases of coronavirus ; World Health Organization says variant spreads significantly faster than Delta

• Countries push to ramp up booster shot rollouts as Covid cases spike
• London mayor declares ‘major incident’ to help Covid-hit hospitals
• WHO says Omicron in 89 countries and spreading rapidly
• Ministers reportedly considering Omicron ‘circuit breaker’ in England
• See all our coronavirus coverage
• 18 Dec 2021 A summary of today's developments
• 18 Dec 2021 Germany tightens restrictions on travel from UK
• 18 Dec 2021 Netherlands entering new lockdown
• 18 Dec 2021 Summary
• 18 Dec 2021 UK reports over 90,000 new cases of coronavirus
• 18 Dec 2021 Omicron deaths in England rise to seven
• 18 Dec 2021 Sadiq Khan declares "major incident" over Covid surge in London
• 18 Dec 2021 Thousands join anti-Covid passport protest in London
• 18 Dec 2021 More than 10,000 new Omicron cases confirmed in UK
• 18 Dec 2021 Cabinet ministers to be briefed on Covid data
• 18 Dec 2021 Post-Xmas lockdown 'too late', says Sage member
• 18 Dec 2021 Omicron spreads significantly faster than Delta, says WHO

A summary of today's developments

• Germany is tightening restrictions on travel from the UK in an attempt to curb the spread of the Omicron variant. From midnight on Sunday – or 11pm UK time – there will be a ban on carriage from the UK to Germany, except for German nationals, residents and transit passengers.
• The Netherlands will go into a new lockdown from Sunday morning to try to limit Covid-19 infections because of the Omicron variant, prime minister Mark Rutte said. All non-essential shops, restaurants, bars, cinemas, museums and theatres must shut from Sunday until January 14, while schools must close until at least January 9.
• More than 90,000 new cases of coronavirus have been reported across the UK and 125 more people have died from Covid-19, according to the latest official figures.
• The number of deaths in England of people with the Omicron variant has risen to seven, the UK Health Security Agency said, from the previous figure of one.
• Brazil on Saturday recorded 153 new Covid-19 deaths and 3,323 new coronavirus cases, the country’s health ministry said. However, the data is still not up to date, as the ministry is still struggling to reconcile its figures after a cyber attack on its systems over a week ago, Reuters reports.
• The UK ’s Brexit minister Lord Frost has resigned from the cabinet. In his resignation letter to prime minister Boris Johnson, he wrote he was sad the unlocking from Covid restrictions had not proved “irreversible” as promised, and added: “I hope we can get back on track soon and not be tempted by the kind of coercive measures we have seen elsewhere.”
• The mayor of London has declared a “major incident” over rapidly rising numbers of coronavirus infection in the capital that threaten to place strain on public services. Sadiq Khan took the decision, which allows for closer coordination between different public agencies, after consulting with leaders from NHS London, local authorities and emergency and other essential services.
• A leading UK government adviser has said that a “circuit breaker” lockdown after Christmas would be “probably too late” and “we need to act now” to head off a huge surge of infections. Stephen Reicher, professor of social psychology at the University of St Andrews and member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said it was clear that plan B measures alone would not be enough to stop the spiralling numbers of cases.
• The Omicron variant of the coronavirus is spreading significantly faster than the Delta strain in countries with documented community transmission, with a doubling time of 1.5 to three days, the World Health Organization said.

Brazil on Saturday recorded 153 new Covid-19 deaths and 3,323 new coronavirus cases, the country’s health ministry said.

However, the data is still not up to date, as the ministry is still struggling to reconcile its figures after a cyber attack on its systems over a week ago, Reuters reports.

Nearly 618,000 Brazilians have died from Covid-19, the second highest total in the world after the US.

Police officers have suffered minor injuries during “scuffles” at an anti-vaccine protest in Parliament Square in London , the Metropolitan police said in a statement.

The officers were injured while attempting to escort a police motorcyclist through the area.

Video footage from the protest posted on social media shows shoving between police and protesters.

Later at around 3pm a group of protesters began “directing abuse” at people inside and egging the shop until police intervened, the Met added. No injuries were reported. A further incident occurred when beer cans and flares were thrown at officers on Whitehall.

The force said that their officers were also subjected to abuse and physical violence elsewhere on Whitehall, leading to several more officers sustaining minor injuries. No arrests have been made.

As coronavirus has wreaked havoc with the Premier League fixture list in England , the Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp outlined a future whereby a vaccine refusenik could be more trouble than he is worth: as a threat to his teammates, creating a two-tier system when he has to be separated from the rest of the squad and a logistical nightmare as the need to quarantine could rule him out of many a game.

Germany tightens restrictions on travel from UK

Germany is tightening restrictions on travel from the UK in an attempt to curb the spread of the Omicron variant.

From midnight on Sunday – or 11pm UK time – there will be a ban on carriage from the UK to Germany, except for German nationals, residents and transit passengers.

Everyone entering Germany from Britain, whether vaccinated or not, will need a negative PCR test and is required to quarantine for 14 days.

The country’s public health authority, the Robert-Koch-Institut, announced the new rules on Saturday evening as it classified the UK as an area of variants of concern due to Omicron.

It said the restrictions could last until at least 3 January, PA reports.

You can follow the latest Covid developments in Australia here:

The UK ’s Brexit minister, Lord Frost, has resigned from the cabinet, the Mail on Sunday reports.

Lord Frost, who has led negotiations with the EU, is said to have handed in his resignation letter to Boris Johnson last week. But the Mail on Sunday reports he had been persuaded to stay on until January.

The newspaper says it was the introduction of plan B coronavirus measures, including the implementation of Covid passes, that prompted Lord Frost’s decision.

Iran is evacuating its envoy to Yemen ’s rebel Houthi movement after he contracted Covid-19, Iran’s foreign ministry said.

“In order to transfer him (Irlu) to our country for treatment, the Foreign Ministry conducted consultations with some regional countries to prepare for his transfer, which is currently under way,” ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told state media.

Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam said on Twitter: “Under an Iranian-Saudi agreement reached through contacts with Iraq, the Iranian ambassador in Sanaa was transferred on an Iraqi plane due to his health condition,” Reuters reports.

France will compensate ski resorts hit by the ban on British tourists and will try to steer more French tourists to the mountains to make up for lost earnings, the tourism minister said.

Under new rules taking effect on Saturday, meant to protect from importing the Omicron variant, holiday travel from Britain is not allowed and only French nationals and their partners, as well as foreigners with a permanent residence in France, can enter the country from the UK.

Tourism minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne said on BFM TV that British tourists accounted for about 15% of French ski resort customers overall, but the percentage was much higher in some resorts such as Val d’Isere, Courchevel and Meribel.

“Last year the government has provided 7 billion euros ($7.9 billion) of support for the sector and we will continue to stand by the industry,” Lemoyne said, without specifying what measures could be implemented.

He added that because of a new lockdown in the Netherlands, Dutch tourists, who account for about 5% of the customers in French ski resorts, may also be more scarce this season, Reuters reports.

Here is more on UK government scientists’ stark warning there are now hundreds of thousands of infections every day.

The daily number could reach between 600,000 and 2m by the end of the month if new restrictions are not brought in immediately, they said.

The government’s SPI-M-O group of scientists, which reports to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), also warned that, based on their modelling, hospitalisations could peak between 3,000 and 10,000 a day and deaths at between 600 and 6,000 a day.

US president Joe Biden will deliver a speech on Tuesday addressing the Omicron variant of coronavirus, NBC News reported.

Biden is expected to go beyond his “winter plan” with additional steps to help communities in need, Reuters reports.

France hopes that a planned new vaccine pass that will be required to enter public places will persuade more people to get inoculated against Covid-19 as the country faces a rapid spread of the Omicron variant, the health minister said.

The government does not want to impose new curfews or lockdowns on people who have been vaccinated, but the threat of Omicron means authorities have to increase pressure on those refusing vaccination, Olivier Veran said on France Inter radio.

“We cannot continue to say that the choice of not getting vaccinated is a choice that has no consequences,” Veran said.

Prime minister Jean Castex said on Friday the government will propose a bill in parliament in January to change France’s “health pass” into a “vaccine pass”, meaning only vaccinated people will be allowed to enter indoor public places such as bars, restaurants and cinemas.

Veran said the government would ask MPs to also consider making the vaccine pass a requirement on trains and planes, and to make it mandatory to show proof of identity along with the pass. “There is too much fraud,” he said.

Veran said Omicron was currently suspected to account for up to 10% of new coronavirus cases and that could rise to more than 50% early next year, Reuters reports.

Australia could take until well into next year to hit an 80% booster vaccination rate, with the rollout currently ranking almost last out of 70 countries, Guardian analysis shows.

Boosters are now available to anyone who has had a second dose of a Covid vaccine more than five months ago .

However, Australia’s slow initial vaccine rollout meant that more than half of all second doses were administered in the final four months of 2021. So with a five-month dosing interval, the people who received their second doses late in 2021 won’t be eligible for a booster until February.

France has reported 58,536 new coronavirus cases and a total of 94,404 Covid-related deaths in hospital, up by 85, Reuters reports.

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• Vaccines and immunisation

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Germany - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Germany due to  terrorism .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Germany. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Read the  country information page for additional information on travel to Germany.

If you decide to travel to Germany:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . 
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Germany.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Three months beyond planned date of departure from the Schengen area including transit (strictly enforced) .

Not required for stays under 90 days.

 10,000€ (euros or equivalent).

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. EMBASSY BERLIN  Clayallee 170 14191 Berlin Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Email: [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL FRANKFURT  Giessener Str. 30 60435 Frankfurt am Main Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (69) 7535-0 Fax: +(49) (69) 7535-2252 Passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, and Citizenship:  [email protected]  All other questions:  [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL MUNICH   Koeniginstrasse 5 80539 Munich Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (89) 2888-575  Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) 89-2888-0 Fax: If you need to send a fax, please email first to obtain a one-time use fax number.  Email:  [email protected]

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL DUSSELDORF Willi-Becker-Allee 10 40227 Duesseldorf Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (211) 788-8927 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Fax: +(49) (211) 788 - 8938 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt. 

U.S. Consulate General Hamburg Alsterufer 27/28 20354 Hamburg Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (40) 411-71-100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Fax: +(49) (40) 411-71-222 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

U.S. Consulate General Leipzig Wilhelm-Seyfferth-Str. 4 04107 Leipzig Federal Republic of Germany Telephone: +(49) (341) 213-84-0 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Contact the U.S. Embassy in Berlin: +(49) (30) 8305-0 Fax: +(49) (341) 213-84-75 Consular services are provided through the U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Germany for information on U.S. - Germany relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Traveling Through Europe :  If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.   

• Your passport should be valid for  at least three months beyond the period of stay  if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our  U.S. Travelers in Europe page .     
• You will need s ufficient proof of funds  and a  return plane ticket .   
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the  Schengen Visa page.   
• For transit through Germany to another Schengen country, passports must be valid for three months beyond the length of your visit to Europe.

Credit cards are not as widely accepted in Germany as they are in the United States; however, ATMs are widely available throughout Germany. 

Carry identification with you at all times.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Germany.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  

Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks; however, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations.  

Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack –including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:  

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)  
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists  
• Places of worship  
• Schools  
• Shopping malls and markets  
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)  

For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.   

Demonstrations:

Demonstrations occur regularly in Germany.  Large, public demonstrations take place for a variety of political and economic issues.  Demonstrations tend to take place on politically significant holidays like German Labor Day (May 1) and during international summits hosted in Germany.  Demonstration organizers must obtain prior police approval, and police routinely oversee participants.     

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.   
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.   
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.   

International Financial Scams:

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Germany.  Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters.  Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.  Common scams include:    

• Romance/Online dating  
• Transit flight issues related to romance scams 
• Immigration, and Detention issues related to romance scams

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.  

Violent crime is rare in Germany, but can occur, especially in larger cities or high-risk areas such as on large metropolitan subway systems and in train stations, primarily during late night or early morning hours. Most incidents of street crime involve the theft of unattended items and pickpocketing.  Theft and pickpocketing primarily take place at train stations, on public transportation, at tourist attractions, and at large public events.  Always pay close attention to your valuables! 

Be cautious and aware of your surroundings. 

U.S. citizens should exercise caution when congregating in known expatriate hangouts. 

Hooligans, most often drunken “skinheads,” have harassed and attacked perceived foreigners or members of rival groups. Seemingly racially motivated assaults (because of a “foreign” appearance) against U.S. citizens have occurred. 

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. They are illegal to bring back into the United States, and you could also be breaking local law. 

Victims of Crime:

Report crimes to the local police: in an emergency dial 112 for ambulance and 110 for the police and contact the U.S Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate (see contact details above) . 

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. 

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . 

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care 
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation  and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys 
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.  
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation and support in Germay
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home 
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

We also maintain information on our website on how to report  child abuse situations to the local authorities.

Domestic Violence: 

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or the Consulates in Frankfurt or Munich for assistance.  Call 110 if you are in immediate danger.  

The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.  

Germany sometimes experiences extreme weather conditions including floods, long periods of drought, and unusually harsh winters with vast amounts of snow even in urban areas. Numerous injuries and deaths occur every year in Germany’s Alpine and coastal regions. Most of the emergencies relate to the following sports:  skiing, hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking, sledding, rock and mountain climbing, paragliding, and swimming. Those engaging in Alpine sports are strongly encouraged to register with  German “Alpen Verein”  .

In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.   

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances:  Germany has strict customs regulations concerning:

• Temporary importation or exportation of firearms
• Military artifacts (particularly those of World War II)
• Medications/pharmaceuticals
• Business equipment

Under German law 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.”

Contact the German Embassy in Washington or one of the German consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Faith-Based Travelers : See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers :  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Germany. Same-sex marriage is available in Germany. The LGBTI community is protected by federal anti-discrimination laws and LGBTI Pride events are officially encouraged by most large city governments, including those in Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Munich. 

See   our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our   Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:

The law in Germany prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States.  The law in Germany prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States.  Expect accessibility to be limited in some older public transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure especially outside major cities, but common in most urban infrastructure. Some older buildings and public transportation systems are less adapted to individuals with disabilities.

Check your hotel or destination to learn more about options to accommodate disabled traveler needs before visiting Germany.

The German National Tourist Board maintains information about accessibility and disability-friendly travel .

All German airports and  Lufthansa  offer services for disabled travelers.

The German National Railway,  Deutsche Bahn , maintains a mobility resource webpage.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

COVID-19 Vaccines:   The German government has authorized  several vaccines  , including the Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, Janssen/Johnson & Johnson, and Novavax vaccines.  Visit the FDA's website to   learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States.  

Germany has generally high-quality medical care and facilities. Prescript ion and over-the-counter medicines are widely available although brands and drug names differ from those available in the United States.

For emergency services in Germany, dial 112.  

Ambulance services are widely available.  

Payment for medical services in Germany:

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.   Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.  If you are not a resident of Germany, doctors and hospitals may expect immediate payment in cash. Credit card payment is not always available.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas or purchase travel insurance for this purpose.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.  Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.  We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates maintain lists of doctors and medical services in Germany .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery 

• Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations.  Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for more information on Medical Tourism.   
• Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Germany.  
• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.   

Pharmaceuticals 

• If traveling with prescription medication, visit the  German customs website  to ensure the medication is legal in Germany. For medications that Germany classifies as narcotics, you may only carry a 30-day supply.  A comprehensive list of these medications can be found   here.   If your medication is on that list, there is an additional requirement for your doctor to complete a certification form .  You will see part E asks for the endorsement of an “issuing authority.”  As there is no such authority in the United States, travelers may have the doctor self-certify the form and enter the information of his or her practice in part E, ideally with a stamp or seal from their office. Due to Germany’s strict customs regulations, you are not allowed to receive prescription medication by mail without special permission.  Always, carry your prescription
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas.   Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.   
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  Please visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  and the  Food and Drug Administration  websites for more information.    

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy   

If you are considering traveling overseas to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our  ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .  

• All surrogacy arrangements, as well as IVF procedures involving the use of donated eggs, are illegal in Germany.  For additional information, see this webpage of the German Foreign Ministry (German language only).

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC) 

Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel .  

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in general are excellent but can differ from those in the United States, but driver error is a leading cause of accidents involving U.S. citizen motorists in Germany.  

If you hold a valid U.S. driver’s license you can drive in  Germany for up to six months  without acquiring a German driver’s license.  Many German traffic laws and traffic signs differ significantly from those in the United States. For more information, please visit the U.S. embassy’s webpage on  driving in Germany .

Speed limits are posted on large stretches of the highway, on the Autobahn in urban areas and when the road has many curves. While high speeds are permitted on the Autobahn, adverse weather conditions and unfamiliar road markings pose significant hazards.  Speed limits are strictly enforced. Use of seat belts is mandatory in front and back seats. Do not park on bike paths or sidewalks. Your vehicle registration, insurance policy, a first-aid kit, a reflective vest and a reflective triangle must be in your vehicle at all times. In snowy or icy conditions, your vehicle must have snow tires or all-season tires (indicated by M+S marking) or you will be subject to a fine.

Bicycles: German streets and sidewalks have dedicated bike lanes. Bicycles have priority use of bike lanes over pedestrians and automobiles. Bicyclists also have priority over cars when turning onto side streets. If you are driving, check whether a bicyclist is approaching from either direction before attempting to enter side streets, even when the light is in your favor. You will be held responsible for any injury or damage caused if you turn into a side street and hit a bicyclist using a marked bike lane. If you are walking, watch for bicyclists before crossing or stepping into bike lanes. 

Traffic Laws:  If you are involved in a traffic accident in Germany, even a minor fender-bender, you MUST stay with your vehicle and do not leave the scene until police arrive to take a report.  It is illegal to use your cell phone while driving in Germany. Except on priority roads, vehicles coming from the right have the right-of-way. It is generally illegal in Germany to pass vehicles on the right. Germans strictly observe the ‘slower traffic keep right’ rule. It is illegal to operate a vehicle if your blood alcohol level is 0.05% or higher. You may be fined and your driver’s license may be suspended for specified periods of time depending upon the gravity of each violation. 

Public Transportation:  Germany has an extensive and safe public transportation network consisting of buses, streetcars, trains, and subways. Metered taxis are also prevalent throughout Germany, although some taxis do not accept credit cards. Uber and other rideshare companies are available in most cities in Germany. Use common sense safety practices such as guarding valuables and remaining aware of your surroundings on all public transportation. 

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of Germany’s  Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMVI) , the national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Germany’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Germany’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page . 

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Germany should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Germany . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.”

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• International travel, immigration and repatriation during COVID-19
• Entering England during COVID-19

Travel to England from another country – COVID-19 rules

Check if there are any COVID-19 rules in place for travel to England from abroad.

Applies to England

• Guidance for Northern Ireland
• Guidance for Scotland
• Guidance for Wales

Travel to England rules

When you travel to England, you:

• do not need to complete a UK passenger locator form before you travel
• do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
• do not need to quarantine when you arrive

This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.

It includes people who are transiting through England.

Other countries may have rules about what you need to do to leave the country to travel to England. You should check travel advice for the country you are travelling from.

How to stay safe while in the UK and on public transport

Check separate public health guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 while you are in the UK .

Travel provider and transport hub rules

Your travel provider, or the transport hub you travel through, may have COVID-19 rules in place. For example, they may require or advise you to wear a face covering.

You should follow any COVID-19 rules and guidance from:

• your travel provider – airline, ferry, coach or train company
• the transport venue – airport, port, coach or railway station

Travel abroad from the UK

Other countries may still have COVID-19 rules that you must follow to travel there from the UK .

Check the ‘Entry requirements’ section of foreign travel advice for all countries you will visit or travel through .

You do not need to take any COVID-19 tests to travel to England from mainland China.

Updated rules for people travelling from mainland China announced.

New rules for travel from China come into force today.

More information about COVID-19 testing requirements for travel from mainland China to England.

From 5 January, people flying from mainland China to England will be asked to take a COVID-19 pre-departure test.

When you arrive in England from abroad you do not need to take any COVID-19 tests or fill in a UK passenger locator form.

If you will arrive in England after 4am, Friday 18 March, you do not need to take any COVID-19 tests or fill in a UK passenger locator form.

If you began your journey in Russia, you do not need to complete a passenger locator form, or take a COVID-19 test before travel to England or on arrival.

If you began your journey in Ukraine, you do not need to complete a passenger locator form, or take a COVID-19 test before travel to England or on arrival.

From 9am Monday 28 February, you can fill in the UK passenger locator form up to 3 days before you arrive in England.

From 24 February, there is no legal requirement to self-isolate if you get a positive day 2 test result.

You do not need to take any COVID-19 travel tests or self-isolate on arrival in England if you qualify as fully vaccinated.

The testing and quarantine rules for international travel to England will change 11 February 2022.

You can now choose a lateral flow test or a PCR test as your post arrival test.

From 4am 7 January you do not have to quarantine on arrival in England if you qualify as fully vaccinated for travel to England.

Changes to rules for fully vaccinated people travelling to England from 4am 7 January 2022.

People who qualify as fully vaccinated for travel to England can now end self-isolation after 7 days with 2 negative lateral flow tests.

Further information about quarantine rules for children aged 4 and under.

People aged 12 years and over must COVID-19 test before they travel to England from abroad.

From 4am, Tuesday 7 December all people aged 12 years and over must also take a PCR or LFD COVID-19 test before they travel to England from abroad.

People who qualify as fully vaccinated must quarantine and take a PCR test before the end of day 2 after they arrive in England. Lateral flow tests will not be accepted.

From 4am 30 November 2021, fully vaccinated people must self-isolate and take a PCR test before the end of day 2 after they arrive in England. They may leave self-isolation if their PCR result is negative. Lateral flow tests will not be accepted.

South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe will move onto the red list at 12.00 midday Friday 26 November. A temporary flight ban will be in place and all travellers who have been in these countries must quarantine and take tests.

Travel to England rules for children no longer depend on their place of residence.

Clarification about unclear or inconclusive test results.

From 4am 22 November 2021, all children aged 17 and under will not have to quarantine on arrival in England.

People who qualify as fully vaccinated for travel to England can book a lateral flow test for use from 24 October instead of a PCR test.

From 22 October, if you qualify as fully vaccinated for travel to England, you will be able to book an antigen lateral flow device (LFD) test instead of a PCR for your ‘on arrival’ test.

Rule changes for international travel to England for people who qualify as fully vaccinated.

Changes to amber list rules on quarantine and testing.

First published.

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