Germany Travel Advice
Germany is truly at the heart of the modern Europe and is a powerhouse of industry and a base for innovation.
Germany is a large country and like all countries does have its share of issues with crime and has in the recent past also suffered from terrorist attack like those seen in other European countries. There does remain an issue with the Far-Right movements in Germany, although this does not usually pose a tourist.
Visiting Germany FAQsHire a bodyguard in Germany
If you are interested in hiring a bodyguard for your travel to Germany, please get in touch with us.
Key Information for Germany
Emergency Services
Police: 110
Fire Rescue: 112
Medical: 112
Air Ambulance: 0711 707 070
Coast Guard: +49 421 53 6870
Note: While most emergency services staff speak English, some, particularly in rural areas, may not.
Our German officeCountry Overview
Capital City: Berlin
Official State Language(s): German
Official State Religion(s): Christianity
State Currency: Euro (€)
Current Capital Time:
Current Security Status
There is a high risk of terrorist activity in Germany, and recent attacks have proved devastating for the country.
The current travel advice for Germany is for visitors to remain vigilant at public gatherings, events, and buildings.
It is believed that Western nationals are most at risk of terrorist attacks in general, and this risk can be extended to well-known British and US companies operating in Germany. You should remain cautious and report any suspicious behaviour to authorities.
If you are travelling to Germany for vacation or on business travel and are concerned about personal security, Intelligent Protection International Limited has been supplying security and protection services in Germany for international clients for more than a decade.
Health Emergencies
At present there are no health alerts for Germany.
For up-to-date COVID-19 information, please visit the German government website: Information on entering Germany.
Key Security Issues
Visitors to cities and large towns should take care at night. As with other countries, muggings and bag-snatching can be an issue.
Islamic extremism has become more of an issue in recent years. Views towards Germany as a Western superpower has made it as likely a terrorist target as with the rest of Europe.
Crime in Germany
The general level of crime in Germany is comparable with the UK and the rest of Europe. German police have a reputation for being tough when dealing with public order issues, such as football hooliganism. There have in the past been issues with far right and left extremist groups within Germany. Discrimination based on racial, religious and sexual grounds is still a widespread issue. Take care to avoid large gatherings, as it may be subject to demonstrations that could turn violent.
Travel advisories for EuropeFAQs for visiting Germany
You can find the following embassies in Germany for the UK and US:
British Embassy
Wilhelmstraße 70/71,
10117 Berlin,
Germany
Telephone: +49 (0) 89 211090
Telephone: +49 (0) 211 94480 (Düsseldorf)
Email: ukingermany@fco.gov.uk
United States Embassy
Clayallee 170,
14191 Berlin,
Germany
Telephone: +49 30 8305 1200
Telephone: +49 30 8305 0 (Emergency Only)
Telephone: +49 21 1788 8927 (Düsseldorf)
Telephone: +49 69 7535 0 (Frankfurt)
Telephone: +49 40 4117 1100 (Hamburg)
Telephone: +49 40 4117 1300 (Hamburg - Emergency Only)
Email: ACSBerlin@state.gov
Visitors to Germany from the UK, EU and US can enter Germany visa-free. Further advice can be found on the Germany Visa Advice website.
As the UK is no longer part of the EU, British nationals can travel without a visa to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, to stay longer than 90 days in Germany whether for work, study, business travel or any other reasons, a visa will be required. Please note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days will be cumulative and will count towards the 90-day limit.
On the 01/12/20, an SUV has ploughed through a pedestrian zone in Trier, in southwestern Germany, a town that usually hosts a Christmas market. The driver has been arrested and was under the influence of alcohol but it is unknown at this stage if there was any religious or political motives. Reports are that four people have been killed and more than ten people injured.
On the 24th of February 2020, during a carnival parade in Volkmarsen a man drove a car into a crowd, injuring 60 people. The suspect was arrested after the incident.
On the 19th of February 2020, a gunman opened fire on two shisha bars in Hanau killing 9 persons and injuring others. The mass shooting is treated as a far-right extremist terrorist attack.
If you are a British citizen, your UK EHIC card remains valid when travelling to an EU country until it expires, providing access to state-provided healthcare in Germany. After that, British citizens must apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which will cover them for state-provided healthcare in the EU. Nevertheless, you will be required to show proof on arrival that you have travel insurance for your trip.
It is advised that visitors to Germany are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers also get a Tetanus vaccination. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.
The medical health care and facilities in Germany are of a good standard. Make sure to take out essential medical and health insurance in order to cover the necessary costs abroad as medical treatments are quite expensive. If visiting from the UK, be sure to take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you.
When travelling by car in Germany, British nationals do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) but a motor insurance green card issued by their car insurer is required to drive a UK-registered car in the EU.
Police can demand papers as proof of identity at any time, it is advised these are carried and kept safe. Germany is known for some of the best road and transport networks anywhere in the world. The only issue in Germany being the high death rate on the roads; twice that of the UK, mostly due to issues such as speed, where there is no speed limits in parts of the autobahns.
If you are hiring a car, this can be done either with an EU Member State driving licence or with an International Driving Permit. Your licence and insurance documents should be kept with you at all times when driving.
Our German Office
In 2020, Intelligent Protection International Limited opened an office in Berlin, to better serve our clients across Germany.
Intelligent Protection International - Germany
4th floor, Gontardstraße 11,
10178 Berlin,
Germany
Telephone: +49 305 6795729
Email: info@intelligent-protection.de
Disclaimer
You are responsible for your own safety abroad and for making the decision to travel. The information contained in this Travel Advice for Germany is provided for information only.
Whilst care is taken to ensure that this country brief is as up-to-date and accurate as possible, it is provided on an “as is” basis without any representation or endorsement made and without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Intelligent Protection International Limited does not assume responsibility and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.