Germany

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

Germany has security measures in place, including at airports and major train stations.

Authorities continue to arrest and charge suspected terrorists.

Recent attacks include knife and vehicle attacks in city centres and on trains: 

• 2 people were killed and several others injured in a vehicle attack in Mannheim on 3 March
• 2 people were killed and dozens were injured in a vehicle attack in Munich on 13 February
• 5 people were killed and many more injured following a vehicle driven into a crowd at Christmas markets in Magdeburg in December 2024
• 3 people were killed and several others were injured following a mass stabbing in Solingen in August 2024.

Terrorists may plan more attacks that could happen anywhere at any time.

Recent attacks in European cities have targeted:

• planes and airports
• public transport and transport hubs
• places of worship
• tourist sites
• sporting venues
• Pride events
• schools
• festivals
• other major events that attract large crowds

European security services have also stopped some planned attacks.

Christmas markets and New Year's celebrations are also potential targets for attacks.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats
• be cautious around known targets, including in crowds and public places
• report suspicious activity or items to the police
• monitor the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

If you visit Christmas markets, avoid busy times. Have an exit plan if there's a security incident.

More information:

• Terrorism

Violent crime isn't common, but criminal attacks unrelated to terrorism can occur.

Monitor the media for news on crime.

Street crime, such as pickpocketing and theft from unattended vehicles, can occur. Bags and personal items can be stolen on trains.

To protect yourself from petty crime:

• pay attention to your personal security, particularly at night
• secure your valuables when visiting the central districts and larger city train stations

Harassment 

Racially motivated attacks have occurred. These occur more often in urban areas and the former East Germany.

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

Germany experiences severe weather and natural disasters, including:

• Landslides
• Floods
• Storm surges
• Forest fires
• Avalanches

If you're visiting an area affected by severe weather:

• Monitor local media for updates
• follow the advice of local authorities
• confirm your plans with your tour operator or travel provider
• check the condition of infrastructure and facilities with local tour operators and hotels

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Medicinal products under the German Narcotic Drugs Act 

Special provisions apply to medicinal products that fall under the German Narcotic Drugs Act, for example, morphine. Information on travelling with controlled drugs to Germany, can be found on the website of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices.

More information:

• Medication
• German Customs

Health risks are similar to those in Australia.

Insect-borne diseases

Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in forested areas, particularly in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Ticks are common in country areas and are active from spring to autumn.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• always use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• get vaccinated if you intend to frequently spend time in forests and meadows in affected areas

During and after visiting forested areas:

• check your body for ticks
• remove whole ticks as soon as you can
• monitor the tick site for any signs of infection

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Department of Health and Aged Care
• German Federal Ministry of Health

There’s no agreement between Australia and Germany for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

The standard of medical facilities and care is high.

Hospitals will need you to confirm you have either:

• appropriate insurance, or
• enough money to pay for treatment

Medical practitioners will ask for up-front payment. 

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

Drugs

Penalties for drug possession, use or trafficking, even small amounts, include heavy fines and prison sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Drones

Follow local regulations when flying drones. This includes avoiding flying drones in no-fly zones near airports and Oktoberfest venues.

More information:

• Digital platform for Unmanned Aviation (in English)

Other laws

Using or displaying Nazi symbols, salutes, songs, or material such as flags or memorabilia is illegal.

You don't have to carry your passport, but local authorities can ask to see it. You may need to produce it on request. Always carry a photo ID.

Some Australian laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Germany recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visitor visas

Germany is part of the Schengen area, meaning you can enter Germany without a visa in some cases.

You usually don't need a visa if you travel to Germany for less than 3 months as a tourist. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Germany if you're travelling to Germany for any other purpose.

For more information on visas to Germany and the German-Australian Agreement on the Exemption of Visa Requirements, visit the website of the German Embassy, Canberra.

Travelling with Children

Border control authorities may be wary of children travelling with only one parent or guardian. Non-travelling parents can complete a consent form (Reisevollmacht für Kinder: Einverständniserklärung zum Download) to make this easier.

More information:

• Travelling with children

Border Measures

There's temporary border checks at all German land borders until 15 March 2026.

More information:

• Schengen Area

Other formalities

Make sure you:

• carry your passport when crossing borders, including within the Schengen area
• monitor border conditions by checking local sources and asking transport providers directly.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Germany for the latest details on entry requirements before you travel.

The new European Union's (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) for registering all non-EU nationals, including Australians, travelling in or out of the Schengen area, has started.

European countries using the EES will gradually introduce the system at their external borders. Data collection will be introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026.

After it is fully implemented, EES registration will replace the current system of manually stamping passports. 

The registration process should only take a few minutes but there may be longer border queues when the new system starts.

When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to 

• have your fingerprints and photo taken
• answer Schengen Border Code questions

This creates a digital record that registers your biometric details.

If you revisit the Schengen area within 3 years of creating your digital record, you'll only need to provide either your fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

If you frequently travel to Schengen areas for work and/or leisure purposes, you must ensure that your total stay in the Schengen area is no more than 90 days in every 180 days. Be aware of immigration penalties and enforcement for exceeding the limit in any individual country you plan to travel to or through.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Before you travel, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details on entry requirements .

More information:

• Visas and entry requirements in Europe and the Schengen Area

Always carry your passport when near the border or when you enter or exit Germany, even when travelling within the Schengen area.

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

The currency in Germany is the Euro (EUR).

If you're travelling between Germany and non-EU countries, declare amounts over 10,000 euros or equivalent. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You'll be fined if you don't declare it or give incorrect information on entry or exit.

You don't need to declare it if you travel to or from another EU country.

Nationwide and local strikes occur, affecting transport systems, including trains and airline traffic. Monitor the media and contact your travel provider for the latest details.

Oktoberfest

During Oktoberfest and other major cultural and sporting events, there'll be an increased demand for accommodation and transport facilities. Expect delays and plan your travel accordingly.

More information:

• Major events

Driving permit

You must be at least 18 years old to drive.

Always have your driver's licence, insurance and vehicle documents in the vehicle while you're driving. Always have your driver's licence, insurance and vehicle documents in the vehicle while you're driving. A digital driver’s licence may not be accepted. 

You must have in your car:

• a first aid kit
• a warning triangle
• high-visibility warning vests

You can only use your Australian driver's licence in some cases. Check with the Embassy of Germany.

If you plan to drive, get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you travel.

Road travel

Road conditions are similar to those in Australia, but some basic rules differ.

Parts of the autobahn (highway) network don't have set speed limits. Be prepared for very fast traffic.

Bicycles have the right of way over vehicles turning into side streets.

Vehicles must be fitted with specific tyres (mud and snow) if there's snow, ice or frost on the road.

You'll usually need winter tyres between October and Easter. However, there's no set period, and it varies regionally.

Check for appropriate tyres before accepting a rental vehicle. If the wrong tyres are fitted, you could get a fine, and your insurance company may reject any claim.

Get to know the local road rules before you drive or ride a vehicle.

Pedestrians and bicycles:

• bicycles are common
• many roads have bicycle pathways, usually coloured red, between the pedestrian footpath and the roadway, as well as bicycle traffic lights
• don't walk on these pathways. Cyclists travel fast and have the right of way
• accidents and injuries resulting from collisions between cyclists and pedestrians are common.

E-Scooters are common in larger cities:

• You don't need a driver's licence to ride them, but you must be over 14 years of age.
• They must be insured and not driven on pedestrian footpaths
• You can't take passengers on E-Scooters

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Ensure your travel insurance covers you when riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Taxi drivers who look for business in public places such as the airport may charge you more.

Metered taxis are available from official taxi ranks.

Rideshare services are legal.

Public transport

Germany has a well-developed bus and rail transport system. However, petty crime still happens.

Take care of your personal belongings, particularly on trains and in major transport hubs. Don't leave bags unattended on trains, even briefly. 

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Some international cruise lines stopover in Germany. There are also cruises on major rivers.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

Check Germany's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 110.

For non-urgent criminal issues, contact the local police.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Berlin or the Consulate-General in Frankfurt.

Australian Embassy, Berlin

Wallstrasse 76-79
10179 Berlin
Federal Republic of Germany

Phone: +49 30 880088 0
Website: germany.embassy.gov.au
Email: consular.berlin@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AusEmb.DE
X: @AusAmb_DE

Australian Consulate-General, Frankfurt

Main Tower-28th floor
Neue Mainzer Str. 52/58
60311 Frankfurt/Main
Federal Republic of Germany

Phone: +49 69 90558 0
Email: consular.frankfurt@austrade.gov.au

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia