Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Germany due to terrorism.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[49] (30) 8305-0; US Embassy in Berlin, Clayallee 170, 14191 Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany; https://de.usembassy.gov/; BerlinPCO@state.gov
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
49
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance and Fire: 112; Police: 110
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Germany: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tickborne encephalitis, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Temperate, and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers; occasionally warm mountain (foehn) wind
Currency (Code)
Euros (EUR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F
Major Languages
German
Major Religions
Roman Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, other, none
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Brandenburg Gate; Cologne Cathedral; Black Forest; Neuschwanstein Castle; Miniatur Wunderland & Historic Port of Hamburg; Heidelberg; Dresden; Nuremberg; Munich; Saxon Switzerland State Park; Rhine Valley; Berlin's Museum Island; Rothenburg and the Romantic Road
Major Sports
Soccer, handball, basketball, ice hockey, volleyball
Cultural Practices
Punctuality is considered a virtue in Germany. Being on time is not just a social nicety: it’s considered a matter of respect.
Tipping Guidelines
Round up the bill in a restaurant. If the service is particularly good, you may add a few euros and/or leave a 5-10% tip. Tip taxi drivers 5-10% of the total fare. Tip porters 1-2 euros per bag. Leave 1-2 euros for housekeeping per night.
Souvenirs
Carved wooden cuckoo clocks, music boxes, nutcracker figurines, and Christmas ornaments; crystal, porcelain, and glassware; traditional clothing, beer steins and glasses, Steiff teddy bears, Hummel figurines, antiques
Traditional Cuisine
Sauerbraten — beef braised in a marinade typically consisting of red wine vinegar, cloves, nutmeg, peppercorns, cinnamon, ginger, and juniper berries and simmered in a pot for several hours; typically served with potato dumplings and red cabbage
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, May 09, 2024
